In 1511 in the Middle Ages, the flute was thin with only six finger holes. In 1619 the flute is able to reach two octaves now. In 1670 Jean Hotteterre, made the flute into three pieces and added the first key which allowed an E-flat note. 1720 was when the middle joint was split into two adjustable pieces to allow different pitch. In 1722 the famous Quantz added a C sharp key and the tuning cork in the head joint. Through the years 1760 and 1774 several keys are added and taken away from the flute such as: B-flat, G-sharp, F were added and the C-sharp key was removed. In the early 1800’s the B-flat lever and the left hand lever were finally added. Glass flutes with up to seven keys were were popular in 1806 through 1844, but not much after that. Frederick Nolan connects the keys of the flute together in 1808. Between 1846 and 1847 Boehm gives the flute a new, cylindrical shape, modifies the embouchure, adds pads to the keyholes and makes the flute out of silver. He did all of this to improve the sound quality and make it light weight. In 1878 the final and most permanent modification to the flute was made, Theobald Boehm honed the model of what we know to be the modern flute. Boehm’s model, the concert flute or C flute, is the most widely used flute today.
The flute was originally designed to play classical music in orchestras and ensembles. It can also be found in some jazz bands and concert bands. Many flutes can also be solo instruments. James Galway is one of the most famous and world renowned solo flutist in modern times. With over 30 million records sold to date, he has made quite a name for himself. Galway has even had the privilege of performing in front of several dignitaries, world leaders and presidents, and he is still touring.
Matt Molloy started playing the Irish flute when he was just a young boy. At the age of only seventeen he won the All Ireland Flute Championship. He has ten solo albums and his own pub in Ireland where he performs.
Barbara Ann ‘Bobbi’ Humphrey in 1917, became the first female to sign a recording deal with Blue Note Records. Her unique style was what she was known for, jazz funk and soul jazz fusion. She toured all over different parts of the world for millions of people to see.
My favorite part about playing the flute is the sound is so soft and pretty. It can sound elegant, whimsical, cheerful and even sorrowful. The flute can be played to show so many different emotions and they all sound beautiful. Another great thing about the flute is that its small lightweight and can fit in my backpack or locker.
For the future I plan on playing in the pep band they have in college just so I do not lose what I have already worked up to. I am not sure if I will join a band club or not but I guess we will see.
