LeAna Colf

Flute

How long have you played?

This is my 46 season with OFO.

Occupation (or what keeps you busy when you’re not making music):

My husband and I co own a custom cabinet shop.

How did you get started playing your instrument?

I started formal piano lessons when I was 8. At 11 yrs old I was given a beat up old Bundy flute and two band books by a retired band director who challenged me to learn as much as I can while he was on vacation. I fell in love with the flute right then.

I played thru high school and consistently went to district band contest with solos and then on to state contest. After my senior year I toured with The United States Collegiate Wind Band out of Purdue University. I was accepted on my awards and standing in the state of Missouri without an audition. The best time of my summer! I joined OFO in Oct. 1981 right out of high school and have been here ever since!

Musical groups I’ve played with:

Ozark Festival Orch. (Principal flute)
Bella Vista (AR) Community Concert Band ( Principal Flute and Piccolo)
Carroll County Community Band in Berryville AR. ( Principal Flute and Piccolo and mentor)

Favorite piece I’ve ever performed:

Wow that's a hard one. Peter and the Wolf (2nd flute at the time) and Festive Overture are just a couple of my favorites

A piece I’d love to perform someday:

Gustav Holst's The Planets... And or all of them!

Favorite composer or musical style:

Well as a flute soloist I love Baroque style, but in ensemble I pretty much love all styles including modern!

Favorite hobby besides music:

Cross stitch, collecting nutcrackers and music boxes, reading

Favorite food or restaurant:

I'm pretty easy. But a great steak is tops.

Favorite movie or TV show:

Deadliest Catch and Gold Rush are currently my faves. I'm a movie junkie so I love all kinds including a good horror movie.

A place I’d love to visit:

Ireland and Greece. I would go back to Europe in a heartbeat.

Something most people don’t know about me:

Hmmm....well I have grandchildren, but recent became a great grandmother! 😲☺️

If I could have dinner with any musician (past or present), it would be:

Flutist Jasmine Choo and Maestro Gustav Dudamel. Just to be in their presence. The passion they both have for playing and conducting is top notch!

What do you enjoy most about playing in the Ozark Festival Orchestra?

Learning new music. I love to sight read, because it's ok to make mistakes then lol I love sitting and listening to all sections and make my sound fit in.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining?

You should be willing to put in practice time at home. Rehearsal is for everyone to learn to make music as a whole.

Favorite orchestra memory:

I played a duet with our principal clarinet for the 40th anniversary of the OFO. I remember the concert mistress at that time razzing me about the 7/8 timing 😄 but the strings nailed it down...lol