Keith Gates: Music

Wayne Hedrick has been a recording artist for more than 13 years, serving primarily as principal flutist in several internationally acclaimed bands and wind ensembles. In 1996, Klavier Records International released Musical Colors, a collaboration for flute and harp, featuring Mr. Hedrick and harpist Hye Yun Chung Bennett. A second CD has been recorded and is planned for release in 1998. It features Five Bagatelles, written for and dedicated to Mr. Hedrick and Mrs. Bennett by the prominent American composer, Aldo Forte. After their first release, the press said:

"The program, in summary, is excellent. And so are the soloists, both obviously experienced players.... The compact disc proves that both are indeed world-class instrumentalists..." --Fanfare Magazine, November/December 1996 edition (Robert McColley)

"...a wonderful array of favorites done to perfection. I hope Klavier will use this talented duo again for more CDs of this type!" --The Hampton Roads Daily Press (Classical Remarks, Raymond Jones. The Daily Press, 28 July 96)

Mr. Hedrick was an invited guest artist at the 6th International World Harp Congress in Seattle Washington on July 26, 1996. He and harpist Hye Yun Chung Bennett performed to an audience of musicians from around the world.

Mr. Hedrick was the principal flutist on Telarc's 1993 Grammy Award winning recording PDQ Bach: Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and PercussionText with emphasis and a featured performer on Telarc's 1994 release of PDQ Bach: Two Pianos are Better than One. In 1989, he was the principal flutist with the National Symphonic Winds on Wilson Audio's highly praised recordings: Winds of War and Peace and Center Stage.

Currently, Mr. Hedrick is the principal flutist of the US Air Force Heritage of America Band; which has recorded thirteen compact discs to date. The American composer Keith Gates wrote his Concertino for Mr. Hedrick who performed the world premier in 1997. The Gates Concertino was recorded on the 1997 Heritage of America Band CD Aloft. Additionally, his recording of the Fantasie Brilliante on Themes from Carmen by Francois Borne (on 1995 Solo! CD) has received international airplay and much critical acclaim. From 1980-1991 he was the principal flutist with the US Air Force Tactical Air Command Band; except for 1986-1987 when he was the piccoloist. Mr. Hedrick recorded fifteen albums with the Tactical Air Command Band. Between 1989 and 1992, he was the principal flutist on the recordings of the National Symphonic Winds. He has performed on numerous occasions as the featured soloist with these ensembles throughout the eastern United States. Selections included the works of Khachaturian, Borne, Doppler, Chaminade, Kennan, Griffes, and Godard.

Mr. Hedrick is serving as the principal/solo flutist with the National Chamber Players. Their first CD, Nonets and Septets, recorded in 1996, has received outstanding reviews. In 1997, the National Chamber Players recorded three more CDs for Klavier Records International.

Since 1989, Mr. Hedrick has performed frequently with the Celebration Chamber Ensemble; a group composed of flute and strings. From 1987-1991, he was the flutist with the Tactical Air Command Band Baroque Trio which performed for high ranking U.S. military and civilian leaders. From 1984-1991, he toured with the Tactical Air Command Band Woodwind Quintet. They traveled extensively throughout Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia and recorded Five by Five in 1985.

Mr. Hedrick has also performed many recitals with piano or harp throughout the Middle Atlantic States. He has performed and taught masterclasses at many universities, including James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Hollins College, Concord College,and Western Carolina University.

Mr. Hedrick has studied extensively with Carol Kniebusch Noe of James Madison University. He has studied privately or in masterclasses with Geoffrey Gilbert, Peter Lloyd, and Paula Elliot. Additionally, he has attended many masterclasses, including those of Irish flutist James Galway, English flutist William Bennett, and French flutist Charles D'Agnino.

Mr. Hedrick is a native of Wytheville, Virginia. He and his wife, Mitzi, have two daughters, Jessica and Katelyn, and live in Newport News, Virginia.