I travel around the U.S. to many different flute associations to teach performance confidence, and I feel that we at RAFA work together in a more friendly and efficient manner than most other clubs. I'm grateful for the enrichment I receive from RAFA and for all my dear RAFA friends and colleagues! 

-- Helen Spielman

I would never have had lunch with a famous flute performer (we talked about marching band) without your master classes. There are just so many opportunities with RAFA. Thanks!

-- Samantha

Returning to the flute as an adult gave me joy and that joy was enhanced threefold through my membership and active involvement in RAFA. I found connections with others who shared my passion and enthusiasm, not only on the RAFA Board and activity with the choirs, but especially the Second Winds. Here, among mature musicians, in a nurturing, supportive environment, I found associations that will last a lifetime. This I know, because when lung disease forced me to give up my beloved instrument, the friendships continue. I am forever thankful.

-- Twila Kelly

Lotsa flutes, lotsa fun!

-- UNCG Flutists

After moving to Raleigh from Boston in 1988, I received a phone call from a Rosene Rohrer, who introduced me to the existence of the Raleigh Area Flute Association. Since then, this wonderful organization has helped me and my students connect with flutists from the Raleigh area, the state of North Carolina, the USA, and the world. Over the years, RAFA has provided its members numerous offerings and opportunities such as student and professional flute choirs, contest/review events, master classes, concerts, and more recently a way to connect unused flutes to needy flute students. I want to thank the founding members, especially Rosene Rohrer and Ann Pearce, for creating such a positive and enlightening organization. Congratulations, RAFA, for 25 years of being the heart of our flute world here in Central North Carolina!

-- Julie Frederick

RAFA is one of the reasons I moved to the Triangle!

-- Catherine LeGrand

What a fantastic organization! I'm proud to be a part of it - and so appreciative of what it offers!

-- Mary Croghan

RAFA has been an inspiration for me for a quarter century, and an incredible gift to the Triangle area and beyond. My students and past students have been challenged and have grown enormously through the performances, ensembles, competitions, workshops, masterclass and personal interaction with other RAFA members and guest artists. Words cannot fully express my gratitude and appreciation to the entire association, and especially its wonderful leadership over the years. Here's to another 25 years!!!!

-- Brooks de Wetter-Smith (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Congratulations on 25 fantastic years! Where to begin? RAFA has been a most marvelous resource, both for me and for my students over the 17 years I have taught at ECU. You have been so supportive, both professionally and personally. You've given my students a wonderful outlet for gaining performance experience and checking out flutes and equipment through the Flute Fair, and many of the enduring relationships I have with other flutists in North Carolina have also come about through RAFA. I have consistently found RAFA to be a positive and inspirational force in the flute world. . .from the competition to the guest artists from absolutely everywhere to the cross-fertilization of ideas and musical styles, your offerings have always been and remain very rich.

-- Christine Gustafson (ECU, Greenville)

Congratulations to RAFA for its 25th anniversary! Thank you for promulgating the study and the appreciation of the flute in North Carolina. Go RAFA!

-- Tadeu Coelho (UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem)

RAFA was the very first flute club to invite me as a guest artist rather early in my career. It was a meaningful experience to me to share in your community for the day, hear the inspired performances of the young flutists, and learn about the depth of flute playing around our country. Best wishes for your next 25 years!

-- Marianne Gedigian (Austin, TX)

Flutists in North Carolina are fortunate to have the Raleigh Area Flute Association as an incredibly valuable resource! This group provides wonderful performing and learning opportunities for all age and ability levels! With national and international stars coming in for concerts and masterclasses, regional artists performing for (and learning from) each other, competitions for all ages, and various teaching workshops and other presentations, this flute club is the most effective and helpful one I have ever seen. The professional flute choirs allow students and teachers to hear and experience flute chamber music at its highest level (and see contrabass flutes for the first time!) Many thanks to the organizers and hardworking flutists who have made this organization possible - especially Rosene Rohrer and Ann Pearce and those who have served on the Board. I am personally very grateful to all of you!!

-- Mary Jo White (UNC-Wilmington)

RAFA has been a flute oasis for me and for our students at Appalachian State; we are thankful to have been inspired by so many meaningful flute events over the years. We appreciate the stellar leadership and have the greatest admiration for such a caring, dedicated, and high integrity organization. Happy 25th RAFA!!!

-- Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham (ASU, Boone)

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Raleigh for the Flute Association. I felt genuinely welcomed and very well-treated. I thought the masterclass was full of attentive listeners, and students eager to learn. Congratulations on 25 years; that's a great milestone!! Cheers!

-- Bart Feller (Principal Flute, NYC Opera)

Congratulations to RAFA on 25 years of encouraging and inspiring flutists of all ages with wonderful programs and opportunities!

-- Debra Reuter-Pivetta (Salem College, Winston-Salem)

I remember my RAFA recital and masterclass with great fondness. Rosene Rohrer, Helen Spielman, and other RAFA leaders foster a vibrant, active flute community. Congratulations to RAFA on its first 25 years - here's to many more memorable musical experiences.

-- Mimi Stillman (Yamaha Artist, Philadelphia)

I have very fond memories of being a guest artist of RAFA; wonderful people and hospitality with, of course, great flute enthusiasm. In fact recalling the whole experience gives me a huge grin; lovely people and making music on the flute together ... what more could you ask!? Keep up the great work. Very best wishes!

-- Ian Clarke (London flutist, teacher, & composer)

I loved being part of the RAFA Association; it was magical! What a stellar organization!

-- Rhonda Larson (Grammy artist, Michigan & Italy)

Congratulations to the RAFA on its 25th anniversary! I have such happy memories of my visit to Raleigh...Your hospitality was simply the best! And I greatly appreciated the fact that your association was very open to hosting an unusual program involving flute, voice, and piano. This gave me an opportunity to share with all of you the talents of my dear friends and long time collaborators, soprano Mimmi Fulmer of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pianist Barbara Lister-Sink of Salem College in Winston-Salem. Thank you for creating such a welcoming atmosphere that afternoon. Music-making and teaching in that kind of environment is a true joy!

-- Leone Buyse (Shepherd School of Music, Texas)