Dr. Rita Linard: Wednesday March 2, 2005

American Band Instrument Service was proud to host Dr. Rita Linard from the University of Texas at San Antonio on Tuesday, March 2, 2005. She began the day at the store working with a group of adults and college students doing a flute choir. For most, it was their first experience with the alto and bass flutes. Her next stop was a portable building full of enthusiastic students from Moore Middle School. Despite the cramped quarters, Dr. Linard was able to get across the necessity of proper playing position. At Dogan Middle School she worked with a more intimate group and was able to help the students on a more one-on-one basis. Back at American Band there was a large contingent from Kaufman Schools. In a more master class setting Rita was able to work with students on their solos and give them suggestions for a more musical performance.

Dr. Rita Linard, assistant professor of flute at UTSA, has her doctoral degree from the University of Texas in Austin.

She also attended Indiana University, the University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University. Her flute teachers include James Pellerite, Charles Delaney, Karl Kraber, Peter Middleton, and Paula Robison. Dr. Linard has performed in master classes given by Jean-Pierre Rampal, William Bennett, Donald Peck, Marcel Moyse, Dick Graf, and Harvey Sollberger. In addition to frequent solo-recital and chamber music appearances with the Linard-Buchanan Flute and Harp Duo, the King William Winds, the Nova Flute and Guitar Duo, and the Sonora Flutes, she is principal flute in the Mid-Texas Symphony, and frequently plays with the San Antonio Symphony and Austin Lyric Opera.

In the summer months Dr. Linard teaches and performs at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Her numerous performances have been broadcast on Michigan Public Radio and National Public Radio. Dr. Linard is coordinator of the Wind and Percussion program at UTSA, as well as teaching flute, aural skills, and flute ensemble.

Rita appears courtesy of Emerson Flutes.