Join us for the inaugural GVSU Flute Day on Sunday, November 9, 2025, featuring guest artist Dr. Mihoko Watanabe! Hosted by Dr. James Thompson and the GVSU Flute Studio, this event is open to flutists of all ages and ability levels, including middle school students, high school students, and community members. Flute Day attendees will enjoy a recital and masterclass by the guest artist, as well as a participatory flute choir reading session and clinic led by Dr. Thompson. Registration is free! 

Register for Flute Day 2025

Schedule

Subject to change.

12:30 pm - Registration (Louis Armstrong Theatre Lobby)

1:00 pm - Flute Choir Reading Session (Louis Armstrong Theatre)

2:00 pm - Masterclass with Guest Artist, Dr. Mihoko Watanabe (Louis Armstrong Theatre)

4:00 pm - Clinic with Dr. James Thompson (Louis Armstrong Theatre)

5:30 pm - Guest Artist Recital (Sherman van Solkema Recital Hall)

Dr. Mihoko Watanabe is an internationally acclaimed flutist, educator, and scholar known for her vibrant artistry, cross-cultural insight, and holistic approach to music-making. She is Professor of Flute and Chair of the Entrepreneurial Music Certificate Program at Ball State University, where she inspires a new generation of artist-citizens to pursue meaningful, creative, and inclusive careers.

A native of Japan, Dr. Watanabe earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and Music Education from Musashino Academia Musicae in Tokyo. She holds a Master of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance with a specialist certificate in Ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan. Her work blends the discipline of Western classical training with a deep reverence for global traditions, aesthetics, and philosophies.

As a performer, Dr. Watanabe maintains an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral flutist. She currently serves as principal flute of Orchestra Indiana and regularly performs with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Her recital and chamber appearances have taken her across North America, Europe, and Asia, and she has been a featured artist at National Flute Association conventions, College Music Society conferences, and international music festivals. Her expressive sound, imaginative programming, and culturally informed interpretations continue to engage and inspire audiences.

A respected scholar, Dr. Watanabe is the author of the influential article “The Essence of Mei: An exploration of the inspiration behind Mei through interviews with the composer,” which explores the subtle and profound Japanese aesthetic concept of Mei, emphasizing nuance, suggestion, and spacious beauty. The article has been translated into German and Dutch by their respective national flute associations, expanding its reach across Europe and contributing to a broader understanding of intercultural performance practice. Her research often informs her recital programming, particularly in works that center breath, silence, and poetic expression.

In addition to her work at Ball State University, Dr. Watanabe has taught at leading summer festivals, including the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival, and she currently serves on the flute faculty at the Fresno Orchestral and Opera Summer Academy (FOOSA). Her teaching extends beyond technique to address mindfulness, identity, and artistic purpose. She is a certified meditation teacher and the founder of Mindful Musicians, an initiative dedicated to integrating contemplative practices into the life of the musician. Her students are equipped not only with musical excellence but also with tools for resilience, focus, and well-being.

She has previously held faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Windsor. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with honors such as the Ball State University College of Fine Arts Dean’s Creative Endeavor Award.

Whether performing canonical repertoire, premiering contemporary works, or exploring the dialogue between Japanese and Western traditions, Dr. Mihoko Watanabe brings to the stage an artistic voice marked by integrity, depth, and curiosity. Her presence in recital settings offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience music as both a personal expression and a cross-cultural conversation.

Minors on Campus Policy

Grand Valley State University is committed to being a safe and healthy environment for all.  This includes students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors, especially those who are minors.  As a public university open to everyone, the University welcomes children and teenagers on our campuses for a variety of programs and activities planned by the University or by outside organizations.  In all situations, adults are expected to be positive role models for minors, acting in a respectful and responsible manner consistent with the mission and values of the University.  To promote this vision, the University publishes and enforces policies, procedures, and guidelines that have the goal of promoting health, safety, and security for minors on our campuses.

If you are a minor (under 18 years of age) and will be attending without a parent or authorized adult, you must fill out the following release forms:

Minors on Campus Forms