I'm not sure what to write on this blog, but I'm going to start off by saying that I have never been more excited for a school project. For this 20-Time project I have selected learning how to play the flute; I am a cellist and I've always wondered what it would be like to play a band instrument (plus the flute is so pretty). This idea was the first thing that came to mind and I was ready to get started right away. Also along with learning how to play this instrument, I get to teach a friend, Emily, how to play the cello while she helps me with my flute!
       The flute that I have in my possession right now is a school flute, courtesy of Mr. Derees. When I got my first glimpse of the flute up close it just looked like metal stick with a bunch of complicated keys covering it. I just thought to myself, "What have I gotten myself into?" But I am determined to learn. The catch about the flute is that you have to blow into it a certain way and I'm foreign to this idea because all i do is place a bow across the strings of my cello. I was told that you have to blow over it like you're blowing on a hot cup of coffee, you can't puff up your cheeks, you have to hold the flute a certain way on your lips, etc. My first attempts at trying to make a sound out of this strange object were not so pleasant to the ear; it either wouldn't make a sound or it would make this muffled, high- pitched noise.
       With the failure of even producing a sound out of the instrument, it pushed me to practice until I figured it out. I went home and practiced for hours trying to just make a few good sounding notes...which didn't go too well. My little brother even told me I was the worst flute player on the planet, which probably wasn't an incorrect accusation. I finally could play a few notes after practicing for about three hours. Every day from then on, I've practiced at least once a day trying to learn basic songs like "Mary had a Little Lamb" and such. As of right now, I can officially play nine notes! Pretty impressive if I do say so myself ;)
        My plan as of now is to keep practicing, getting help from Emily and my mother (who used to play the flute), and to just have fun with this. So far, I've been driven to try and do my best at learning how to play. I'll be keeping this blog updated with my progress and I hope to be able to play a beginners level song-in tune- by the end of the semester.