Spirit Songs

William Worden lives a quiet life in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with his wife, Patricia and sons, Andrew and Adam. William learned the art of  flute-making on the Seminole Reservation in Southern Florida.  He was instructed and guided by Sonny Nevaquaya, the son of the late Doc Tate Nevaquoya, who is credited with bringing about a resurgence of  the flute after many years of dormancy in the Native American culture. William  was mentored in the fine art of concert tuning to the traditional pentatonic scale by the late Dr. George Foss, a graduate of  Juliard and former professor of music theory at Louisiana State University. 

All of William's flutes are hand-crafted of the finest materials and tuned to concert pitch. His workmanship is guaranteed for life.  William also produces the rare and collectable "warbling" flute.  His flutes are endorsed by the legendary flute historian Dr. Richard "Toubat" Payne whose work in flute making and flute history is unsurpassed.  William's flutes can be found in the hands of flute enthusiasts all over the world.   

Text of letter from Doc Payne

Dear William,

Thank-you very much for the beautiful flute which will be displayed with pride.  Bill Tougan has one of your flutes which he really appreciates.  The warble is really great and I hope that you can achieve it in future flutes......Keep in touch. I have confidence in your prospects for a successful career in flute-making----the potential is there.  Feel free to cite my approval in your sales.  Regards, Dick 

William was given the name Woodpecker by his great friend and  brother, Holy Man Tom "StrongHeart" Reedy, in a naming ceromony at the annual Rendezvous on Pinnacle Mountain in Roland, Arkansas.  The woodpecker represents the legend of the flute.  Recently, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has been sited in the very area where the Sunken Cypress that many of William's flutes are made from came.  This bird was thought to have been extinct. 

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William is a registered Artist on Tour  http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/arts_on_tour/detail.asp?ID=122

and Artist in Education http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/aie/detail2.asp?id=156 

with the Arkansas Arts Council and is available for presentations and workshops for educational and civic organizations.  He also gives presentations and teaches flute workshops in schools.  The children really look forward to and enjoy his visits. For information on flute programs and min grants to fund them visit our messageboard.

William can be found at the RiverMarket in Little Rock on most Tuesdays and Saturdays.  Come by when you're in town and relax and listen to some very soothing music.

For more information about our family and flute business, check out our article in the Rural Arkansas Magazine.

Please feel free to email us at SpiritSongs .