|
Pictures above: First a side view of my Yamaha 674 flute, then it in it's case, and last is my Gemeinhardt 3shb. I also own a Gemeinhardt piccolo that I enjoy very much not pictured here. I've played the flute since I was 9 years old. I love it. It was my first choice instrument and when I couldn't blow across it to make a noise I started crying in 4th grade because I wanted to play it so bad. Not a spoiled brat just that was my only choice instrument. Luckily I was able to produce a sound and continued to play althrough my schooling from elementray through high school, college and still play in my college's community band. I took private lessons in high school that really helped out. Currently, and I suggest this to all flute players, I have been practicing with Trevor Wye's Practice books. I purchased a collectoin in one book from amazon.com for $27. Check it out. Flute is very fun to play and can produce a beautiful sound with practice. I am still trying to acheive a better tone quality. I know after I completed school I enjoyed it but was glad it was over. The only thing I miss was the band program. All the performances, band camp, marching band, (although I hated and loved it at the same time), and hanging out with fellow band members. That is why it's wonderful if you can find a community band in your area to play in. Some colleges have this. But others may have it in town halls.
Many schools in the USA have public school band programs to teach children how to play intstruments. I found in the north many start in 4th grade while in the south usually in 7th grade. Also the south seems to me more into marching band. Also at least in my school district in PA even if you were homeschooled arangements where made to let those students into the band program. Many kids in band due to the focus of learning and instrument incorporate this attitude to other subjects as well. All in all band programs are excellent way to get into learing and perfoming on an instrument of your choice. You do have to pay unfortunately for the instrument. Some programs have student models to borrow but only a couple. Many manufacturerers or music stores do offer discounts to rent instruments as well. That is how my parents helped my buy my first open hole flute. But milk it when your in school because when you're an adult there is no special for you in that department!
Favorite Peices: Bach, Mozart, Quantz concertos, Telleman's Sonat in C minor and Fantaisias, Star Wars, October for band, A Movement for Rosa for band, River dance, Honneger's Danse de la Chevre.....and many more! Oh and I enjoy lots of etutes especially Melodious and Progressive series.
Check out the NAME THAT SOUNDTRACK GAME on my site to hear more flute clips.
Yamaha Flutes
|
|
