Hello Fluters, It has been a while since I posted anything here. I’ve been pretty busy at work (new owners) and we are in expansion mode. So…
Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Inc. is looking to fill two flute making positions. Some experience working with metals would be preferable, as is flute playing ability in the case of the headjoint making position. Which is why I thought of you guys.
Anyone interested in working at our shop in Woburn, Massachusetts may find out more at: www.brannenflutes.com
When you get there, click on “What’s New” and then on “Careers”. I don’t mind if someone PMs me but please read the ad on the website first.
Stunning opportunity for an up-and-coming flutemaker, Elizabeth. I’ve taken the liberty of referring it to the flutemakers email list. Hope you get the right people for the jobs.
Elizabeth, if a maker in the wooden flute world wanted someone to work with them, you’d expect to have to look for someone with the right general background (hah, whatever that is!) and then teach them flute-making skills. Is it pretty much like that in the metal flute world, or is there a reasonable pool of skilled workers moving from one company to another as they advance their careers?
Do we have any idea how many people in the US (or elsewhere) are likely to put “flute making” down as their occupation?
Terry, I wouldn’t say there is a reasonable pool of skilled workers right now. There doesn’t seem to be any place to learn these skills but for the flute companies themselves. And at this time, there’s some, but not a lot of movement of skilled flute makers from one company to another (I am referring only to hand made, professional quality modern flutes here). Quite a few of the people I work with have come from an older, much-respected Boston area flute company. But for a number of reasons, there is a limit to how much of that can go on.
Even though one of our advertisements is for an experienced head joint maker, it may turn out that we will need to consider hiring someone with, as you say, the right general background and some flute playing ability, and teach him/her the flute-making skills. I get quite a few inquiries from people who have a lot of jewelry-making experience but in the case of head joints, it is less important to me than flute-playing ability.
I have often wondered about the number of people in the US who would put “flute maker” on their Federal Tax Return. I could make a guess but it could be way off…
Yeah, but then they wanna shoot missals at you (I know they’re religious, but what good/harm is throwing a liturgical book supposed to effect?) and reply to “have” with “do” (which is becoming distressingly common in GB too), oh yeah, and they’re responsible for being “on” teams instead of “in” them.
Nah, nah, I’m not being serious. I’m sure such minor irritations would dissipate with the incentive of a nice re-location package…
It’s a lot more complicated than that, Jem. For example, in some parts of the country you’re asked to stand in lines. Other places you stand on lines. You never really queue up. And of course, it goes on and on. Flutemaking skills would be the least of your issues…
Well put, Dow. But you also have to consider the adverse impact that Jem might have on the local populace, which might not be inconsiderable, considering.
Not really. Most people in the US believe people with British accents. I mean we’ll listen to a BBC report and rarely question whatever they say, no matter how inane. Perception is everything.
But for a number of reasons, there is a limit to how much of that can go on.
