Flute Presentation

Question 1

Assembly

Answer 1

-open your instrument case on a flat surface.
-hold the body of the flute where there are no keys and gently Twist the head joint into place
-lineup the tone hole in the head joint so that the keys on the body
-Gently twist the foot joint into place
-the keys on the foot joint should line up with the rod on the body
-always return the flute to the case when you finish playing

Question 2

Names of Parts

Answer 2

-foot joint
-middle joint
-head joint
-head joint cork
-keys
-rod

Question 3

History

Answer 3

-The early history of the flute is largely unknown but many agree that is one of the oldest musical instruments and that it originated somewhere in Central Asia
-The first evidence of a flute dates back to 200 BC and it eventually found its way to Germany.
-at the time it’s most popular usage was for military music
-The flute only had Tone Holes without keys until the late 1600s when the Baroque flute was invented
-In 1847, Theobald Bohem redesigned it
-This consisted of two steps
a key system was added and each hole was placed so that each note would have the same tone quality
-this is called the Boehm system and has remained unchanged since

Question 4

How to Play

Answer 4

-Sit up straight on the edge of your chair
-make a C with your left-hand so you create a shelf to rest the flute
-place your left-thumb on the straight
-key place your right hand on the right side of the Flute
-curve your fingers on both hands -You’re elbows should be pointing away from your body
-the flute should be pointing slightly down
-place the head joint on your chin
-take a full breath of air to play a long steady note

Question 5

Tuning

Answer 5

-If you are sharp pull the head out to lower the pitch
-If you are flat push the head in to raise the pitch
-tuning can also be affected by your posture and breath control

Question 6

Care and Maintenance

Answer 6

-After playing your flute dry the inside of the soft cloth over cleaning Rod
-shake the water out of the head joint and wipe the joints clean
-wipe the outside of the flute with a soft cloth and carefully put away all parts of your food in your case
-Once a month wash the head joint in warm soapy water
-twice a year use a thin key oil on all key joints and posts
-do not chew gum or candy before playing