Photo by Tony Gough

Kensington flautist flouts the norm

-By Mark Smith

KENSINGTON flautist Asha Henfry has never been one for convention when it comes to music.

Where others follow traditional classical and orchestral paths while learning the instrument, Henfry has always preferred to take an individual view.

Therefore agreeing to a random request to join Melbourne 1970s style psychedelic-rock band Jarrah Thompson while living in Perth last year was to be expected. The move has paid dividends, leading to a six-week Brazilian tour earlier this year, an appearance on Programa do Jo - Brazil’s equivalent of David Letterman - and a spot on the band’s second album Rio Claro.

This month Henfry will join guitarist Thompson on a three-month national tour in support of the album’s first single Dream on the Way.

The duo will be joined by the full band for the single’s launch at Northcote Social Club on October 28. Henfry described the band’s live show as a blend of experimental world music with a blues/rock vibe.

Tracks on the band’s Myspace page reveal a sound that throws back to Jethro Tull, Ted Nugent and Led Zeppelin.

“It’s an exciting time,” Henfry said of the band.

“Jarrah has been working hard on this for a long time and we are getting to the stage where we are starting to get some interest from festivals.”

Jarrah Thompson Band will perform at Northcote Social Club on October 28.

To book a flute lesson with Henfry, email ashahenfry@gmail.com

Flute Teaching in Melbourne

For the last 10 years I have taught flute in my home studio in Perth and now in Kensington, VIC as well as in Primary and Secondary schools. I have always loved teaching as I find watching the students grow as musicians to be an exciting and fulfilling experience. In my one-on-one teaching I find using a variety of teaching methods to be benefitial to the learning process. In lessons I often draw from my knowledge of Classical music, Jazz, Contemporary, World Music and Improvisation.

During my time as a teacher, I have also been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to work for the Starlight Children's Foundation creating and conducting music workshops for hospitalised adolescents. My experience with the Foundation was extremely fulfilling and allowed me to exercise my passion for teaching in a very different way.



I am currently teaching in my home studio in Kensington, VIC. Please contact me via email to secure a place.

ashahenfry@gmail.com

FEES:
Half hour lesson (recommended for beginners) = $30
One hour lesson = $50