With its unique, enchanting sound, the contemporary Native American flute has become increasingly popular, not only as a purely musical instrument, but as an ideal tool to enhance relaxation, meditation and healing. John has taught countless students,from ages 9 to 80. Most have never played an instrument before and are amazed at how simple it is to learn. You will learn basic and advanced fingering techniques that will allow you to create beautiful songs, with no knowledge of music theory needed. You will discover how easy it is to use different blowing techniques to enhance our playing and create songs that will help you bring healing and peace to ourselves and others.

One of the World’s pre-eminent Native American flute instructors, John Sarantos has facilitated weekend and week-long contemporary Native American flute workshops from coast-to-coast for over 17 years. His introductory, intermediate, advanced and master classes have been available from New York City’s prestigious Open Center, national cultural gatherings, intimate flute circles and one-on-one private lessons. For 13 years, he has facilitated with Ken Light and R. Carlos Nakai at the Renaissance of the Native American Flute workshop in Montana. In 2006 & 2008 he was a main presenter and performer at the International Native American Flute Association convention.

A respected educator, John has been accredited and licensed as a K-12 teacher in IL, KY, MI, MN, NY, OR, and WI. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota. His professional teaching expertise covers many subjects; but he specializes in Drama, Art, and Music. He has sought to maximize each student’s emotional, physical and intellectual growth.

Recognized as a Native flute music historian, John has written six songbooks for the native flute:

• A Kokopelli Christmas, 1st Edition – Songs for the Winter Seasons (Out Of Print). TAB w/out finger guides. Compiled and Arranged by Wayne McCleskey and John Sarantos.
• A Kokopelli Christmas, 2nd Edition – Songs for the Winter Seasons. TAB w/5 and 6-hole finger guides. Compiled and Arranged by John Sarantos.
• Under One Sky – Forty-One Native American Songs. TAB w/two versions: 5-hole or 6-hole finger guides. Transcribed by John Sarantos.
• A Kokopelli Songbook, Volume 1 – Finger Chart Songbook. No TAB provided. Only 6-hole finger guides. Compiled and Arranged by Wayne McCleskey and John Sarantos.
• A Kokopelli Songbook, Volume 2 – Finger Chart Songbook. No TAB provided. Only 6-hole finger guides. Compiled and Arranged by John Sarantos.

As a founding member of the New York based flute duo, NightDancers, with Gera Clark; their 2007 debut release, MONTANA CROSSINGS, was nominated for a 2008 Indian Summer Music Award in the Best Native Spirit Recording category.

MONTANA CROSSINGS – the debut studio recording from New York City based composer/flautists Gera Clark and John Sarantos is a well-crafted, melodic gem of an album featuring themes of exploration, transformation, interconnection and grace. Recorded at the world-famous AVATAR Studios in NYC by Jim Anderson, with mastering by Fred Kervorkian, CLARK and SARANTOS assembled a team which successfully captured the essence of NightDancers’ vision. MONTANA CROSSINGS contains 15 instrumental tracks featuring twenty-five flutes representing eleven flute makers from coast-to-coast. No overdubbing or sound samplers were used on the recording. Montana Crossings/GENRE: Native – New Age – World; FORMAT: Instrumental – Public Radio – Variety – World; MUSIC STYLE: Contemporary Native American Flute; STREET DATE: May 29, 2007; LABEL: NightDancers Music/BMI

John also has an extensive background in the business of entertainment. He has acted in over 35 commercials, 5 feature films and created, produced and starred in 26 episodes of Mr. Moon’s Magic Circus for CBS-TV.  He has written, directed and starred in T-Bone’s World of Clowning and received the Award of Excellence from the Hollywood Film Advisory Board for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming.

Healing the World One Flute at a Time

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Note:  A high-quality $65 cedar flute will be available for $35 for registrants who pre-order one week before the class!

Instructor:  John Sarantos
Date:  Saturday & Sunday, March 17th & 18th, 2012
Time:  1pm – 5pm Both Days
Cost:  $75.00 Total