Chuckaboo (PDF)

2025 National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Honorable Mention in Flute Duet Category

Chuckaboo was composed for its premiere performance at the 2024 International Low Flutes Festival in Herndon, Virginia and performed by Nicole Chamberlain on alto flute with Dr. Mary Matthews on bass flute.

Chuckaboo is 19th century slang for a dear and close friend. It seemed a fitting title to celebrate the friendship and collaboration between the composer and Dr. Matthews for over a decade. Dr. Matthews was kind enough to organize a concert of Chamberlain’s music at the 2024 International Low Flutes Festival, and this composition was a gift for her work and commitment to Chamberlain’s music. The music demonstrates the friendship of these two friends who enjoy playing the flute in new and creative ways, this time on their low flutes. And yes, ch-ka-boo beatboxing is the main theme of the piece.

The video below shows the same extended techniques that are used in Chuckaboo are also found in Beyond the Pale.