Comments From Members
Flute Music Lifts the Spirit
In March 2007, I was working in the oncology unit of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital when I heard beautiful, meditative flute music. Ultimately, I found the source -- Peg and David Hernandey, who began a therapeutic Native American flute circle for the healing and comfort of cancer patients and their families. In time, I joined their flute circle as chaplain.
In addition to playing for our patients at the hospital, we have played at memorial services, nursing homes and parks. With our group, music is played from the heart, as being able to read music is not a requirement. Our goal is to uplift the spirit of the listener, and in the process, we musicians are uplifted, too. People respond to our music in a variety of ways. To some it brings healing. To others, peace or joy. And to all, hope! Our flute circle is committed to spreading good cheer to everyone in our midst.
Chaplain Carole R. DiZeo
Joining the flute circle has been a real gift and blessing in my life. I consider Andrew Begay's flutes to be sacred -- because of the intention for their creation. They resonate and vibrate in one's soul and whole being, bringing a calmness and a peacefulness that heals. Plato said, "Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." Thank you, Andrew, for providing us with the instrument to add this creative dimension to our lives.
Faye Krygsheld
I have played many instruments of varying complexity but when it comes to a simple wooden tube with 6 holes in it nothing comes as close to singing. Nothing resonates with soul and body as well. From simple tootling to tunes and embellishments nothing is so satisfying, musically adept or not. If you have ever been very happy and hummed to yourself, this is the pleasure of the American Indian flute.
Jeanne Halama
I came to the Living Water Flute Circle following a trail of sound & healing. Once a nurse, then a massage therapist working with people going through serious illness, including cancer. I kept looking for gentle methods to create a place of deep relaxation - a way to support the body's unique rhythm & iternal balance. Tibetan singing bowls, frame hand drums became part of my practice. Then I heard the Native American Flute and was smitten. The sound was so beautiful, I never thought that I could play. Still I purchased my first flute in April of 2009. Shortly after, I found my way to Living Water Flute Circle. I was more than a little nervous. I am not a musician. I had just fallen in love with the Native American Flute.
Peg and all of the members of the flute circle are so very kind & welcoming. Here is a circle of support & friendship. Members are talented, skilled and generous. I have learned so much though their encouragement and suggestions ... but mostly though watching & listening. Sometimes, as members play spontaneously together, I am wrapped in an incredible cocoon of sound & vibration. The flute circle is a gift that I give to myself ... one of the best parts of my week.
Cosette Kosiba
Peg,
Here is the short version of how and why I started playing the flute. I am not a musician but listening to music has always been something I needed. I listened to the music of the Native American Flute for 2 years. Then in May of 2007, my mom passed. A week later I bought my first flute without even trying to play it. A month later, I played for 45 minutes with an owl talking to me. I have not been able to put it down since. It is a part of who I am now. I feel like I am connected to the flute when I play. The Native American Flute has helped to heal me emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
When I first walked in the door at Peg & Dave's for the flute circle, I almost fell over. Sitting at the table was the man I bought my first flute from a year and a half earlier, Juan Cruz. I was home.
Tom