About SCFO
The Space Coast Flute Choir was founded by Nancy C. Clew in 1983. Initially there were twelve members, and under Nancy’s direction, the ensemble has grown to its present size of 40 flutists and performs regularly to a growing audience.
Over the years, literature for flute ensembles has greatly expanded and now incorporates many instruments of the flute family. Flute orchestras today are similar to what string orchestras were 150 years ago. Where string orchestras include basses, cellos, violas, and violins; flute orchestras include piccolos, e-flat flutes, alto flutes, basses, contrabasses, and double contrabass flutes. It is these members of the flute family that add color and warmth to the standard, more common C-flute ensemble.
As the Space Coast Flute Choir grew and added these instruments, it was more accurately an orchestra, so in 2001 the group changed its name to The Space Coast Flute Orchestra.
Members of the orchestra come from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, bookkeeping, accounting, teaching, education, administration, chemical and design engineering, law, ministry, pharmacy, landscape architecture, and homemaking.
Many members are active in other musical groups in the area, including the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, the Space Coast Pops, the Melbourne Community Orchestra, the Community Band of Brevard and the Melbourne Municipal Band.
Usually performances of the Orchestra feature guest conductors, talented young flutists, or flute soloists. Concert repertoire is of the highest musical caliber, whether jazz, pops or classical. The programs are designed to challenge the audience to explore and enjoy the different types of music.
New members, college age or older, are always welcome. The group spends the summer reading new music with regular rehearsals beginning in August. Also, in July, individual members of the orchestra give a recital concert to benefit Suntree United Methodist church as a "thank you" for their generous contribution of rehearsal facilities.
About Nancy
Nancy C. Clew is the Founder and Director of
the Space Coast Flute Orchestra. Nancy is also flute instructor at
Brevard Community College and adjudicator for the Florida
Bandmasters Association. She was a founding member and first
President of the Florida Flute Association and remains active in
that organization as a life member. She was also a board member of
the National Flute Association and was their delegate to China and
East Germany. Additionally, she is on the faculty of the annual
Florida Summer Flute Workshop, and maintains a private flute
instruction studio in Melbourne, Florida.
Nancy is also Founder and Director of the International Flute
Orchestra and has led that organization o tours of England, Ireland,
France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovenia, SLovakia,
Hungary, China, Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Greece, Chile, and Poland.
She has given master classes and workshops in Singapore, Bangkok,
and Chiang Mai, Thailand, as well as Texas, Missouri, New Jersey,
Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, and around the state of Florida.
For eighteen years she coordinated the summer classes of Geoffrey
Gilbert and Peter Lloyd and was herself a student of Geoffrey
Gilbert. Also, Nancy has recorded with the Rosewood Duo and has an
educational recording of contest music for young payers.