Meet Brandon LePage | Flute Professor and Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon LePage and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was trying to decide what direction to go as high school came to a close, the decision to pursue an artistic career was one that felt both natural and intentional. Having been involved in the performing arts for my entire life (coming from a family of musicians), I knew how important It was to me on a social and emotional level, and I wanted to make sure that I was able to stay connected to that as much as possible. I saw and still do see a career in the creative arts as a way to (hopefully) positively impact those around me and to connect members of the community together who might not otherwise participate in things with each other. I enjoy being an entertainer, but I also strive to connect my audiences to something deeper. I aim to challenge listeners to look inside themselves and remember that we are all part of a larger world and how we move through that world impacts us all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I move into a new version of my career as a Classical Musician, I am working hard to allow my identity as a Queer person to be front and center as I strive to create a more safe and equitable world for members of the LGBTQ+ community. My recent Dissertation projects looked at three aspects of my queerness (queer excellence, queer politics, and queer representation) and by centering on each of these aspects, I curated recitals that aimed to go beyond “entertainment” so that my listeners left enriched in body, soul, and mind. It is my hope that these projects can serve as blueprints or starting points for other Queer Classical Musicians who hope to do more than play music for the enjoyment of others (something that is still exceptionally valuable that I of course engage in frequently).

My recital “Focus on Flint” centralized “Queer Excellence” by focusing on the idea that members of the LGBTQ+ community often feel the need to be “better” than those around them at things so that they will be validated and accepted as members of mainstream society. Rather than focusing purely on my own queerness though, I used my queer body and voice to uplift the community of Flint, Michigan, where I am Principal Flute of the Flint Symphony and have taught at the Flint School of Performing Arts. Using music written by composers from Flint (including two world premieres by young composers just starting their careers), I made sure to shine a bright light on the resilience, joy, and proudness that the citizens of Flint feel rather than focusing on the trauma that has happened there. One Flint community member came up to me with tears in her eyes after the recital being so thankful that I was able to curate a celebration for this vibrant city rather than a sad story of tainted water and violence. I was also joined by another queer professional musician from Flint to perform a piece in solidarity with members directly from the community.

Feeling the need to focus on “Queer Politics”, my lecture recital “Music in the Age of the Gun” took a hard look at the gun violence epidemic that we’ve been in for a while now and challenged listeners to consider how there seems to be no shortage of laws aiming to restrict or diminish queer bodies, yet passing laws involving guns seems almost impossible. Using the music of Lesbian composer Jennifer Higdon, I took my audience sonically through a mass shooting event using her piece “rapid<>fire” and drew lines between what she wrote in the music and her own programs notes to show listeners what I as an artist have to go through emotionally to perform this piece, connecting the dots to the mindset of an active shooter. Ending with Jennifer’s piece “Legacy”, I charged everyone to consider how they program, consume, and interact with music involving gun violence asking them to be more intentional with how pieces are presented and framed prior to or during performances. After the lecture, I had someone confess to me that they had decided to change how they were going to vote on issues of gun reform in the future!

Finally, in my “Big Adventure in Representation”, I charged 4 LGBTQ+ identifying composers to write chamber music for flute, clarinet, and saxophone. They each wrote 2 pieces, and the ultimate goal was that 1 of those 2 pieces needed to be for intermediate level middle or high school students. There is very little original music that exists for this age group/level (right now we mostly have transcriptions) and I also saw this as a way for teachers in places that held anti-queer sentiments to expose students to healthy representations of queer people without needing to specifically highlight the composers sexuality. A simple google search of these individuals makes their queerness apparent, and also de-centralizes the “sexual” side of sexuality reminding everyone that queer people are safe and vibrant members of communities. The second half featured my Flute and Harp duo, the “Dynamic Duo” performing a piece by Gay composer Lowell Liebremann and a world premiere by UM student composer (and Gay individual) Peter Cohn. We’re looking forward to playing Peter’s piece again this season and hope to eventually include It on our pending album (currently in the planning stages).

It is my hope that these projects live well beyond the Dissertation and I hope they inspire others to really “go there” when It comes to centralizing a part of your identity in your art!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tricky question considering how much of my career is on the road right now! I split my time between Michigan and Wisconsin, performing throughout the mid-west. Here are 3 of my favorite places in 3 of the places I spend most of my time.

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti
Side Track Bar and Grill is a must stop for me! The chef’s always have spectacular specials both in food and cocktails, and I have yet to eat a meal there that disappointed!

The Songbird Cafe is another spot I frequent. The iced coffee is good, but the specialty baked goods infused with Korean flavors and their breakfast sandwich really make this place stand out!

World of Rocks is one of my favorite places to spend time and as a crystal lover, I have bought several stunning pieces from them including a lovely piece of amethyst that is in the shape of a heart.

Madison, WI
Bartaco is hands down one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at. The food is spectacular and the drinks are fantastic!

Bernies Rock Shop (can you sense a theme) is a store I hit up almost every time I am in town. Not only are they warm and welcoming (which is great if I want to look but can’t afford to buy), but their rocks and crystals are priced just right!

I have to mention cheese curds and two names come to mind. If you happen upon the “curd girl” food truck, GO IMMEDIATELY! Otherwise, the goat cheese cheese curds at “Tipsy Cow” always hit the spot.

Detroit, MI
Motor City Brewery takes the cake for me. Their artisan pizzas never disappoint and with fun beer names like “Ghettoblasetr” and “Corktown Stout” I always know I’ll have a good time.

Shinola is a fabulous watch and leather goods shop that I can’t really afford, but the coffee shop inside is also solid so I enjoy browsing inside while sipping on some overpriced but tasty coffee between rehearsals with The Detroit Symphony when I’m lucky enough to play with them.

Bon Bon Bon is a must go for a special night out! They have artisan bon-bon’s with flavors like cherry bourbon, champagne, and even special made ones to go along with your zodiac sign.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most recently, I need to shout out my Mentor, Amy Porter. Her guidance through my recent Doctoral studies allowed me to consider new ways that I could be of service in my field and she allowed me the space to experiment and blur the lines between “artist” and “social activist” (two pieces of my identity that are now no longer in conflict with each other on a daily basis).

Website: https://www.brandonlepage.com

Instagram: @brandonlepageflute

Youtube: @BrandonLeP