| The flute is a woodwind instrument that is still widely | | | | when the air flow is constant. That may sound easier |
| popular even though it has been around for hundreds | | | | than it actually is, but practice will strengthen the |
| of years. The flute is the highest pitched instrument in | | | | diaphragm and thus lead to loud clear tones. |
| most bands (especially beginner ones, as the piccolo is | | | | Most flutes people will encounter are the transverse |
| not always used), and it is made of metal. Unlike the | | | | flutes - these are the flutes that are side blown. |
| other members of the woodwind family (the clarinet, | | | | Transverse flutes can accommodate each individuals |
| the saxophone, etc) the flute does not utilize reeds. | | | | arm length, which is important to ensure all proper |
| Rather, the sound is produced by pushing air through | | | | fingerings can be achieved. Other flutes include Pan |
| the cylindrical instrument. | | | | Flutes (as depicted in Greek mythology, most |
| The proto-flute has been around for thousands of | | | | famously), Ocarina, Xaio, Indian Bamboo Flute, Bass |
| years - archeologists unearth bones with holes in them | | | | flute, and the list goes on and on. On the professional |
| can be played very similar to a flute all the time. As of | | | | level, virtually all flautists play "open hole" flutes, which in |
| writing this article, every civilization past and present | | | | appearance are like beginning transverse flutes, but |
| has some instrument that resembles a flute; yet the | | | | are much harder to play. |
| flute as we know it is a relatively modern invention. | | | | Flutes are common in beginner bands, high school |
| The final product, the flute still used today in beginner | | | | bands, and university level bands. However, the flute is |
| bands to professional orchestras, was created only a | | | | still used in the military, orchestras, symphonies, jazz |
| couple hundred years ago. | | | | ensembles, rock bands, woodwind ensembles...the list is |
| Flutes are deceptive in their appearance - although the | | | | endless. Interestingly enough, the flute is enjoying a |
| flute can be very easy to play once you get the hang | | | | resurgence in popular music, for its' tones can add just |
| of it, they can be very tricky in the initial learning stages. | | | | the right amount of pizzazz to any music. |
| Sound is created by pursing the lips, blowing into a hole, | | | | If you are considering playing a flute, there are |
| and the new wind stream (introduced by the breath) | | | | innumerable flutes instructors all over the country. |
| bounces around and interacts with the air already in | | | | Once you learn the basic fingerings and how to read |
| the cylinder. Specific notes then correspond to | | | | music, there is ample sheet music, spanning all music |
| whichever holes are opened or closed, which ultimately | | | | genres, designed specifically for flutes. With practice |
| lengthens or shortens the cylinder (or resonator, to be | | | | and a decent amount of dedication, you can be playing |
| more specific). A good, strong tone is only achieved | | | | this beautiful instrument in no time. |