Flute for a boy

[FiveMoreMinutesPlease]

DS has asked for flute lessons. He's just started secondary where DD has flute lessons. DD says that no boys in the whole school learn the flute and he'll be teased about it. We're of the opinion that if he wants to learn the flute then that's fine but I was wondering if any of your DS play it too and if they've been teased.

Not much help... I have a flute playing girl. He should just do it though... this is the second time in recent weeks that I've heard of a sister telling a brother that he'll be teased if he learns the flute! I do know of a few boys who play. We need more! I actually almost took one on recently, but we couldn't find a mutually convenient time for lessons, so he is going to do it at school instead.

The principal flautist of the BBC symphony orchestra is male and he was AMAZING in the last night of the proms (also, has the absolute best moustache ever!)

Ooh, we went to see Sir James Galway last year. Probably the most famous flautist in the world!

I played the flute in school and half the flute section were boys. I can't recall anyone being teased about it.

(I misread this as being in the baby names section and was going to come on and say 'um, no, but Bassoon is nice, and I do like Clarinet for a girl, nn Clarrie')

I'd get him the lessons, of course. Wish my two wanted to play the flute.

That's so good to hear. He definitely knows his own mind so we may give it a try.

DS1 played flute from year 6 to year 8 or beginning of year 9. He didn't get teased and got to grade 4 standard but gave up purely because he found another instrument he liked more!
There's a boy at his school who is just starting year 8 and sounds great - already at grade 5, working on grade 6. No teasing and very much his own person like your DS.
It's a great instrument - very portable - and he should definitely try it!

Wafflenose I would eat my Rt hand off if I could hear James Galway live. Lucky you ?where did you here him.
I think flute is fine for a boy.
Good on him!

My 15yo son plays sax, but has a good (male) friend who plays the flute really well. No teasing. There are a couple of boy flute players in the school band.

James Galway came to our town last year! 6000 people applied for 800 tickets, and we got lucky.

I'll have to show him James Galway on YouTube. Or better still, show my DD and change her opinion on male flautists.

DD(10)'s friend (boy) has been playing the flute for a couple of years without incident. He is quite an artistic, independent soul. Anecdotally, the livelier boys are encouraged to play brass (no-nonsense teacher keeps them focussed).

On the basis that a flute is one of the cheaper and lighter instruments to cart around (certainly at beginner level), I'd say go with it!

Op, how about showing your dd the recent bbc documentary about gender roles? My dc found it fascinating, and it has made them think carefully about the sorts of things that get said.

@thistly great idea! can you remember what it was called? If not I can look it up.

DH played the flute and wasn't teased - in an all boys' school too. I think he had a couple of witty come backs if anyone said anything.

The documentary was callled 'No more boys and girls' but the first episode has dropped off iPlayer - the second one is available until tomorrow.

I know this because I only just got round to watching the first episode last week and must watch the second today! Only 2 episodes.

My DH played the flute at school, got grade 8. He always says it was a great way to meet girls

m.youtube.com/watch?v=3PyQS94Pfa8

This is the first episode, it is a 2 parter. Enjoy!