Erich Graf - Musician, Flutist, Advocate

This memoir chronicles Erich Graf’s life as a musician, flutist and musicians’ advocate. His career has comprised a combination of 10 years as a student and free-lance flutist in New York City (seven years as member of the Aeolian Chamber Players), 35 years as principal flutist of the Utah Symphony, including 17 years as President of Local 104, American Federation of Musicians in Salt Lake City. His life is devoted to embracing love for the Arts and advocacy for his fellow Man. Graf was hired as principal flutist of the Utah Symphony in 1976 resulting from an audition for its legendary conductor Maurice Abravanel. Graf became President of Local 104 in 1993. The author stated that he has endeavored to include in this memoir only those experiences that contributed to his personal growth as a musician that might be interesting and educational to others. In retirement, he feels that what’s to come excites him because he’s always preferred to be scared rather than bored.