Hey

I really like the idea of playing jazz music but I'm a flute player and get frowned upon. I know that there are some flautists that play jazz for example in Chris Barber's band but I find it really hard to play in local jazz groups (Doncaster Youth Swing/Jazz Orchestra) because I play the flute.

Can anyone give me some tips or know of some bands in the Doncaster area preferably that would take a flute player on?

Jazz French Horn player...I have similar problems. Just pester, pester, pester. Ask bands straight out if they'd take you on, volunteer to transpose sax parts or trumpet parts (which should be generally within range) or even write out your own from score. Emphasise that you want to do it rather than asking if you can, if that makes sense - they'll respond much better to "I'm a jazz flautist and really interested in joining, I'll transpose, I'll write out my own parts if necessary" than "do you have flute parts and do you take flautists on?" The other option is if you have a second instrument already, go on that and then mention you'd like to see how flute sounds on a couple of tunes. (Obviously if you don't play something else already, this probably won't work).

Also, if you ever fancy coming down to NYJO by train, they have flute parts and I know they're looking for flautists (especially if you can improvise). I've been going since mid-September and it's fab. Bit of a trek from Doncaster, but then again there's someone there who comes down every few weeks from Cardiff!

Hope that helps a bit

Daughter has same problem with Flute and Swing Band. Originally she wanted to play flute in it as she plays Oboe in Concert Band but Flutes are not catered for. I think when I asked why it was to do with the music these groups play.

Swing or Jazz Big Bands rarely have parts written for flute, the standard is 5444 (5 saxes AATTB), 4 trps/4 trbs and piano,bass,drums & guitar. Some swing arrangements include parts for vibes, also clarinet however mainly older arrangements. Even rarer i've seen parts for violins and French horns....these parts normally stay with the conductors scores and misc. If you play flute it makes sense to double on either tenor or alto sax however 95% of the time you'd be playing sax and not flute.

Try writing a piece for big band/swing band with a flute part, then take it to a local jazz band and ask if you can play with them!

Not a long term solution, but worth a try!

As TenorClef said swing bands and jazz orchestras tend to have a fairly fixed structure, with pieces arranged for a specific instrumentation, flute parts usually played by a sax player doubling. So instead of trying to join one of these playing flute, try looking for a less formal set-up. There are workshops, courses etc where all instruments are welcomed. Instead of having an arrangement to play each person is usually given a lead sheet which contains the notated melody and chord sequence (except in one of the classes I do, where we have to learn everything by ear). Lead sheets are typically available in Bb, Eb and concert pitch treble and bass clef. Harmonies, backings etc are then arranged to suit the mix of instruments as directed by the workshop leader. In this sort of set-up there is usually more emphasis on the improvisation part of playing than on playing the written music.

Have you tried playing the saxophone? I think the fingering is pretty much the same - lots of great sax players play the flute. Once you are in the band you can offer to take a flute solo to add colour.