Early History
The Columbus Flute Club was first announced in “The Flutist” magazine in the 1920’s as the twenty-third flute club to be listed in this magazines’ roster. According to designated secretary, Evalyn Gares Parker of 521 (531) Bulen Avenue, Columbus, Ohio “so far our membership is small but mighty, and I feel that the eight who have responded so wonderfully and who have shown so much enthusiasm at the inception, can be depended upon the future.”
In the March, 1926 issue, it was announced that the Columbus Flute Club had begun a competition for students in Franklin County. Three prize were to be given, 1st, a silver cup; 2nd, a year’s subscription for “The Flutist”; and third, a book of flute solos. The competition was held April 5, 1926. Charlene Martin of Columbus won first prize. She performed a “Canzonneta” by De Lorenzo. Mabel Dildine of Groveport who played “The Artist’s Dream” by Cox won second prize, and Ella Boyer of Worthington who performed “Eventide” by Cox won third prize. Ella Boyer was also award a special prize of a subscription to the “The Flutist” “as the contestant of marked talent whose instruction has been pursued under difficulties.” A young lady of sixteen, Ella Boyer was an “inmate of the Methodist Orphans Home."
Also in the March, 1926 issue is an editorial praising the efforts of the Columbus Flute Club in establishing the competition. It was in this editorial that the offer to give a special subscription of the magazine “as a prize to that boy or girl of marked talent whose instruction has been pursued under difficulties.” They also offered this prize to other flute clubs in order to encourage them “to emulate the example of the Columbus Flute Club.”
Friday, May 13, 1927 was the date of the next competition. Flutists from elementary through high school age from central Ohio were eligible with an admission fee of fifty cents charged. Contestants performed one piece and also sight-read a piece. Contestants were judged by Ary Van Leeuwen, solo flutist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. First prize was awarded to Miss Chalet Cellars, of Delaware who performed “Sarabande” from Kronke’s “Suite”. Ella Boyer was awarded second prize performing “Chase of the Butterfly” by Fontbonne. William Pfeiffer of Cincinnati took third prize for performing “Chanson d’Amour” by Doppler. The special prize was awarded to Miss Edna Bell Carey of Kileville who performed “Pappillon” by Kohier. Three students from Columbus, Miss Charlene Martin, Charles Hackett and Miss Janet McConagha were awarded honorable mention ribbons. The sight-reading test was a Kohier etude.
Unfortunately the article in “The Flutist” goes on to report that there were few students entered in the contest and there was only a very small audience in attendance, “not a flute teacher or a music supervisor present. Mr. Van Leeuwen was praised for his interest and personality and willingness to judge."