***Help! I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, this is my first post and I need a big favor!***

My wife played flute seriously all through school. It was a big part of her life. Now we have three children, 7/4/1, and she feels like she is losing her self and doesn't have time for anything fun. I want her to get out at least a night a week but it has been so long she doesn't even know what she would do!

I would really love to see her start playing the flute again. She could play at least one night a week and practice a bit at home. I tried google searches and craigslist but being a stranger to the world of music I have no idea what I am looking for.

We're in Minneapolis, MN. Any suggestions on how to find a band to play in or even a few individuals that like to play for fun and practice? How would someone that loves to play and wants to get out and be social go about finding a group?

Please reply with your ideas, this would make her life a lot happier!

Thank you!!!

there are two aspects to playing flute, technique and tone. depending on how long you played and how long you laid off playing, technique typically returns fairly quickly; tone takes a good while longer. one thing you might consider doing... if it has been more than a few years since her flute has been touched, chances are very good that it will need some work (pads, adjustment). if you can find a reputable instrument repair shop in your area, sneak your wife's instrument out for a week or two. when it returns reconditioned, it might give her the motivation to refresh her talent, too. good luck.

Looks like there are quite a few community bands in your area:

http://www.calhounislesband.org/
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00

http://www.facebook.com/NortheastCommunityBand
practice Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m

http://www.sewardconcertband.org/
Rehearsal Thursdays at 6:50 PM

http://mnfreedomband.org/
*Gay community band (open to all)
Rehearses Mondays 7pm

Eden prairie community band
Minnesota valley community band
Calhoun Isles community band(spelling?)
Somme colleges and university also invite community to play with them..
That's just a few options I'm aware of, I'm from MN by the way.