Powell in Orbit…

One of the items that astronaut, Colonel Catherine “Cady” Coleman brought aboard the International Space Station in 2011was her new, Powell Handmade Conservatory flute. The previous autumn Coleman selected Powell to make a flute for her journey to outer space on the recommendation of flutist, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, who owns several Powell instruments.

Coleman and her Powell flute left for their mission on December 15, 2010 aboard the Soyuz TMA-20, as part of Expedition 26 and 27 to the International Space Station. She has many responsibilities aboard the station, including the operation of the robotic arm and various experiments. With all the requirements of her position, she is still making time to practice her flute.

At Powell’s Maynard, Mass. workshop, Col. Coleman worked with Rebecca Eckles to find the instrument that suited her best. Eckles, a former military musician, played flute and piccolo in United States Marine Corps field bands. Rebecca says, “Not knowing what to expect, I was a bit nervous about meeting Col. Cady Coleman. However, It was immediately evident that Cady knew exactly what she was looking for, and she was fantastic to work with. Her passion for music and space is infectious. I look forward to listening to her experiences and sharing them with anyone who will listen!”

The headjoint that Col. Coleman is playing on the International Space Station will be returned to Powell once she returns from her mission. It will be engraved to signify the long trip it has taken and will be on display at the National Flute Association Convention in Charlotte, N.C. in August 2011.