I know there are a few sax players in here (myself being one of them), and I was wondering if anyone plays the flute as a double, or even as a primary instrument.

I want to learn how to play, because I have been inspired by stuff like Antigua Blue and Exotic Isle by Kilauea, Moe Koffman, and some other stuff like Dave Valentin on the CJP. I have a flute now; I'm borrowing my friend's, since she doesn't have time to play at all. I have tried for maybe 10 minutes once to play flute, and I couldn't get a sound out. Can anyone help me get started?

------------------
Mike Chase
mike_intel@hotmail.com
My Home

One time in college we played a Basie chart that had flute parts written for all the sax players. Flute, sax - more or less the same fingerings, totally different embouchure, attack and breath control. Basically we could all play for about 6 seconds before we felt like we were going to pass out.

So the big night comes and everything goes pretty well, until the music department tells us that nobody could hear us playing. So the next concert we all had mic stands planted in front of us. Nowhere to hide anymore. It was fun!

Rob

Flute player here - I've been playing for over 25 years - yikes! - has it been that long? I'm in a local community concert band and I've " giged" with choir groups.

Remember the old " pop ' bottles - even a water bottle will work - try directing the air by changing your lip formation: across and down into the bottle. The air flow goes over the mouth piece -direction of the air goes down toward your chin not out like you would blow up a balloon. It's all in the lip formation - not like whistling- in fact - I've been playing so long I REALLY cannot whistle - honest!

Try with just the mouth piece alone.

Yes, you get dizzy at first - but as they say practice , practice. Breath support is like any instrument- deep lung support - AND, we haven't even started getting the tongue working to articulate the air movement.

Let me know how it goes. Hope this helps.
Good Luck,
Cheryl

The only thing that I have managed to learn to play is my stereo. I often have a bit of envy for those who do play and especially those who have the talent to create new music. Keep it up gang!

Cheryl - That all sounded way too erotic. LOL!

Steve, you are TOO FUNNY!!!!!!! Cheryl is a good bud of mine....I will have to direct her to your comment to give her spirits a lift this week....LOL!

------------------
Anita Bonita

Steve H - LOL - Gosh, and I wasn't EVEN trying - hummm, -

lesson 2 : " fingering" for flute -

now, I AM being bad - LOL !!

Hi Anita Girlfriend,
TOO FUNNY is right!! I needed a perk!!
- I'm laughing - see
- Cheryl

I'm still having trouble getting a sound. Cheryl, is there any way you can better describe the position I make with my lips, and where to put my mouth on the flute? Thanks!

------------------
Mike Chase
mjchase@uwaterloo.ca

- Mike,

I'm laughing - LOL : see

Sounds likes someone needs private lessons.

-Cheryl

Someone has no $$ for private lessons. It's all good though; I'll just keep trying...

------------------
Mike Chase
mjchase@uwaterloo.ca