Flutesonic Orchestra is grieving the passing of our dear friend Fred Selden.
Below is a gallery of some of his recent performances on his own arrangements and compositions. Fred was incredibly prolific, working through the night on brilliant and beautiful arrangements that the group loved playing with him.
If you would like to add a tribute please click below to add your comments.
Yesterday, October 1, we lost a valued colleague and friend, Fred Selden. Fred fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer, during which he had a huge burst of creativity, resulting in several new compositions and arrangements. Fred was a hugely talented musician who had a notable career as a performer, arranger, composer and teacher. He worked on countless movies and TV shows, and played lead alto with the Don Ellis band. One of his arrangements for Don’s band won him a Grammy nomination alongside Miles Davis, Henry Mancini, and other notable musicians that year.
Fred was one of the first to play the EWI, and even came up with that abbreviation which became standard in the industry. As a jazz alto and flute player, Fred’s name was closely linked with Shorty Rogers and Bud Shank, his early mentors and close friends.
Fred and I have been like brothers for almost 60 years since we met on a transport plane on the way to Basic Training for the Air National Guard Band in Van Nuys. Couple of crazy hippies protecting our nation against the hippies and the rest of the anti-war protestors. It’s hard to imagine how much fun we had masquerading as good solid citizen-soldiers!
Fred hated restrictions. I’m happy that he escaped being trapped in a wrecked body that would have been intolerable for him!
Over the past several years, Fred played and starred with the FluteSonic chamber orchestra (fellow flutists know about this). A new recording of his music will be coming soon.
David Shostac
Ten or Twelve years ago I attended a Flute Masterclass by David Shostac and SOA. On the break I happened on two guys having a discussion about the Don Ellis Orchestra. At some point I mentioned that I had been a fan and really got a kick from this Piece called THE MAGIC BUSS ATE MY DOUGHNUT and one of the guys said THANK YOU! of course that was Fred and it was one of his compositions! Without realizing it I had a new Best Friend! That was Fred, always happy and out to make friends with the world!
I feel blessed to have played with Fred in Flutesonic since our first performance as Ensemble-10. His arrangements were always new and creative, fun to hear! He came over to my house after the group recorded tracks for his arrangement of WHEN I FALL IN LOVE and we had a great time editing the best of the best and then recording his solo a number of times. The result was a beautiful rendition second to none! He also submitted a couple of rounds for a video that I put together of a Patrick Williams piece WHAT’VE TOU GOT TO LOSE, one humorous version on Gord Flute and the other on Soprano Sax.
Sometimes in rehearsals with FS he would be handing out parts and make it a point to hand me unique parts like the walking bass for Alto Flute on A GREAT DAY COMING! Always un-expected and fun, just the way he was! Fred was the best and a true friend that I miss greatly. I am sure that he is making a positive impact, wherever he has progressed to!!
Bill Butler / Flutesonic & SOA Flute Orchestra Member
Fred recruited me to play with Flutesonic. We met at a Song of Angels jazz concert.
I wasn’t technically a student of Fred Selden, but holy cow, he taught me a lot. Fred knew, understood and valued the subtleties that make notes on the page turn into music. In the course of our time spent playing together in Flutesonic, he taught me about articulations, phrasing, rhythm, swing, interpretation and more. And – as a composer, he taught me how things need to look on the page so that the musicians know exactly what to do. He was a master of music in all its forms. His enthusiasm and work ethic were unmatched. It seems like he was bringing in some fantastic new piece for us to play at just about every rehearsal. This one hurts – I didn’t know him that long, just a couple of years, but he made a big impact on me, and I miss him terribly. Godspeed, Fred.
Larry Tuttle / Flutesonic Bassist
It was a tremendous honor and privilege to play alto flute next to Fred in Flutesonic. His solos on jazz charts were truly awe inspiring, and he was continually bringing new compositions and arrangements for us to play. I wouldn’t have believed Rite of Spring could be successfully arranged for flute orchestra, but he did it! Fred was one-of-a-kind. He will be sorely missed in Flutesonic, but he will always be with us through his wonderful music.
Lisa Norton / Flutesonic Alto Flute & SOA Flute Orchestra Member
Fred was obviously an extremely gifted musician. His jazz chops were incredible. He truly had a heart and soul for any good melody. In the last few years, there seemed to be a fire lit under him in generating outstanding arrangements and original compositions. I recall mentioning to him that while visiting Las Vegas I saw the Beatles “Love” Cirque show and the Bellagio water show where “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” was the unforgettable theme song. Amazingly enough, at our very next Flutesonic rehearsal, Fred shows with his new arrangement of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Unbelievable – so amazing with his talents and kind and generous spirit. I feel extremely blessed to have been in his company and miss him dearly.
Susan Anderson / Flutesonic & SOA Flute Orchestra Member
Fred was extremely talented as an educator, performer in both classical and jazz, arranger / composer; it was a thrill to play his gorgeous arrangements for Flute Sonic. What a gift he has left behind. And I am grateful that he got me started on my jazz journey from classical training to jazz improvising. He always had enthusiasm, encouragement, and teaching methods to get me to the next step leaving me inspired and anxious to listen and practice more.
However, what I most respected and loved about him, was how approachable and kind he was. He had a beautiful, compassionate, generous spirit that shown through all his actions in life. He was an extraordinary human being.
Fred impacted my life in many ways, and he will be sorely missed. I am so glad our paths crossed in this life. See you on the other side.
Lynda Harman / Jazz Flute Student of Fred’s & Flutesonic Member
I lead a rock band (Brass Roots Initiative) that was missing our tenor sax player for a rehearsal about a year ago. Sue said I should ask Fred. Well I did and, of course, he agreed to help us out. He came to West Hills, and sat in with our rock band for over 2 hours. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was maybe the best tenor sax playing I’ve ever heard. I’m not sure if horn-rock was his favorite genre, but he fit in perfectly.
I will always remember Fred’s generosity as well as his enormous musical talent in helping out with my band that night.
Greg Anderson / lead trumpet & husband to Sue
For several years I was fortunate to play Fred’s beautiful compositions and incredible arrangements in Flutesonic. That he actually transcribed Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring for us was amazing. Then he gave us the gift of transcribing one of my all-time favorites for our group–Copland’s Appalachian Spring. I hold Fred very tightly in my heart, especially when playing his achingly beautiful transcription of Appalachian Spring. Fred, I play this one in hopes it reaches you as you play your inspired tunes to grateful dancing angels.
Navelle Kelso / Flutesonic Member
I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing with Fred in both the Flute Sonic Orchestra and the Song of the Angels Flute Orchestra for many years. Fred was such a great support when I asked him to help me cross over from playing classical to the styles jazz and blues without sounding “nerdy”. His wonderful arrangements and original compositions are such a joy to play and bring smiles to the audience faces (us musicians as well!). When I hear jazz music on the radio, it brings warm memories of Fred and his luscious jazz solos!!
Debbie MacMurray / Flutesonic & SOA Flute Orchestra Member
I feel so privileged to have been able to play alongside Fred in Flutesonic since its inception over eight years ago, as well as occasionally in SOA. He was an incredible musician as well as such a kind and fun person. I‘m impressed with how much jazz stylings and rhythms seemed ingrained into his system and how well he was able to teach it to us, while also being comfortable to play in many other musical styles, including classical.
A gifted composer, Fred also truly seemed to enjoy challenging himself to create his impressive arrangements of the most daunting orchestral works (such as The Rite of Spring, Concerto for Orchestra, and Appalachian Spring). And, he usually made them very quickly in the wee hours of the night, then thirsted for even more to do. I’m pleased that I was able to throw a few occasional suggestions of new pieces his way with which he amazingly came through with great results.
“One day, you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you always wanted to do. Do them now.” (Brazilian writer and lyricist, Paulo Coelho)
Fred, thank you for doing those things now. Just as we’re all extremely blessed to have known you, we’re indeed so fortunate for the gift of your many wonderful performances and the amazing output of compositions and arrangements that you have created for us over the years, especially recently.
Rest In Peace, my friend. We will miss you!
Roger Greene / Flutesonic & ocassional SOA Flute Orchestra Keyboardist & Contrabass Clarinetist
I met Fred when I joined Flutesonic orchestra. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him in the alto section. We would sometimes share a joke or two. I fondly remember his laugh and that twinkle in his eye. It was fun playing his jazz tunes and feeling like a “jazz” player. It amazes me that Fred could arrange classical music equally as well as jazz and pop tunes. He went through a time of incredible creativity and gave us many great arrangements that will live on. I will miss you Fred. You were one of a kind.
Katrina Curdy / Flutesonic Member
I feel deeply honored to have known Fred Selden. Most of all, I’m so grateful that I had a very long talk with him a few months ago, not knowing it would be the last time I would ever speak to him. The conversation was deep and meaningful, because that’s who Fred was. But it was especially profound since he had been recently facing his mortality. I learned so much just from that talk.
One thing I know about Fred is that he of all people had what you would call a good death — a spiritually conscious death. I’m sure he used his passing as a consciousness-raising opportunity, and the thought of that comforts me. The problem is, he left us all behind, and that’s what really hurts. The world is a poorer place without him. And the music world has lost one of the richest contributors to its coffers. It’s nothing less than tragic.
RIP, dear Fred. “May hosts of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Susan Craig Winsberg / Flutesonic Member
“Make sure you pick him by 3 this afternoon,” said Gussie Selden, Fred’s mother. It was 1958 and I was a junior at Van Nuys High School. Fred was 13 and still in junior high school.
Two friends of mine were trying to put together a combo. I played guitar and vocals. We also had a piano player and a drummer. We were looking for a horn. We already had played one gig so obviously we were experienced musicians. Fred auditioned playing “Skokiaan” and we knew we had our “man.”
Musicians were always changing but Fred and I stayed together with the Tempos for 28 years. Fred got heavy into studio work and I did a lot of children’s TV.
Over the years so many amazing players filtered through our band. Two of my favorites were Jim Gordon (drums) and Mincho Levies (piano). I never stopped learning from them.
After living together for so much of our lives, I just can’t get my head around the fact that he suddenly left so quickly.
My memories will never stop playing in my mind. Good bye dear friend.
Love, Corky
Corky Greene / Close Friend of Fred’s (from the age of 13 years)
I was a practicing dentist in Van Nuys, from 1962 to 1995. Fred was a patient of mine and I was a flute pupil of his. I really liked Fred, to say the least. I moved to Santa FE NM in 1995 and have been out of touch since then. His name just popped into my mind and I started a search for him which just ended when I found out of his passing.
In my experience of him, he was a good friend and a great flute teacher. I am dis heartened by his passing. He was a GOOD PERSON.
Howard H. Bleicher / Fred’s Dentist and Flute Student
I grew up in Long Beach. Fred was 5 years older than me. I took to music early as my mother forced me to take accordion lessons when I was 8.I graduated to 5 string banjo…and then quickly to bass guitar.
I saw Fred as my hero. His mom, Gussie, was the matriarch of the family. I loved Aunt Gussie dearly.My mom died in 1968 from Crohn’s.
Fred quickly hooked me up with bass lessons with Carol Kaye.He invited me to events and gatherings to help me cope. I had zero coping skills.
When I was 24, I traveled to England and cleared the room of bassists in an audition and got a gig playing with a Brit prog band.A couple years later, I returned home, and I couldn’t wait to show off albums I recorded with the band. And…to tell him some of the outrageous stories that were the life of sex, drugs, and rock n roll.I hadn’t gotten two sentences in when Fred stopped me, with a wave of his hand, and said to me, “Yeah, there are a million road stories.”I was crushed.
He then said, “Do you want to practice over and over again with a rock band…or do you want to be a real musician?”I had to think about that for a while.
I chose to open my own recording studio in Long Beach which did very well. I had side projects and one was “Whatever Happened to Eddie?”Butch “Eddie Munster” was my foil. I put the whole project together and named the fake band, Eddie and the Monsters. I got a license from Universal to use the theme from the show.I wrote, produced, and directed the very low budget 1983 music video. 2 minutes long. It’s on YouTube.I got Fred to come down to Long Beach and do the coolest sax solo for the single.
I stayed in touch with Fred for the rest of his life.He was my Yoda. Always told me the truth.I could add so many funny stories, but like Fred said, there are a million road stories.
The photo is Fred’s mom and dad standing to the right of my mom and dad…circa 1965. My mom is the blonde and my dad is the tall guy.
Phillip Kohn / Fred’s Second Cousin
Fred was a second cousin of mine. I lived with him and his family in North Hollywood in the late 50’s for several months. He was a teenager then and already showing lots of promise with his instrumental skills.
I am wishing Fred’s wife and son and his family my deep condolences. All the good ones are passing – I am 88 now.
Felice Tanenbaum / Fred’s Second Cousin (submitted 5/25/23)
I was designing the remodel of the house next door and he visited the project and asked me to come to his home to discuss design ideas for both his pool and other areas of his home. I wasn’t aware of how famous he was, but immediately became aware after seeing all the accolades in his home.
From the very introduction I felt accepted and welcome by Fred. You see I was a young unknown Black designer that was fortunate to land a very prestigious commision next door and he welcomed me into his home as an old found friend. Such a gracious host and down to earth. I saw this in him as he gave me the tour and introduced me to his wife and laughed at my poor attempt to use my high school french to speak to her. There was always a gleam in his eye as we discussed ideas. I think it was just the idea of creating that shined through his presence and made him happy and warmed anyone near him that appreciated artistry. I still enjoy telling the story of him showing me the swing he made that dangled beneath the pool deck and over the steep embankment and him laughing at me as I turned down nervously his invitation to try it. Missed, but not forgotten.
Michael Powell / MICA Home Designs, ETC LLC
With appreciation to Dylan Selden for his recording assistance on October 2021.
