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Wind Poem flute systems:

In a Nutshell: The multi-barrel/single-head PVC flute system allows the flautist to have and play a number of flutes in different keys without the expense of buying a separate flute crafted in each separate key. The ability to use the same flute head on each separate barrel eliminates the need to purchase numerous flutes and reduces cost considerably. The system is available in two barrel, three barrel, and four barrel packages, in keys E, F, F#, and G.

In More Detail: Since the Native American flute, by its nature, has a fairly limited tonal range, the easiest way to make use of this range is to play a different flute of a different key. This is already an accepted practice by harmonica players that use diatonic harmonicas with limited tonal range. To change key, (play a song higher or lower), is simply a matter of choosing a harmonica in a different key. So if the backup band is playing in the key of A, for example, the musician picks up an 'A' harmonica. If the band is playing in the key of G, the musician plays a 'G' harmonica. This same "technique" has been adopted by those who play the Native American flute. Flutes in different keys are played when it's necessary to play along with other band members in their key. If you play an F# flute, (the most popular NA flute key), you might find yourself playing a Christmas carol in your church and find that the piano player isn't comfortable playing in the key of F#. The piano player might be happier playing in the key of G. (That's an easy key to play the piano in.) So you simply pick up your 'G' flute and you and the piano player will suddenly be very happy playing together.

But wait! Doesn't this mean we would have to buy a bunch of flutes in different keys? It does, and it doesn't. If you don't plan to play along with anyone, you will be perfectly happy with just one flute because you will never have to match keys with another musician. But if you ever plan to play along with someone, you will need to consider purchasing another flute or two.

Getting more for less: The most inexpensive flute is the PVC flute. If you plan to buy more flutes, it's fun to experiment with inexpensive PVC models rather than put a a lot of money into expensive wood or bamboo flutes. On the other hand, you might be more interested in saving even more money by purchasing a flute system. A flute system is 75% cheaper than buying the equivalent in separate flutes. It consists of one air chamber, (the end you blow into), and four barrels of varying keys. When you want to change keys, simply change barrels with the air chamber component.

MULTI-BARREL FLUTE AUDIO DEMONSTRATION: CLICK to hear Chris play the basic Pentatonic scale on the multi-barrel model that plays the scale in the following keys in order -- E, F, F#, G. The Pentatonic scale is the scale "native" to the Native American flute and it was the first important scale to emerge from the most ancient civilizations.

THE NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE: The history of, as well as the step-by-step process of making a Native American flute is explained in full detail with easy-to-follow instructions in the PDF eBook, The Native American Flute: Myth, History, Craft, available for download from FluteFlights.com.

EARTH FLUTE: The Native American flute method book with audio examples of 101 tunes and scales, and five HyperStudio tutorials with embedded how-to videos that shows you how to learn the Native American flute from scratch as well as help you get maximum enjoyment from your flute is titled Earth Flute, available at FluteFlights.com

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