Arroyo Willow Branch Flute in F#
sound sample of this flute
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Much of the bark has been
left on this unsplit Arroyo
Willow
(Salix
lasiolepis) branch flute, allowing
for a nice contrast,
both visual and tactile, with the exposed and finely
finished wood
grain. Measuring 19 3/4" in length, with
a 1" sound
chamber, it is tuned to a clear and sweet
F# minor
pentatonic scale, modes 1 & 4, playing three upper
octave notes as
well as the gypsy scale. Bark
fissures on the right
side of the flute and on the bird have been
inlaid with crushed malachite,
to give the
impression of moss growing on the branch. A few
small knots have
been inlaid with malachite as well. Elk
lacing
with
malachite and horn bone beads
holds
the
bird to the nest, the bird fitted with a redwood shoe
to aid against
wetout. The
branch for this flute was gathered sustainably, with
love, respect and
gratitude, along San Marcos
Creek, in San Diego County, CA amongst a wild grove of
native Arroyo
Willow trees. California
Indians
found many uses for the wonderful willow, including
bows, baskets,
shelters, sweat lodges, clothing,
fish traps and medicines derived from salicin in the willow's bark, the original aspirin.
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