December 6, 2017
I found out this week that I will be interviewed by VoyageATL Magazine, which is part of the LA-based Voyage group of magazines. I plan to share every aspect of my music career and small business during my time in metro Atlanta and at Columbus State University. Thank you, Donald McAllister , Nicole Chamberlain, and Robert C. Flythe, for being part of a team that has helped me grow and expand since 2008.

On a side note, I finished hearing my first semester of juries at Columbus State University...went from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with breaks here and there. I enjoyed hearing these great students and was proud of my studio. Once I finish grading my classes, I can officially say that this semester is a wrap! WOO HOO!

December 4, 2017
I am looking forward to meeting my accountant today to finish my 2016 taxes...finally was able to work on it. (Yes, the 2017 taxes are right around the corner). My small business continues to move in a positive direction; I am excited for growth, prosperity, and change in 2018.

November 6, 2017
I am looking forward to a busy and exciting day...visiting Lassiter High, River Ridge High, and the members of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.

November 5, 2017
This message is for my students, my friends, and my family who are going through a difficult time with today's events and their personal/private concerns. I truly wish I could make things better for you...I am truly powerless in this regard. No words will ever bring the lives we lost today back to their loved ones. I will never take this life for granted as a result. Please know that I love you very much. I am a proud Leo...we can't stop protecting. And my heart is huge....there is so much love to give. This light in my heart can never dim as long as there is still hate on this planet. I will fight for you through music, words, friendship, and my voice. I love this planet...we can't give up on each other.

November 2, 2017
You never know when a young person will leave you in awe. I teach an autistic student at one of the high schools in Cobb County. This student was so inspired after hearing me perform the "National Anthem" that he learned the lyrics in 10 minutes last night and sang it to me this morning during low brass sectionals. I can't tell you how moved I am right now...young people continue to inspire me!

October 31, 2017
I wake up each day thankful to see another morning. I am taking time today and this week to slow down and truly appreciate my life. Some of my friends and family are going through difficult times...I feel their pain and their sadness. So, I will continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers, but will make sure I take time for myself

October 30, 2017
I had a wonderful day teaching and making music. I visited two classes at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia and performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Cobb-Marietta Marching Band Exhibition at McEachern High School later that evening. I heard some wonderful bands!

October 28, 2017
The members of the Schwob Tuba and Euphonium Studio were impressive this afternoon. (Thank you all for bringing your "A" game to the performance). We had a wonderful audience, and I look forward to showcasing these outstanding young men and women in the future.

October 21, 2017
As I deal with my family's loss, I am thankful for my students for bringing joy to my heart today. One group was awarded best drum majors in one competition, while another student played a great "Firebird" solo in a different competition. Yet another was recognized for his composition at the MTNA state level and is also a great euphoniumist. I am always grateful for these talented young people.

October 20, 2017
I have waited years to see my name credited on this track...I am having an awesome day!

August 16, 2017
Home. Sweet. Home. I had a great first week at CSU...taught 8 students, met with the tuba-euphonium ensemble, and rehearsed with the faculty brass quintet. I am looking forward to resuming low brass sectionals at Kennesaw Mountain High and Lakeside High on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

August 15, 2017
Wow....I had a great first day! I went from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wanted to make sure these talented young men and women know that I am invested in them for this 2017-2018 academic year! Thank you, Andrew Miller, Martin Cochran, Ian McCollum, and Corey A. Sherman, for setting up a legacy of great artist-teachers; your former students learned much from you!

August 13, 2017
Thank you all for making my 47th birthday a special one...felt love from my family, friends, students, and colleagues! I am so fortunate to be surrounded by people who love me. I never take these blessings for granted. August 12, 2017 I will be teaching 8 students at Columbus State this fall...three euphoniums and five tubas. Can't sleep...too excited for next week!

August 11, 2017
I am very happy to learn that four of my students were selected to the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. To those students who were not selected, including two of mine, still hold your head high with pride. Your hard work and dedication will always impress me and others...your day will arrive.

August 9, 2017
I just completed my paperwork and orientation for Columbus State. I am ready to become a "Cougar" again...life has returned full circle since being a "Cougar" at South Brunswick High School.

July 21, 2017
Very proud of the Pope High School Marching Band...the students were incredible this week. I was Inspired and moved by these brilliant young minds. My colleagues were fantastic, too!

July 17, 2017
Enjoyed my first day working with the Pope HS Marching Band....should be a great week!

June 24, 2017
I had a wonderful week at the Atlanta Chamber Music Festival. Great administrators, great colleagues, great counselors/staff, and great students surrounded me with excellence. My official last day at Kennesaw is Saturday, July 1st. Tears will be shed in private. Then, I officially begin my next chapter on this amazing life journey at Columbus State University. I will continue to be affiliated with Pope High School and with Kennesaw Mountain High School. I also have been asked to perform the Star Spangled Banner again...will disclose more at a later time. All of this activity will help me energize my calling...empowering young people. My passion will always focus on winning a major symphony orchestra position. Enjoy your evening and hug a loved one tightly!

June 14, 2017
The Atlanta Pops Orchestra will perform for over 20,000 people tonight for the closing ceremonies of the Rotary International Convention.

June 3, 2017
If everything holds form, I will be spending a week with my nephew at a local music festival...can't hold back how excited I am to share this gift with my nephew and others.

May 30, 2017
As we all deal with the various levels of violence and aggression around us, please remember that we can fight back with love, compassion, hope, integrity, kindness, empathy, gentleness, etc. I continue to thank our fallen heroes for allowing me to see another day on this planet.

May 23, 2017
I hope everyone who reads this post does the following today...pause for a moment and be thankful that you are still alive on this planet. I am thankful this morning for my parents, who I saw the past two nights in GA. I am thankful for the kids in the Atlanta Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble (ATEE), who always brighten my days. I am thankful for Kyle Loughman, who is my last graduating senior at Kennesaw State. I am thankful to be Bernard H. Flythe on Tuesday,

May 19, 2017
I can't thank Gary McEntire and Sandy Plains Baptist Church for hosting the Atlanta Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble (ATEE) this Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. This group has been fantastic to direct and will be ready to showcase their talents this weekend.

May 4, 2017
Michael Oubre and the Pickens High School Bands are truly a class act! I enjoyed my time collaborating with them on "Suite for Tuba" by Don Haddad. I was also impressed with the outstanding senior students who performed solos, conducted a piece and arranged a string quartet for band. Thank you, Michael, for challenging your talented students to reach the next level. It meant a lot to see my colleague, John Warren, who attended the concert to support a talented clarinetist who plans to attend KSU in the fall. John, you are also a class act...will miss working with you. Finally, I dedicated tonight's performance to someone in my life who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer yesterday. This person knows that I will remain positive and will keep her in my daily prayers.

May 4, 2017
Ready to play "Suite for Tuba" with a great high school band!

May 2, 2017
http://ssomachievements.blogspot.com/2017/05/bernard-flythe-appointed-as-artist.html

April 26, 2017
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and my students at the Kennesaw State University School of Music for a wonderful 10 years at this fine institution. I have worked with talented tuba and euphonium students who have represented the music program at the highest level. I have learned much from my esteemed colleagues in every department and studio. It is with some sadness that I will end my tenure at KSU to begin a new chapter with a different university. I am thankful that Dr. Paul Dickinson will continue his role as an outstanding artist-teacher for the KSU Tuba/Euphonium Studio. I am also thankful that my director, Dr. Stephen W. Plate, has been an amazing advocate for me during his short time thus far at KSU and will support Dr. Dickinson throughout his tenure. I will be joining the faculty at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University this fall as their new tuba and euphonium professor. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues and transforming my new students into outstanding artist-teachers. I will continue to keep my residence in Kennesaw to allow me to maintain my private tuba and euphonium studio, coach sectionals in Cobb County, and to freelance throughout metro Atlanta. I am ready for the next chapter of my journey.

April 23, 2017
I took my 22nd audition for a major symphony orchestra yesterday afternoon, but didn't advance. I greatly appreciate the Seattle Symphony for inviting me to the audition. I can't thank enough the following people, Donald McAllister, Juan de Gomar, Andrew Brady, Michael Sanders,David Lewis, Fritz Kaenzig, and James Stokes, for being mentors throughout this process. I played all 7 excerpts asked on Saturday and played my best audition ever. Have to also thank my friends, colleagues, and students for supporting me since January. I will return to Atlanta playing better than ever and will continue to take auditions in the future. I will share more news when it is official. :) Wishing the new principal tubist of the Seattle Symphony the very best in his or her position. To the great players who didn't advance and are wondering their next move...never give up the dream

November 1, 2016
I enjoyed my time performing with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra; we performed the works of Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, and Elgar.

October 27, 2016
I am extremely proud of how well the members of the KSU tuba and euphonium studio performed in the 2016 KSU Octubafest Student Recital last night. It was probably our studio's best showcase since my first semester of teaching in 2007. Thank you, Dr. Martin Cochran, for preparing your talented euphoniumists; they were all rock stars! The tubists were just as stellar. The best has yet to arrive for these outstanding young men!

October 19, 2016
I can't put into words how emotional I feel right now. I shared a recital with two great musicians, Martin Cochran and Judy Cole, this afternoon and played some tough pieces in front of an appreciative audience. It was difficult at first playing a piece dedicated to a friend, Polly Payne Hendricks, who passed away yesterday. I felt joy seeing my middle school, high school, and college students support me. Nicole Randall Chamberlain is a wonderful composer and friend...so glad that I played her great composition again. I never take for granted that I can use my musical gifts for good. I wish we all could feel these amazing moments daily. I am incredibly thankful that life has given me purpose to inspire and elevate the amazing people who surround me. View Program

October 17, 2016
Thanks to my friends, students, colleagues, and family members for sending their love and positive energy tonight as I played the "National Anthem" by memory for the first time ever in front of a stadium full of people. I can't remember the last time I was nervous during a performance and was still shaking afterwards. I wanted it to be special for my friend, Polly Payne Hendricks, who is on life support. I also had a friend's grandmother in my heart as I played. Life is always precious. Bravo to the students at Georgia Tech for a great show. Finally, kudos to every band who performed this evening: South Cobb, Osborne, Allatoona, Wheeler, McEachern, Hillgrove, Walton, and Harrison. After my recital with Dr.Martin Cochran on Wednesday, I plan to relax and continue to celebrate life.

October 10, 2016
It was an incredible experience performing the "Star Spangled Banner" this evening in front of my students, friends, and colleagues. Thank you for the wonderful compliments; I never take your words for granted. For some reason, I felt more inspired than usual to sing from the heart...I am so thankful that I could give back to my country through music. Bravo to the band programs who performed this evening, too...Campbell, Lassiter, Kennesaw Mountain, Pope, North Cobb, Marietta, Pebblebrook, Kell, and Sprayberry.

September 17, 2016
I am starting my morning by inspiring sixth graders at Kell High School and will end my day at the Fulton County Marching Band Exhibition with a performance of the "National Anthem." Not a bad way to give back to your community. Learn more

August 20, 2016
Just found out that I will be performing the "National Anthem" at the Cobb-Marietta Marching Band Exhibition on Oct. 10th and 17th. Thank you, Christopher Ferrell! I am looking forward to performing the "National Anthem" at the Fulton County Marching Band Exhibition on Saturday, Sept. 17th. Thanks, David W. Vandewalker! This tuba player is appreciative of any opportunity to show his love for his country….never take these opportunities for granted. Also, worked with a tuba student this morning from the High Meadows School Band in their “Jump Start” program.

July 22, 2016
I can't believe how fast marching band camp went this week for me. It has been a pleasure working with the talented members of the Pope High School Marching Band. The band directors, the instructors, and the staff have contributed much to the students. This current sousaphone section will always have a special place in my heart.

July 27, 2016
It was quite a great weekend visiting my hometown and performing with my former band director, Steve Skillman, and members of the Blackwater Brass Quintet at the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Southport, NC.

July 10, 2016
Performed with some of the top freelancers in Atlanta at the International Conductors Workshop and Competition at North Atlanta High School.

July 9, 2016
I played my heart and soul for every loved one lost...I broke down after playing the Sarabande from the Bach Cello Suite No. 5 in the first performance. I feel better and forever changed from the experience. We are all different and unique...time to work on grieving and healing.

July 9, 2016
Please send me your spirit, prayers, positive energy, strength, love, and compassion as I prepare to play three unaccompanied recitals today as a musical tribute to loved ones lost: Recital #1-KSU Music Building (MU109) 11 a.m. Recital #2-Ansley Square (Starbucks/L.A. Fitness Courtyard) 2 p.m. Recital #3-St. Mark's United Methodist Church 6 p.m. Please don't give up on our country; I believe our humanity can overcome any threat of hate. Every life lost on this planet deserves this peaceful resolution..

June 29, 2016
Well, we played our hearts out tonight at Lassiter High School for the Orlando Benefit Concert #1. I can't thank Richard Prior, Jonathan Wright, Kimberly Lemmick Snyder, Sasha Shatalova, and Peter Gustav Westin II enough for their roles in front of and behind the scenes. My fellow colleagues in the orchestra were spectacular. I will admit that I was emotional after the low brass chorale in the fourth movement of Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 6." During the last movement of Hanson's "Symphony No. 2," my thoughts and prayers were for the city of Orlando, the lives lost in Istanbul, the "Charleston Nine," and my cousin's wife. The power of music truly soothes the soul.

July 2014
Excited to announce that I have been appointed as Visiting Lecturer of Tuba and Euphonium this fall at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. I will teach applied tuba and euphonium lessons and will perform with the faculty brass quintet, the New River Brass Ensemble. Thanks to the support of my colleagues and my students, I also will continue to serve as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Kennesaw State University. I am looking forward to a fantastic academic year at both institutions. Go Owls, and Go Mountaineers!!

July 2014
Performed and taught at the Atlanta Chamber Music Festival at Oglethorpe University. It was an enjoyable time to work with some of the top freelance musicians in Atlanta and share my love of chamber music with low brass students from metro Atlanta. The ACMF Faculty Brass Quintet performed the first and last movements of Victor Ewald’s “Quintet No. 1 on the ACMF Faculty Showcase at the Skylight Gallery, which was a beautiful venue for the recital.

June 28-July 19, 2014
Performed and taught at the Cannon Music Camp for three weeks. I worked with 15 tuba and euphonium students and performed my first faculty recital as the newest member of the New River Brass Ensemble. One of the highlights of my summer stint included directing the CMC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble; these talented students worked hard in rehearsal and gave a great performance on the CMC Enrichment Concert.

June 22-28, 2014
Had exciting teaching and performing experiences this summer at the International Euphonium and Tuba Festival. I performed on four recitals and showcased the works of John Williams, Eric Alexander, Robert Schumann, and Herbert L. Clarke. This festival featured some of the top international artist-teachers in the world and attracted some of the top euphonium and tuba students across the country. It was an honor to share the stage with Fritz Kaenzig, who teaches at the University of Michigan and is one of my mentors.

June 1-6, 2014
Worked with outstanding low brass students at the KSU Summer Arts Intensive; some of the students were members of the GMEA All- State Band and Orchestra. Although I was dealing with a cold that week, I also premiered Nicole Chamberlain's composition, "Surus," with Judy Cole. Judy and I enjoyed our time working on this fantastic piece.

OCTUBAFEST KSU 2013 on Oct 22-24!
Join the tuba and euphonium studio of Bernard Flythe as they welcome David Zerkel, Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Georgia. Events include recital and masterclasses by David Zerkel and recital by students.
Learn more

October 14, 2013
Check out Bernard's upcoming performances which include solo, chamber ensembles, and the Atlanta Symphony all this month! View Performance Calendar

July 30, 2011
Excited about the opportunity to perform the Cirque de la Symphonie with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park. This production is designed to bring the circus environment to the concert setting. My family will hear me perform with the ASO for the first time.

July 3-4, 2011
Performed with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Alexander and with the Carroll Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Terry Lowry on July 3rd and July 4th, respectively, for the Fourth of July celebrations. Both concerts featured some of the top freelance musicians in the area.

June 19-25, 2011
Performed on a faculty recital, led morning warm-up sessions, taught private lessons, and coached tuba-euphonium quartets at the International Euphonium Institute at Emory University. This week long festival showcased some of the finest artist-teachers in the world. Performers included Adam Frey, Tormod Flaten, James Gourlay, Brian Meixner, Stacy Baker, Dr. Tom Gibson, and Donald Palmire.

June 10-12, 2011
Kennesaw State University hosted the National Brass Symposium this weekend. This symposium featured some of the greatest brass performers in the world, including members of the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, and Philadelphia. I can’t thank Freddy Martin and his sons, Chris and Michael, enough for bringing this event to a very appreciative brass community in metro Atlanta.

June 5-10, 2011
Performed on recitals and taught four talented students at the KSU Summer Music Clinic. This week-long clinic featured my wonderful colleagues at the university and exposed young musicians to a comprehensive arts experience, which included performing in both small and large ensembles, studying with an artist-teacher, and taking studio classes in variety of media.

May, 2011
Robbie Weaver, who is a Harrison High School graduate and a member of my private tuba and euphonium studio, received a $500 scholarship from the Atlanta Federation of Musicians. Robbie was one of seven winners selected and will study this fall at Columbus State University with Andrew Miller, principal tubist of the Alabama Symphony.

May 22, 2011
The Metro Atlanta High School Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble was featured in concert at the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University. Some of the country’s top high school musicians are members of this talented ensemble. Plans are in place to feature this group and the Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble in the new performance hall at Lakeside High School next spring.

April 17, 2011
Performed Suite for Tuba by Don Haddad with the Georgia Tech Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Andrea Brown at the Murray Arts Center. Dr. Brown and I were colleagues at Austin Peay State University before taking different paths that led us to our respective college positions in Atlanta. Other guest artists included Dr. Cameron “Chip” Crotts, who will be the new Director of Jazz Studies at the Georgia Tech School of Music this fall. Coincidentally, Dr. Crotts and I were members of the 1988 N.C. High School Honor Band and hadn’t met again until this performance. This concert was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and to reunite with great friends and colleagues.

April, 2011
Performed the final season of the Atlanta Passion Play on April 9-10, 2011 and April 15-17, 2011. The first performance of this production was held on Friday, April 8, 1977. By 2007, the Atlanta Passion Play had been seen by over 800,000 people.

March 21, 2011
The Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony performed a joint concert at the Bailey Performance Center. The performance also featured the KSU brass faculty, including the Atlanta Symphony’s principal trumpet, Thomas Hooten. This concert helped both outstanding ensembles establish a larger presence in Cobb County and may lead to stronger recruiting efforts in the future.

March 19, 2011
Vincent Rose and Robbie Weaver represented Harrison High School as members of the prestigious youth honor ensemble, the Honor Band of America. Vincent will be studying with Adam Frey this fall at Georgia State University while Robbie will pursue a music education degree at Columbus State University.

February 19, 2011
The KSU Brass Blast was a wonderful success this year after last year’s clinic was cancelled due to snow. Students worked with our brass faculty in a master class setting, participated in small and large ensembles, and heard professional performances.