About

Formerly the Rocky Mountain Flute Association, the Colorado Flute Association was founded in 1991 by two of Colorado’s most dedicated flutists, Betsy Nelms and Chris Potter. Ms. Nelms served as the first President of the Board during the early years, and Dr. Potter handled membership and the newsletter. The organization grew steadily over the years as the Colorado flute community flourished.

The mission of your Colorado Flute Association has always been to enthusiastically serve by providing space for all Colorado flutists to join together as a community, learn from one another, and support each other in artistic endeavors. Each year, the CFA hosts three annual flagship events: the Flute Fair, the Young Artist Competition, and the K-12 Honors Competition.

Our Marquee Event: The CFA Flute Fair

The CFA Flute Fair has become a much-anticipated annual event. Each year, the CFA brings some of the world’s leading flute performers and pedagogues to Colorado. Previous Guest Artists have included such renowned musicians as Demarre McGill, Valerie Coleman, Claire Chase, Lorna McGhee, William Bennett, Paula Robison, Marco Granados, and Carol Wincenc. In addition to performing an evening headliner recital, Guest Artists present a lecture and masterclass at the Fair that is open to all CFA members.

“The annual CFA Flute Fair was consistently a highlight during my four years in Colorado. Not only did I get to know the amazing people that make up the Colorado flute community, but I also grew as a flutist”

Indigo Fischer, CU Boulder Alum

Pikes Peak Flute Choir

During each Flute Fair, the CFA strives to highlight the talent and insights of Colorado flutists by welcoming its members to present workshops, lectures, and performances during the fair, including the opportunity to perform on the Members’ Recital.

During the Fair, flute makers, dealers, and music stores display their products for CFA members. Try flutes, browse sheet music, and pick up fun accessories and flute essentials. You may find your dream flute at the next CFA Flute Fair!

Supporting Young Flutists: The CFA Young Artist Competition

At the 2019 Flute Fair at Colorado State University, the CFA launched its first annual Young Artist Competition. The YAC is open to any flutist who is 30 years old or younger, and consists of a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. In the Preliminary Round, each contestant will perform two unaccompanied works; this typically takes place the evening before the annual Flute Fair begins. Five finalists selected from the Preliminary Round will be invited to perform a live Final Round for the public during the Flute Fair. Both rounds will be adjudicated by local Colorado flutists and musicians, and the Flute Fair Guest Artist will serve as a judge during the Final Round. Cash prizes will be awarded in the following amounts: 1st Place, $1,000; 2nd Place, $600; 3rd Place, $300. Winners will be announced prior to the start of the evening Guest Artist recital.

The K-12 Student Honors Competition

The Colorado Flute Association is honored to provide our local community of young flutists with the opportunity to perform and compete in the K-12 Student Honors Competition. This competition offers flute students the chance to learn new repertoire, hone their skills preparing, perform for esteemed Colorado flute teachers and performers, and receive written feedback on their performances. Competitors are grouped by grade level. Selections are chosen by the CFA Board, and older students will also perform a piece of their own choosing.

30th Anniversary

The 2021-2022 Season will mark the 30th Anniversary of the Colorado Flute Association! Our annual Flute Fair will be back in person in October 2021, featuring world-renowned soloist and pedagogue Alexa Still. Check back often for details on the events, competitions, additional guest artists, and gatherings happening next season to help celebrate the CFA’s milestone birthday!