I am in 7th grade and in orchestra i have a flute ( I don't know how to play it though) my band teacher...

Question

is going to kill me since i am in Orchestra i know all the time signatures, beats, rests measure, the list could go on and on but i don't know the fingering chart and how to play the notes.... I am expected to know the notes and how they work... In 6th grade we started band and in the beginning i played the clarinet and i got bored with that so i switched to flute and my band teacher agreed because we didn't have alot of flute players.. It is not an option to quit because we have paided for it.... My parents don't know that i am writing this right now and they do not know that their daughter does not know how to play a flute...Give me some advice because when ever i think about my flute or my band teacher name i am about to puke!!

My mom was glad that i started it on day 1 but as it progressed they didn't buy me the stuff that i needed... books, lessons accesories... my dad asked me if i played the clarinet still that was like a year ago and he stills does not notice. I asked my mom the book that i needed i also gave her the description, ( blue line, essintial elements spelled wrong) and guess what she got me a violin book.... :(:( very sad and she said that she would return the book that was like a month ago and she still has not returned it UNBELIEVEABLE!

Answer 1

Here is a flute fingering chart, I hope this helps.
http://www.markshep.com/flute/Fingers.html
Here is a site may that help you learn to play the flute.
http://www.fluteland.com/Online_Flute_Lessons.php
Here is another site that may help you.
http://www.ehow.com/how_904_play-flute.html

Answer 2

Do you have a fingering chart? Just sit with that and figure out the fingerings.

Especially if you played clarinet and got bored with it, you should be able to pick up flute fingerings pretty easy. Both instruments have the same general principle behind fingerings (although they aren't exactly the same).

And if you're strong when it comes to music theory, then picking up fingerings also shouldn't be hard, for you can figure out what note should come next and apply that.

You could start by finding a group of notes that are easy to play in succession, just by lifting up or putting down a finger. Memorize what note you start on by doing so, and what note you go to by doing so. Once you have that pattern figured out, try applying it in the context of a scale. Then learn other scales, memorizing the changes in fingerings as you go on.

Also good; play easy easy pieces. Like in band books and stuff. They'll often start with simple melodies using notes and fingerings that are easy to produce. By applying the notes in context, this makes it easier to remember.

In the end; take this step slowly and patiently, and don't overwhelm yourself. Don't think 'Oh I need to learn all the notes and all the fingerings'. Start by thinking 'Okay, I'm going to learn the fingering for one note right now. Then later I'll learn the two around that note.'

If you're worried about actual sound production; DON'T blame yourself for that. This is where your teacher needs to help you out, and they should and will be able to assist. When I learnt flute, I had the hardest time in the world being able to get the notes to sound. But a teacher, even your band teacher, can help a lot with this. Don't be afraid to ask for help with this one; sound production is tough on any instrument, and that's what instructors are there for.

Patience and practise will keep you on the right track. You can do this!

Answer 3

Well, in my own opinion a flute is very similar to a clarinet, only turned to the side. It should be a little simpler because their arent as many buttons for ur pinkes and thumbs, but a really helpful book from when I was in middle school were the Musical Achievement book. They have plenty of exercise inside and come with a CD to let u kno what ur notes should be sounding like. Like someone said before me, practice on a water bottle. And get to know your flute section leader, they can definitely be helpful in teaching you technique and helping with your notes. And a tip from a marching floutist, if u put a pencil in your flute at the end it'll defintely help u prevent that whole lopsided flute thing

Answer 4

Take learning the flute one step at a time and set small goals for yourself. One night focus on one or two fingerings, and work on these until you know them really well. Eventually learn how to play through your C scale.

I know that you said you don't want to think about your band director, but I think you should talk to your band director. Explain your situation, he (or she) will be able to give you the books you need and could even give you lessons after or before school. It is a band director's job to help students and teach, your teacher might be frustrated at first because you have waited so long to ask for help, but you will get the help you need.

I can't think of someone better to help you learn your instrument. If you show that you are willing to work hard and learn what you need to there is no way your director can say no to a request for help. Working with a person is oftentimes easier than just relying on the book. :)

Answer 5

If you really want to play the flute, use the fingering charts online that others have given you the links to and practice like crazy. If you are friends with the other flute players in your orchestra, maybe they can help you. If you don't really want to play, quit...it doesn't matter how much was spent... just say it isn't a good fit and move on to something you will like better.

Answer 6

You need to discuss your problem with your band director. As a music teacher, I would advise that you first decide it you want to be in band. It does not sound like you are putting much effort into learning your new instrument. As for your mom getting the wrong book, you need to ask her everyday to go and get the right one. Parent sometimes get caught up in everyday responsibilities and often forget things. As for the person who told you to tell your band director to stuff it, I think that is a bad idea. Your director is the one person who should be able to help you. You have been given many good online resources, I would use them, get off my butt and start practicing and quit spending time on the internet in which you could be practicing.

Answer 7

Well I'm a freshman in band too. Well, I play trombone but my sister's been playing flute for about 5 years. From what I know from listening/watching her play is to make sure that your embouchure (the adjustment of your mouth) is correct to allow noise to come out of the flute. If you can make sound, all I can say is to a get a fingering chart from the sites people already recommended. :)

Answer 8

I'm sorry to say it like this, but you need to get off your butt and go WITH your mom to the music store. Trust me, from experience, I know EXACTLY what you're talking about and you'll never get anything done if you let your mother try to do everything for you. She's not the one who plays the flute, okay? She doesn't know what's going on and you need to help her as much as she is trying to help you. The next time you ask your mom for something at the music store, ask to go with her.

And as for your band director? Tell him to stuff it, because it is his job to teach you that instrument. If you needed help, you should have told him, yes, but he should also have been looking out for a young musician who first began this foreign instrument under his tutelage! When you go to the music store with your mother, then ask one of the salespersons for a flute fingering chart, okay? They should have it, but if they don't you can A) ask them to order one for you or B) look for one online.

Best of luck, but be more active in your studies! Ask your band director for help, find a private teacher, and explain things more thoroughly to your mother instead of getting upset with her when she walks into a completely foreign place and messes something up.

Answer 9

I am in 9th grade and i play trumpet, piano, partial tuba, and i am in the process of learning flute and before i even started playing on it i went over the fingerings over and over until they stuck in my head so now i know most of the fingerings but my advice is to spend at least 30min. a day after school and you may think that is silly because i thought that to when my 7th grade band teacher told me but i found that it helps and i went from a third trumpet to a first trumpet my 8th grade year. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

I know how it is. I can't play french horn at all but I can read music well. Just pratice and get some lessons and you will improve