The flute requires very few supplies:

• A swab - for swabbing moisture out of the instrument after playing.

• Very small flat head screwdriver - for tightening screws

• Tradition of Excellence Flute Book 1

• Case tag

They sell "pad savers" for flutes (fuzzy sticks that are left in the flute when not in use) that are supposed to serve the same function as swabs. DO NOT use these; they actually accelerate the deterioration of the pads on the flute. Pads are the parts on the bottom of the keys that create a seal when the button is shut.

Students should have a name tag or their name on their case.

Flute flip folder

Flute students in 7th grade and up will need to purchase a flip folder that looks like the above picture. There are a few variations on this flip folder out there; they are not recommended. This set up is the best way for flutes to read music while marching. The link below is for Amazon, but you can find these flip folders at any music store.

upgraded supplies

Flute stand - instrument stands are really nice to have when going back and forth between playing your instrument and something else that requires both hands (writing on music, looking through music, etc). This is a safe way for a student to set their instrument down without the danger of forgetting it's on the chair or bed and sitting on it. The model linked below is extra convenient because it folds up to about the size of a marker.

Many flute players also double on piccolo, which is a whole other instrument with its own considerations, however the following piccolos are good instruments to use in marching and pep band. If a student was looking for a piccolo in a concert setting, they should consider wood body piccolos.

Flute is one of the instruments students can start band on. It has some things in common with recorder (which all 4th graders learn how to play with Mrs. McGill), and it is a smaller instrument (easy to handle and transport).

Mrs. Topp hosts a try out night at SES each spring for 4th graders to try each of the different starter band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion). All students are STRONGLY encouraged to try all of these instruments before making a definite decision.

A person's success on an instrument is largely influenced by the effort and time that is dedicated to learning and practicing the instrument. However, there are some physical characteristics that can make playing the flute easier. Click on the link below to read more.

what flute should i buy?

Best: Yamaha, Trevor James, Pearl, Azumi

Good: Artley, Jupiter, Bundy, Selmer, Gemeinhardt

Avoid: Mendini, Eastar, Eastrock, Glory, Jean Paul, Kaiser, Cecilio, Lazarro

Beginning band students do not need new or professional instruments; they need an instrument that can take a few hits and will still play well.

There are a lot of brands lurking, especially on Amazon, that seem to be very economical and convenient, but after the first month or two, they start to exhibit chronic problems (see colorful flutes in photo above). Many Amazon brands are not built to industry standards, so replacement parts can be difficult to find or materials are so inferior they can't be repaired. It is strongly recommended that you stick to the following brands: Trevor James, Emerson, Yamaha, DiZhao, Pearl, Gemeinhardt, Artley, Prelude, Bundy, and Jupiter.

Once a student has made it past the first 2 or 3 years of band and knows that playing an instrument is something that's really important to them, then you should consider investing in a better instrument. Click on the following link for more detailed information.