ANDOVER, Mass. — Hawk Henries, flute maker and storyteller from the Nipmuck nation, will present "Finding Peace Through Music" at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the Timken Room, Graves Hall. All ages are welcome to attend. The evening is presented through a grant from the Abbot Academy Association.

In a time of conflict and change, Henries offers a message of hope through his music and sage advice. He is a moving storyteller, educator, flute player and humorist; he teaches as he plays, about joy, diversity and struggle.

Henries was raised in Rhode Island, unaware of his Native American heritage until he was 17 and met his father for the first time. He is a self-taught flute maker and performer and didn’t take up music until he was 32. One of the last to make flutes entirely by hand, Henries makes flutes out of a single piece of wood using only hand tools and fire. His flutes are noted for the intricately carved blocks lashed to the body of the flute near the sound hole.

"Flutes are a way to express ideas which words cannot articulate. Music clears the mind of mental chatter. It allows a person to relax—into a state of mind to see and feel a connection to your neighbor," he says.

Henries uses his flute to stimulate dialogue. "The flutes are different colors and different shapes, but each has a voice, and each voice is important. Just like people ... The music I play serves a sacred purpose of healing. Without exaggeration, I feel music is what peace is, unique in its ability to transmit energy into the worlds of others," he says.