I'm sorry --- I actually left the forum. But I had to say one last thing.

I think one of the most wonderful things about the flute is the "personality" that we all bring to it.

I think the flute is the most most personal of all instruments. You could line up "ten of the best clarinet players" for me to hear (no slam against clarinet players) --- but I would'nt be able to tell the difference.

In flute playing, it's quite different. Each flutist, including all members of this forum, brings a "different voice" to the instrument. And that's what I think is so wonderful.

If, however, you were to let me listen to ten different flute players, I could probably tell you just whom is playing: Rhonda Larson, Ransom Wilson, Galway, etc., etc.

I've never had the pleasure of listening to flute players on this forum. But, I'll tell you one thing: you all bring a "different voice" to the "flute arena" --- and it's very welcome. And it's a wonderful thing to enjoy.

That's the biggest thing I enjoy about flutists: no two are the same. I really enjoy the differences in tone, technique, style, vibrato, etc.

So, as Doriot Dywer told me, many years ago: "just be yourself --- don't worry about 'auditions' --- or trying to sound like (so and so)" just bring your heart into your playing. Be yourself".

I think it was great advice. Just be yourself, and bring your own voice into playing. Bring your heart into your playing --- and everything will take care of itself, after that.

Best to all .... Jim.

I think this is partially because you are a flute player though. If a clarinet player was listening to ten different clarinet players they would probably say the same thing don't you think? I've heard quite a range of clarinet sounds...but I've taken the time to search them out and listen to them because I've found that I really enjoy listening to clarinet music. It seems like it's more a matter of perspective.

I agree with JimMillin.

When I hear ten clarinet players, either one at a time or all at once, I still can't tell any difference. I think it has something to do with reeds.

Flute is a powerful instrument and, as we all know, Mozart's personal favorite. Why else would he have written TWO concertos for it?

I want to use the voting on this post for people to vote if they agree that the flute is the best instrument, ever. If you agree click the thumbs-up on my post. If you do not agree, click the thumbs-down.

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Don't forget to vote!

It seems that someone has 10 different account here on 8notes and is using them all to vote again everything I write.

I hope the moderators are checking IP addresses. It will be obvious if someone is abusing the system to their own advantage.

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Oh, and it also looks like you guys don't think the flute is a very good instrument after all.

Actually, Mozart hated the flute. He was pretty smart but for some reason he was way off on that one.