The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments in history. It originated somewhere in Central Asia. Some of the earliest evidence of the flute dates back to 200 B.C. Today, the flute is played in bands, orchestras, woodwind quintets, chamber ensembles, and jazz bands. Flutes are typically made of silver or silver alloy. Flutes are part of the woodwind family. Some famous flutists are Emmanuel Pahud, Jeanne Baxtresser, James Galway, Robert Langevin, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.