I am going to Western michigan University and I was looking to purchase a new piccolo for use in college and possibly after college
I am looking for a piccolo in the 2000-3000 price range, and I play the flute.
I know that a lot of flute players double on picc and was looking to do the same.

I'm not sure where to begin,
and am planning a trip to fluteworld to try some piccolos
and am looking for recommendations.

Any suggestions?

I would try a Gemienhardt Model 4WSSK. It is a nice piccolo and is wood. Personally i like composite/wood head joints so this is a personal favorite.

First, I would get in touch with your flute professor and find out if there are any specific recommendations or requirements there.

You might find out that being very good at the piccolo can get you into performance situations when there are several others who are as good, or better than you, on flute- but not as good on piccolo-, auditioning. Being GOOD on the piccolo can open up opportunities.

I personally have a Zentner, they are very nice piccs but you have to buy them used, since they aren't made anymore. Miles Zentner of the LA Philharmonic designed them as an appropriate orchestral picc, they were sold as Roy Seaman and Zentner, before Gemeinhardt bought the Seaman name. For around $1500 to $2000, you might find an excellent one used and in good condition.

As for newer piccs, I have tried my friend's Burkart handmade, and it is a DANDY instrument. It is easier to play than my Zentner, especially up high. I bought a Burkart Headjoint with the same cut, to go on my Zentner, and the response is similar but not exactly the same. The older Zentner headjoint is harder to play but gets a richer, more complex sound that I love.

I've also really liked the sound of Haynes piccolos. Their silver piccolos don't sound shrieky like other all-metal piccolos that I have heard. They also make very good wood ones.

The principal in our local orchestra finally got the money to upgrade her piccolo- an older Gemeinhardt 4W. She tried several really nice newer models from several makers and decided she liked hers better, no need to upgrade.

You are lucky to have a nice big budget. For that money, I would set aside $500 or so and go get a few lessons from a piccolo specialist. Are there any big symphony orchestas within 100 miles or so? If so, contact the piccolo player. When looking for that college/pro flute, it is best to have input from an accomplished teacher/player, and that would be the same with that special piccolo.

You should talk to your flute teacher about what you should do. I am currently studying flute performance, and none of us in the studio have nice piccolos. You won't need a fancy picc on your first day there, and it's quite an investment to rush into, especially if you don't have any experience playing on the squeaker before.

give Hammig a try if you can find one within your budget, they are excellent..Burkhart as well

thanks for your help.
I would love more comments though if anyone would be so kind

Personally I love my piccolo, it's Jupiter, but I could be biased seeing as I adore my Jupiter flute :P
But I really think it's about trying first, when spending that sort of money you don't want to throw it away on an instrument you feel pained to play. Take your time, try out other peoples and talk to your teacher. It's what feels right for you!