Today I took my instruments to Mike Hammer, the woodwind wizard who is the only person to whom I have entrusted the care of my instruments since I moved to Philadelphia from Boston to attend Curtis. As Mike worked on my two Yamaha flutes, piccolo, and alto flute and returned them to optimum condition, I serenaded him and his colleague Steve Moyer with Syrinx. I was surprised how little work my flute needed despite my taking it to extreme climates in recent months – from the humidity of coastal Rhode Island to the bone dry Negev desert. It’s a testament to Yamaha’s and Mike’s peerless craftsmanship. It was great spending time with my friends Mike and his wife Carol, whom I’ve known since I was twelve.

Carol, Mike, and me in the showroom. Hammer Woodwinds is just outside Philadelphia in Bristol, PA.

Mike at his workbench