Sheryl Goodnight, Principal Flute

1994 to present

Having the opportunity to make and share beautiful orchestral literature with fellow colleagues.

I loved music all my life and my late Mom said I would rock in my rocking chair and sing. I began piano lessons at the age of eight and flute at the age of eleven.

I received a foundation in music by studying piano from the late legendary Priscilla Heard of Belton, and was encouraged after acheiving All Region and Area to transfer to Temple High School to play under the Conductorship of the late Durward Howrd when I was a Junior in High School. I am eternally greatful to the flute profs both at Baylor University, and the University of Texas at Austin, in addition to my master class experieces with the late Julius Baker, former Principle Flute of the New York Philharmonic, and Sir James and Lady Galway when I studied online during 2021-2023, and I still learn from their Adult Learning Series. Plus many more master classes from legendary flutists, Carol Wincenc and Paula Robison to name a few more.

Adjunct Flute Instructor at Temple College, Private Flute lessons in the home, private flute lessons in the middle schools and high schools, learning technology on the computer and the iphone, cooking, spending time with my black short-haired dachshund, Sassi, and meeting new friends in addition to spending time with loved ones.

Some people may not know that I play the piano and also studied dance for 12 years growing up, and I took tap dancing while at UT for a non-musical elective.

My overall favorite composer most any day would by that of JS. Bach. I knew I loved Classical music when I first heard Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring played on the organ at a piano recital where I played a Clementi Sonatina at the age of 10. Next to Bach I love the Brahms four symphonies, and I am greatful to have played Brahms Symphonies #1, #2, and #3 with the TSO, and hope to play Brahms 4th Symphony some day.

Becoming involved in the arts or music brings inspiration, emotional fulfillment, and the opportunity to express oneself through the great art of music, the univeral language. Muisc fills one's soul, and it takes discipline and committment to be successful in a very competitive field.

The TSO is a great contribution to the culture of Temple and Central Texas. This orchestra strives to bring a high level of artistry to a growing city

and community where the Arts are definitely alive! The programming is interesting and the concerts bring a camaraderie between the musicians and audience.

I hope the audience will leave humming a melody and will come back wanting more great music.

The audiences need to understand that there is a lot of work and preparation that goes into presenting a concert behind the scenes. Each musician must know their part well and understand how it relates to the other instruments in the orchestra. It is essentail for each musician to come prepared for the first rehearsal and be able to play the music with solidity, so that refinement may be accomplished during the rehearsals prior to the concert. Playing music is not only beautiful, but it takes hours of preparation for overall success.

I have to memorize every piece of music that I learn, as I am legally blind, and have been since the age of six. I use the skills from music theory and the study of piano to analyze the musical form and structure, know what key signature areas are presented and where do they modulate, how many bars are in each phrase, study the sequential patterns in each phrase and or phrase group, and also what is going on in the instrumentation around me and underneath the flute parts. I rely on breaths and foot taps at certain times(not always) from fellow collegues on each side of me in the orchestra, and breaths where needed from the conductor. The sense of hearing and auditory approach is my friend. I have as an ultimate goal to be able to play my flute parts along with a professional recording, so that I am able to play straight through a composition once I arrive at rehearsal, even if I have to stop memontarily to refresh my memory, I can always find my place and come back in.

My passion is classical music, and I listen to KMFA Classical Austin 89.5 FM 24/7. But I also enjoy pop music of the 70's, and broadway music from musicals. I also enjoy sacred music, both traditional Anglican hymns from my church, Christ Episcopal Church Temple, and the contemporary Christian musical genre as well. Jazz is also very invigorating. Some of the flute repertoire combines classic and jazz styles, such as the Claude Bolling Suites for Flute and Jazz Piano and the music of Bill Holcomb is also a favorite of mine to play in the flute repertoire because it combines certain genres of music of George Gershwin into classic and jazz idioms.

It is special to be able to make music with local musician colleagues, not only musicians from outside the Temple area. Temple is blessed with lots of fine musical talent and abilities.

Music fulfills and beautifies the soul. What would the world be without the art of music?! Not a very happy place, I'm afraid! Music makes one happy and can comfort us when in distress as well as in times of celebration.

Positive, thrilling, and Invigorating!