Sorry to hear that, as far as the loan goes... but as others have said, I think you can get a very nice flute for considerably less than the $10k you mentioned. I have a Sankyo SilverSonic, and while it's not a fully professional level instrument by most estimates I'm still perfectly happy with it and it's certainly good enough to last through college and then some.
Or maybe it's just that it's still quite a bit better than I am... ;-)
Re: Haynes flutes 15:35 on Friday, November 13, 2009
I must admit I don't understand the need for a very expensive flute ( but do understand the desire to own one). I play an entry level semi pro Mateki and I am sure that if I gave it to the 1st chair of the local symphony it would sound great and fit right in. While it is true different flutes sound different, that is only when compared side by side. When played alone in a solo, I doubt if the audience can hear differences between good flutes.