Flute

The flute is one of the oldest and most widely used wind instruments in the woodwind family. The precursors of the modern concert flute were keyless wooden transverse (side-blown) flutes similar to modern fifes. These were later modified to include between one and eight keys for chromatic notes. Most western concert flutes are commonly made of metal, but some professional models are still made with wood. A musician who plays the flute is either called a flutist, flautist, or flute player.

The western concert flute is used in many ensembles, including concert bands, military bands, marching bands, orchestras, flute ensembles, and occasionally jazz bands and big bands. Another flute family member that you see in many of these ensembles is the piccolo, which is smaller and plays an octave higher.