About the instructors

Deitz Peters: I was born in Dallas, Oregon and I’m a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. I am Kalapuya, Rouge River, and Umpqua. My given name is Cosa Tance, meaning “Sky Dancer”. My English name is Deitrich David Peters. I was given both my grandfather’s middle names. I grew up in Oregon and love to travel to as many cultural events as I can. I love my culture and traditions – making things with my hands, working with feathers, beadwork, traditional dancing, storytelling and of course my all-time favorite, flute playing. I have learned these many things from our elders, or have been gifted these things by the Creator.

Shane Oglesbee: I have been an auto mechanic for more than 20 years. I started building flutes 2 years ago when I met John Laverty. I loved the sound of his flute so much he sat me down and taught me to play the pentatonic scale on the flute. He loaned me a flute that I played and played. I had to know how they were made so John explained the basics and off I went to make flutes. My grandchildren also wanted to play so I came up with my own design and gave it to my grandson. He put it through the durability test, and it passed!

Nicholas Emerson: Nicholas is a YMP instructor. He teaches music production, songwriting and composition, guitar, ukulele, bass. He is a descendant of the Colville band of the Nez Perce tribe from Northern Washington. His dad, Steve Emerson, is a hobby woodworker and flute player.