The video shows Jessie Oyenuba 6th Class 2013-2014 interviewed and performing in Senior Orchestra in the programme “Meet The Orchestra” recorded in May 2013 and aired on RTE Junior in September 2013

The flute is a member of the woodwind family and is made of metal. In order to produce a tone on the flute, the player blows across the tone hole of the mouthpiece, allowing the air to split at the far edge of the hole. That creates a whistle sound. It uses the same principle as a whistle or blowing across a bottle. In all cases the air splits to create a sound. Aiming a thin air stream at the edge of the hole to make a sound can be a bit challenging at first but it gets much easier with time and practice.

The flute is played parallel to the ground on the right side of the musician. The arms must be long enough to reach the keys comfortably. Most eight to ten year old students have enough arm length to reach the keys.

As with other instruments, there are several sizes of flutes available. None of the alternate sizes are appropriate for beginners. Advanced flute players tend to perform on the standard soprano flute as their primary instrument but they may also specialize in the piccolo or one of the larger flutes as an alternate instrument. The piccolo is a smaller version of the flute and is popular in band and orchestras. Other sizes include the alto and bass flute. These larger instruments are quite rare and only used in special circumstances.

The flute is one of the more popular instrument which means it’s also more competitive. The good news is that the flute is used in many different musical genres, a flautist has the opportunity to perform in bands, symphony orchestras, some jazz groups and small instrumental groups. The flute also works well as a solo instrument.

St Canice’s flautists perform in the Junior orchestra, Senior orchestra and Jazz band and may also get together with fellow woodwind, string or brass players to form smaller performing groups.

All instruments have limited availability and will be distributed for hire on a first come first served basis. Flutes are available for hire for two years. Lesson costs depend on the size of the group being taught and can alter annually. Please ask for further details.