I'm sure this is a common question here, but I'm new. I've been playing flute for 8 years and am currently in my junior year of high school. I plan on studying performance in college and want to upgrade my flute to the professional level. I currently have an Armstrong, but I'm not sure what the exact model is (it was given to me by my aunt) It has open wholes, b foot, inline g, and a solid silver head joint. What are some recommended "professional" flute brands and models that I could find new between $1,000 and $2,000?

You could get a pre professional model with that price, but expect to pay at least $5000 and up for a professional flute.

In the price range my favorite is a Muramatsu EX. There are many threads on this, so feel free to use the search bar and you will find loads of info.

That is a pretty low budget to look at professional model flutes. I usually see most descent flutes for college between 2,000 and 5,000. Personally the brands i would suggest are Powell Signature which is priced around 4,300, Muramatsu is price around 2,800, and sankyo which is priced around 4,400. I have had experience with all of them and found that i love the powell the best. I know that these three brands are more then your 1,000 to 2,000 range. If you would wait and maybe save up some more money, i think it would be beneficial to you. You would get a better quality flute for your college years.
-JL

A new Altus 807 goes for $2,215 and a new Miyazawa 102 goes for $2,195. The Yamaha 5 series is around the $2K range. Below $2K you'll probably be looking at something used. You might be able to find an old Haynes flute in that price range.

I have had several students at your point in life, several got Altus flutes for between 2-3K and have really liked them a lot...

but I agree with previous posts, for a real top line flute, you will have to increase your budget...

also, don't shy away from older flutes, you can find some very good ones for under 4K...