September Monthly Reflection 8th Grade Project: Learning the flute

Introduction For my 8th grade project, I want to be able to play the flute well enough that I am able to play with our band at the end of the year concert. This will take a lot or work and catching up to my other classmates. In order to complete this project, I will need a mentor and a lot practice.

Mentor Collaboration My mentor is one of my dad’s good friends. He plays many instruments, including the flute, so he was able to be my mentor. My mentor and I talked about what my project would be and the end goal of the project. We also discussed when I would have my lessons. Even though we didn’t meet that much this month, we were able to talk about what I need to do to meet my goal for this project. I would need to practice often so that I can solidify the skills that he has taught me in the lessons. In addition to the practicing, I will need to have lessons once every couple weeks to gain skills needed to complete this project.

What I Learned Over the past month, I have learned a lot. I learned how to blow into the flute correctly and make a good sounding tone. I learned a basic C scale. I also learned the basic fingerings on the flute. I picked them up quickly because the fingerings are really similar to the sax. I mostly worked on getting a sound out because that is the hardest part of learning the flute. I worked on holding a note for a specific number of counts, so that I could play for a longer amount of time.

A picture of me playing the flute. A picture of my flute and the book I am currently working out of. A page in the book I am playing out of.

Next Month Next month I want to be able to play some basic songs like hot cross buns. I will also work on my tone in addition to learning songs. In order to play with the band, I will talk with CB and see what I need to do to be able to achieve the skill level to play with a band. So that I will be easier to play songs, I will start to memorize the fingerings on the flute. To achieve this goal, I will start practicing and playing songs out of my book. I will also practice everyday so that I don’t loose any skills.