I’ve been attracted to the native sounds of fluting for as long as I can remember. As a native to Missouri, my rural upbringing was filled with nature. Often finding arrowheads and other artifacts around my grandparents property, I developed a fond feeling for those that came before me. Later in life, I found that the sounds of the Native American flute took me back to that place and time.

I have been playing the Native American Inspirited flute for over 5 years. As a member of the Napa Valley Clan of the World Flute Circle, I am honored to host their Native American flute circle six times a year in Benicia, California. My joy of playing has taken me around the country from Benicia, to Pineridge, South Dakota. I have played to warm the hearts and calm the spirits at weddings, commemorations, memorials, and for those unable to leave their homes.

I discovered the influence on nature of my playing. I have enjoyed the warm response of birds that flocked at Sweet Creek Falls, Oregon, seals coming out of the water to the beach at Jenner, California, to a big eared jack rabbit that sat quietly facing me, ears wide open until I finished playing, before hopping back into the bushes at the Zen Sanctuary of Fort Bragg, California. A wild horse broke from the pack to come close enough to lay his muzzle against my hand as I played at a sanctuary in Hot Springs, South Dakota. These, and many more heart and spirit warming experiences will keep me playing until I am no longer able.

– John Hilsenbeck