Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2013
14
IN GENERAL:
•
Thumb
should be
on the
B-flat
side if key
signature has
1-5 flats
.
•
Thumb
should be
on the
B-natural
side
if key signature doesn’t
have flats (or if the key
sig. has 6+ flats.)
• I actually use
Thumb Bb
and
Lever Bb
MUCH more frequently
than
1&1 Bb
!!!
INTONATION
CHECK FIRST:
1. Is the flute in good mechanical condition?
2. Is the headjoint cork nice and tight and
in the right spot?
3. Is the headjoint lined up correctly?
TUNING:
1. Double check the cork setting.
2. Start with the headjoint pulled out about a
nickel’s thickness. (Pull out further for most “step-up”
flutes which usually need to be pulled 2-3 times as far.
This applies to all A-442 instruments.)
3. DO NOT TUNE BY ROLLING IN/ROLLING OUT
or MOVING HEAD UP and DOWN!!!! This is the last
resort!!!!...Instead, blow more down INTO the hole (to
lower the pitch) or blow more across the hole (to raise
the pitch.) (Aim by using upper lip & moving the jaw.)
NEVER, ever, EVER MOVE THE CORK IN THE
HEADJOINT TO FIX PITCH PROBLEMS!!! This is
treating the symptom, not the disease. Also, BE VERY
WARY OF PULLING HEADJOINT TOO FAR!!! You
will change the scale of the flute (again…you’re
treating the symptom, not the disease). (Work on tone
production problems instead!)
Flute placement on lip really, REALLY affects tone
and intonation—the lower the better! Practice with
a tuner, but be sure to play a good sound, in tune…
not an in-tune, bad sound. If the flute is in good
mechanical shape (no leaks, tight headjoint corks),
and the headjoint is pulled-out properly and lined-up
correctly: “In Tone=In Tune”.
NATURAL PITCH TENDENCIES:
• Low register (low G-low C/B) – tends to be FLAT
• Middle C# – tends to be SHARP (learn to play in
tune by adjusting the embouchure...adding right hand
is a crutch)
• High register (E-flat-High C) – tends to be SHARP
MAINTENANCE
Unlike many other instruments, the flute is best
maintained without any special oils, powders, salves,
polishing cloths, etc. To clean inside I prefer a
handkerchief (or other lint-free cloth) and the cleaning
rod. To clean outside a clean, damp cloth is best (just
barely wet with water—alcohol works well, too.) Fancy
silver polishes aren’t necessary. Liquid silver polish is
NOT GOOD! Residue may gunk up mechanism and/
or damage pads.
HEADJOINT TIPS:
(Once a month or so…)
• Clean embouchure hole w/toothpaste and a Q-tip.
• Rinse headjoint well with water (you may clean
with a mild dish detergent.)
• Soak headjoint overnight in a sink full of water
(Actually—only do this
in case of emergency
…it’s
MUCH better to replace the cork regularly…I know it
sounds crazy, but it’s a “band-aid” if the cork is loose
and you can’t get it in to the repair shop.)
Flute is Not a Four Letter Word