Flute Circle Listserv History

The flute circle listserv came into existence after I attended the Renaissance of the Native American Flute at Feathered Pipe Ranch, in Helena, Montana. While discussing what avenues we could pursue in getting the word out on the Native American flute, Wayne McCleskey suggested that he would like to somehow start a listserv, but did not know quite how to go about doing so. I jumped in there and stated that I would be able to get the ball rolling with that venture. The rest is history.

The listserv's first day going on line was July 2, 1998. I still have the posts from those days. Bob Bellus was one of the first to subscribe, Wayne McCleskey, Ed Balch, Tim Crawford and Carl Bludts to name a few. It is interesting looking back at how things were then, and what the listserv is like now. Back in 1998 (back in the day!) we had about 10 to 15 people subscribed, and as the months and years rolled by, we slowly gathered more members. At present we have 300 members subscribed to the listserv.

There were some times of turmoil, flare ups of emotions, some people left, others joined and others came back. Through the years I have heard comments that I facilitated the listserv with "too heavy of a hand", that I was too strict and the like. Looking back at those difficult times, I feel I handled things appropriately. Sure, I ruffled some feathers, but I did so because I cared a great deal for this electronic community we have all created. Part of our guidelines addressed not going off into a political, religous, or theological tangent. I requested this because simply put, even with some of my close family members, we can and do tend to get into some quite heated discussions of politics, or religion. On the listserv, it makes for too volatile of a situation. In all reality, I have found the flute circle listserv to be the most easy going, down to earth listserv I have ever encountered. I am definitely proud of that, and I feel that all of the members of the listserv should feel so as well. It can prove to be difficult coping, dealing with and processing so many different flavors of people, all online. It is quite a forum of communication when you cannot hear the inflection and tone of one's voice, you can't see the non verbals they are exhibiting, and you can't see their facial expressions as they are discussing what is on their mind, and in their heart. Yet, for the most part, everyone treats one another with respect and honor. That is a good thing, given where our world is at at present.

Because of this listserv, I have met a number of people that have impacted my life. Early on I met Tony Richards, who was here in the states, visiting from Australia. He was visting Hawk and Geri LittleJohn in North Carolina, when I got a call from Tony, heavy Australian accent and all, saying that he wanted to stop by and visit me as he was touring the United States on the Greyhound! I was dumb-founded as to why he wanted to come all the way up to Montana from North Carolina, just to meet me, but Geri suggested that he call me, and about five days later, Tony came into my life. He was the one who started me on my flute making journey. To which I am eternally grateful!

I have marveled at the community that has been formed with all of the Native American flute players, flute makers and flute fanatics out there. If someone is wondering how to notate their song in TAB, looking for a rare recording of a NAF player, or curious where they might find a fellow flutie in the state they are planning a vacation to, a simple post to the listserv provides a wealth of information. We have members who live in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Canada and a number of other locales.The ability to access such a wonderful vast wealth of information, and for free, still leaves me in awe. You people of the Flute Circle listserv, you should be proud!

Seven years is a respectable amount of time to be around as a community of like-minded people who all have one thing in common. A love for this beautiful musical instrument called the Native American flute.

It truly has been and remains to be an honor being a part of the founder of this listerv. Maintaining and facilitating the Flute Circle listserv has been quite an experience. I thank you one and all for that honor.

I thank you for taking the time to visit.

In Warmth,

Dave Fields

Click here to go back to the Main Page

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me.
Click on the logo below to send an email.

Webmaster: Dave Fields - Wolf Dreams Music