T
he flute is the oldest known musical instrument in the world and can be traced as far back as 43,000 years ago to the Swabian Alb region of what is now known as Germany. In the 14th century, the term “flute” was first used to describe the instrument that produced sound when air was blown by the mouth across a hole in the instrument creating a vibration. The terms “flautist” or “flute player” is what a musician who plays the flute is referred to. Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Devon R. Shaw, of Kingstree, S.C., assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, is a classically trained flautist. “I’ve been playing the flute for 13 years,” said Shaw. “I was in the 4th grade when I started playing the flute.” When Shaw was in the 4th grade, a music company that sold instruments came to his school to let the children test them out to see if they were interested in playing any of them. “I looked at all the instruments on the tables: the flute, the saxophone and the clarinet,” said Shaw. “I ended up choosing the flute because my cousin played the flute and I remember him playing it and loving the sound of it.” After hearing of Shaw’s interest in playing the flute his parents purchased him one from the music company and thus began his love affair with the wind instrument. “It’s something I’ve always had a passion for,” said Shaw. “I put it down for a while when I graduated high school and during college. When I joined the Navy I started playing again.” In junior high and high school Shaw played in the marching band, pep band, jazz band and concert band. “Once I got done with college I ran into a rough patch and got laid off my job working construction,” said Shaw. “It cost a lot of money to get my flute repaired and I
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didn’t have the money to keep it in constant repair. When I joined the Navy I ordered a basic beginners flute so I could get back into playing. Eventually I want to get a higher model.” While out to sea, Shaw can be found playing the flute throughout the ship during the night whenever he has free time. “I play in any little corner I can find on the ship,” said Shaw. “Sometimes when I’m feeling bold I go out to the hangar bay to play.” According to Shaw his musical influences are very broad, and include many different genres. “I’m influenced by everything from classical to modern music,” said Shaw. “I don’t like to limit myself to one type of music. I like to learn how to play by ear. If I hear a song I’ll learn to play it and put my own twist on it.” In addition to playing the flute, Shaw also dabbles in writing poetry and hopes to one day incorporate the two art forms. “I’ve always loved music and I’ve always written poetry and songs,” said Shaw. “I want to write my own jazz album and to do a tribute to other art-Shaw ists along with my own work. The flute isn’t always highlighted as much in songs and I want to change that as a way to show people that it can be incorporated into many different forms of music. I would like to start a band if I can find a group of like-minded individuals.” Shaw’s future plans include learning how to play the saxophone and continuing to play the flute. “[Playing the flute] is a hobby, but as long as people like what I’m doing that’s the only gratification that I need,” said Shaw. “Some people tell me they are inspired when they see me playing the flute on the ship. I can’t ever see myself putting it down.”
I play in any little corner I can find on the ship. Sometimes when I’m feeling bold I go out to the hangar bay to play.
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 LINDA S. SWEARINGEN
NIMITZ NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
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