- The most basic flute is a cylinder of wood, bamboo or metal that is open on both ends. It contains several holes throughout the length of the cylinder that can be covered in various combinations to create different sounds. The material, length and circumference of the cylinder all contribute to the pitch and tone of the instrument, with shorter, thinner flutes making a higher noise and longer, wider flutes producing deeper tones. Some varieties of the flute, such as the recorder, have a pointed and curved mouthpiece, or have several cylinders attached like the pan-pipe.
- Flutes can be traced in history back almost 40,000 years with some of the earliest rudimentary flutes being made of animal bones and tusks. Flutes have appeared in Hebrew records dating to the time of Jesus, and there is also an indication that royalty in China was using the "chi" flute about 9,000 years ago. Caravan routes likely brought the flute to Greece, where it was used extensively starting in the 7th century B.C. From there, the flute was brought to cities across Europe, and appeared in its most common Western variation--metal--starting in Ireland during the Middle Ages.
- A flute makes noise when air is passed over a small hole in the side of the cylinder. To do this correctly, a flute player must tighten her lips and wrap them gently around the surface of her front teeth while blowing across the hole. The air resonates in the space of the cylinder and can be altered by closing or opening the holes along the side of the cylinder. A burst of air will create a sharp-pitched shrieking sound, while consistent air flow will produce the smooth sound most desired.
- While flutes have always been popular in concert and orchestral arrangements, they have recently gained popularity among modern composers like James Newton Howard and James Horner, who have featured strong flute variations in some of their most popular film soundtracks.
- There are many different variations of flutes found throughout the world; however, not all wind instruments can be called flutes. Other popular wind instruments, such as the oboe, bassoon, horn and clarinet, have similar properties, yet differ greatly from the flute in terms of sound, shape and pitch range.
