Flute vs Clarinet

[Lindtnotlint]

DD8 currently plays recorder. Her school moves them off recorder to either flute or clarinet in Yr4 (next year).

I am inclined to encourage clarinet because of my belief that every girl seems to play flute so there will be more orchestra opportunities at secondary if she plays clarinet. Is this true? Do I have a point? She has no real view either way, and is more likely to play for fun/community than ever to be a “really serious” player - so opportunity to get into orchestras is quite important in the decision. She will likely go to an all girls private for secondary.

tips and insight on this trivial first world question v welcome :-)

My dad played clarinet and sax in a jazz band in his youth. He said he’d tried to learn flute a few times and it was much more difficult than clarinet so he gave it up. Also my DD learnt clarinet at school and loved it. I don’t know if that helps at all but I hope so.

Not sure if clarinet takes same amount of puff but I tried to learn oboe once and omg, so difficult as you need so much air. Flute is prettier and easier once you get the lips right.

I agree that flute can be harder to get a sound out of. I'm no expert, but judging by our local music centre, there are a lot more flute players than clarinets, so in both these respects a clarinet would be better. If possible, could she have a trial on both instruments to see which is easiest for her?

I'd go clarinet. At an all girls school there will likely be slightly less clarinetists than flautists. Clarinet can lead on to saxophone thereby opening up a wider variety of bands and music style. That said I did once see what I can only describe as a band with rock flute and they were amazing. If somewhat unique!