Flute

The flute is a member of the woodwind family that produces sound when air is directed across the embouchure hole, creating vibrations within its tubular body. It’s known for its clear, bright tone and agile playing style. Flutes are common in concert bands, orchestras, and chamber groups, often carrying melodies or light decorative passages. Variations include the standard concert flute and occasionally the alto or bass flute for deeper tones.

Our flute section is a consistent spark of brightness in every concert, weaving light melodies and sparkling runs that bring energy and grace to the music.

Western Concert Flute Family (High to Low)

• Piccolo: The smallest and highest-pitched member, playing an octave above the concert flute.

• Treble Flute: A higher-pitched instrument used in some modern contexts.

• Soprano Flute: Another higher-pitched option, sometimes used in ensembles.

• Concert Flute (C Flute): The standard and most widely recognized flute in orchestras and bands.

• Flûte d’amour: Also called the tenor flute, pitched at or slightly below the concert flute.

• Alto Flute: Pitched a perfect fourth below the concert flute, producing a mellow sound.

• Bass Flute: Pitched an octave below the concert flute.

• Contra-Alto Flute: A large, lower-pitched instrument, pitched a perfect fourth below the bass flute.

• Contrabass Flute (Octobass Flute): Pitched an octave below the bass flute.

• Subcontrabass Flute (Double Contra-Alto Flute): Lower in pitch than the contrabass flute.

• Double Contrabass Flute (Octocontrabass Flute): The lowest member, pitched below the subcontrabass.

• Hyperbass Flute: Extends the lower range even further; the lowest-pitched flute.

Other Flutes

• Native American Flute: A distinct cultural flute with a unique sound.

• Irish Flute: A traditional wooden flute used in Celtic music.

• Bansuri: A bamboo flute used in Indian classical music.

• Dizi: A transverse bamboo flute from China.