Of all the instruments on display, only one caught my attention. I was thirteen at the time and, naturally, my gaze was drawn to the brightest of the group. I had never heard the sound of a flute before, other than the cheap imitation of one on my family's electronic keyboard. However, that first day of band class, I chose the cute, shiny, easy-to-carry flute. Three years later, I can't imagine playing anything else. What started as blind luck and a fascination with shiny objects is now part of my life. Playing an instrument is always a worthwhile investment; you develop a skill that many people only wish they had, you have the opportunity to meet other musicians, and you might even travel in a band context. But to reap the benefits, you must first learn to play. Whether you choose the flute as your instrument of choice because it produces your favorite sound, seems easier to carry than a tuba, or simply because it's shiny, you will. I have to decide how to buy. There are several reputable brands to choose from, but not all of them produce high-quality, durable flutes. You will be tempted to opt for a cheaper model, but in many cases you will sacrifice quality. There is a surprising amount of engineering that goes into making an instrument. Each hole must be positioned precisely, otherwise the tone will be distorted. Cheaper flutes often skip engineering steps or are made from poor quality materials that bend or break too easily (Duncan). While you shouldn't compromise a good brand for cost, beginner flutists can get away with purchasing a student flute. Student flutes differ from professional flutes in that professional flutes are open bore. Rather than having so… half the paper… tone and embouchure. It is simply the mastery of these three principles that requires practice and patience. The reward is understanding how to play what, in my opinion, is the most beautiful of band instruments. The enemy is discouragement. Yet, as Amy Duncan, my unintentionally inspiring band teacher director, would say, “Every wrong note you play is behind you. Music is in time and time never stops. We always move forward." Works Cited Duncan, Amy. Personal interview. September 15, 2011.Estrella, Espie. "Parts of the flute." About.com. About.com, 2011. Web. 8 September 2011. Fingering and acoustic scheme. second diagram. University of New South Wales, Faculty of Science. Academic Press, 2001. Web. September 13, 2011. Garner, Bradley. "The mouth of the flute." Texas Bandmasters Association. Texas Bandmasters Association, 2007. Web. 8 September. 2011.