I was hoping this group would be a place to discuss all things flute, sadly it appears to not be very active :-(

Yup -I've read it. None of the forums are very lively on this site.

I got to this site from a discussion of an old flute someone had bought on e-bay for $40, a "Manhattan" in a Selmer case. I was intrigued, because it sounded like the flute I bought for $200, newly overhauled by one of the best, back in 1956. Not just a flute like mine. My flute. But it could have been another, since it was not in the shape mine was when it was stolen years ago. I was disappointed not to hear any new chatter, as it seemed like there were some knowledgeable people here.

well at least this got two comments unlike my other two posts, lol. thanks guys!

Anybody who knows a music forum with much more activity?

I am 62 years old and have been taking flute lessons for the past 3 months after not playing since high school. I am thoroughly enjoying having this type of music as part of my life again. I have now progressed to an intermediate level. I live in a small town and would love to eventually get to a point where I could be part of a performance group. (Not sure how realistic this is at this stage in my life.) Anyone have any suggestions or know of someone who restarted at this age?

Another Flute board with more activity is:

http://www.fluteland.com/board/

I am 62 years old and have been taking flute lessons for the past 3 months ...

I'm 72 and held a flute in my hands for the first time in March of this year (2014). No teacher -- on my own, using a no-name flute from China.
Just to let you know there are people that you are way ahead of.

I know, and it really is too bad. I would love to get tips and advice from great players.

The flute & piccolo subforum of the saxophone forum "Sax on the Web" is much more active than here, and there seem to be several knowledgeable participants. http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?138-Flute-Piccolo8

This board USED to be hopping about 6 years ago. Problem was a bunch of trolls started coming in and becoming pests so a bunch of us left. As for the Manhattan flute, it SHOULD have a little skyline type design with buildings on it. I've had a few, they're surprisingly decent flutes with pinless mechanism but not worth a whole lot of $$ unless it's sentimental to you. I like them, they're nickel silver, usually not plated or anything from c.1950s-ish.

yeah these forums are really used now.

I haven't been on this site for the past couple of years. I used to post under a different name but had to change it because I forgot my password. Suzie is right. A lot of people left because of trolling. It would be nice to catch up with old friends. Happy fluting! -Kate

@nporter: please look into your nearest "community band/symphony/orchestra". You might be really surprised at what you find. My son, (still in high school low brass, two time All State symphony tubist) started playing in our small town "Area Community Band", two years ago. At first I was worried that it was a waste/extra commitment of time he didn't have, until I found: the conductor was a retired DIRECTOR OF US AIR FORCE BANDS, that there were two professors playing from our closest university, a tubist professor from 100 miles away who sat in whenever he could, and MULTIPLE serious musicians who played in this group, some of whom had been doing so for over 50 years!

I never would have guess at how awesomely good this group is, and what a good experience it has been for my son... This particular group takes basically anyone who can play at a high school level or above..

My wife and I never miss a show anymore, even when our son isn't playing, they are that good. They pass a hat for money to buy music, and pay the conductor a few pennies, but also buy refreshments for every show.

I would look into any similar groups your area might have. BTW, I live in a city of 12,000, so it isn't like we're talking about big city.

Good luck.

Jared

For tuba or euphonium check out a Merry Tuba Christmas. These are presented all over the country during the Christmas season. It's amazing to hear a choir of these instruments playing carols.Some of the groups are huge.

For flutes, check our local flute clubs, or the Tuesday music club nearest you.