The flute is a unique member of the woodwind family because it has no reed, and it is made entirely out of metal. It is also the only wind instrument that is held straight out to the side instead of in front of the player. The flute can be seen performing solo, in flute choirs (with flutes of all sizes!), in woodwind quintets, in concert bands, in marching bands, in symphony orchestras, and even in the occasional jazz group. To produce a sound on the flute, one must blow across the hole rather than into it. This is much like making a sound on a pop bottle.
You might make a great flute player if:
You might make a great flute player if:
- You like high sounds
- You have very agile fingers
- You can make a good, focused sound on a pop bottle or the flute head joint
Check out this great video of James Galway Playing the flute!
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This is what a flute choir sounds like!
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Financial Information
Beginning students usually rent their first flutes. Flutes are a relatively inexpensive rental and require little to no ongoing expense. Flutists must take great care in assembling their instruments in order to avoid bending the keys or wearing out the pads. Flutes also need to be cleaned every time they are played with a flute rod (included) and a handkerchief (purchased separately). Flutists may choose to upgrade to a more advanced model around 8th or 9th grade. More advanced flutes have open tone holes and lip plates or head joints made out of different metals to help create a more characteristic flute tone across all registers. Flutes should be take to a repair shop about once per year for routine maintenance, cleaning, and adjusting.