Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-05-06 00:35
My perception is that flute players readily double well on reeds, often self-taught, but it is only rarely that a reed player adapts to good flute doubling.
Compared with sax, which almost never goes above the third F in pit music), the flute music spends a great deal of time in the third octave where fingering is strange and takes a lot of practice. But fingering is not the main challenge.
The big challenge is to get control of pitch and volume while maintaining a good tone. This needs real dedication, and probably some quality guidance. On-going compensations need to be made on flute because pitch rises dramatically with volume, especially in the third octave, unless the embouchure controls it. [Most reed players know the problems created by flutes playing sharp!] Unless the player is pretty accomplished, his embouchure is not versatile enough to make these corrections.
Pit playing is especially demanding because the player is often expected to play softer in the top octave than a solo, orchestral or band player normally does. Playing quietly, in tune, pleasantly, in the top octave on a flute is more difficult than most things a sax player will ever do. And a flute player has to do it often.
Another issue is acquiring an embouchure that is economical in its use of air. Without this, far too many breaths are needed and acceptable phrasing is impossible.
It is very common for a doubler on a second flute part to wreck a beautiful flute 'moment' being created by an accomplished flute player on the first flute part. It is not just a matter of fingering and blowing. The sound must be in tune and beautiful; otherwise the second flute part does not add but detracts from the total effect, often used in the most emotionally sensitive times during a show.
Be prepared to put in a LOT of work, as if the flute were your primary instrument. There are no short cuts. Of all the common doubling changes, from clarinet to flute (and especially piccolo) seems to be the most challenging.
Good luck!
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