Kathi Byam’s 60 yrs with the flute: what love sounds like

Kathi Byam knew the flute would be her instrument the first time she listened to her parents’ long-play record of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops playing the “William Tell Overture.”

www.vermontjournal.com    

Kathi Byam’s 60 years with the flute: what love sounds like BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The ShopperSeptember 5, 2017 SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Kathi Byam knew the flute would be her instrument the first time she listened to her parents’ long-play record of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops playing the “William Tell Overture.” “At the beginning, there’s a quiet moment where the flute and oboe play a beautiful duet,” she said, “and that sound inspired me. I wanted more.” Byam, who was 10 years old at the time, convinced her parents to let her start flute lessons. “My mother was for it because she thought the flute was easy to carry to school and the rental was most reasonable,” she laughed. “My father eventually saw I was good at it and got me a private flute teacher.” Byam’s earliest performances were with the school band in her hometown of Waterbury, Conn. She also played with community groups and as a soloist in local churches. As she continued to play, she grew to love the sound of the instrument more and more. “You have to love the sound of the instrument you play,” she reflected, “or you can’t play well.” During her teenage years, Byam said, she dreamed of opening a flute studio “up near the top of a high building” where passersby would hear the beautiful music and “be awestruck.” She also hoped to strike awe into the heart of her “object of desire,” the boyfriend who would one day become her husband. “I was able to play better when I was in love,” Byam confessed. “Just envisioning him listening to me made me play better.” Eventually, both the dreams of having a flute studio (though it stayed at ground level) and being with her beloved came true. The Byams moved to Springfield, where David worked as an engineer at J&L and Kathi started her flute studio. “At first, I just taught my daughter,” she said, “but eventually I added other students and started my degree in flute performance at Keene State.” Byam taught dozens of students during the 20 years she operated her studio. During that time she continued to perform with local groups and as a soloist. Now, after 60 years as a flute teacher and performer, Byam reflects on her experiences as she prepares a 60th Anniversary Recital. “My message is this,” she said. “We need strong arts programs in the schools. Music makes you better in many areas: problem-solving, math, language, being organized. And then there’s the beauty in what you hear. Music offers exposure to things that make life worthwhile.” Kathi Byam’s 60th anniversary recital will be held on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Springfield. The public is invited. Admission is by donation to benefit the church. For more information, call Byam at 802-885 -3547.