Most Latin Jazz Flute Players play very fluidly in the upper register
range. It is a requirement to play so because of the Latin Jazz /
Salsa repertoire and also because the high notes can cut through
volume-wise with the rest of the band. The flute in general when
playing with a live band that has amplified or mic'd instruments or
louder horns and percussion, usually also needs to be mic'd, however
when playing in the upper range, the sound will cut through pretty
good w/o a mic too.

There is no "special" headjoint to play high notes on the flute. The
notes are controlled by your fingerings and also your embrochure.
Playing scales throughout the range of the instrument will solidify
your technique. If you need to focus on the upper range, play
excercises in the upper range. Slurred articulations in the upper
range are excellent to work on.

Your Emerson flute should do just fine. In the beginning, try to play
as high as the highest C. Trevor Wye recommends playing scales
completely from the lowest C#/C/B to the highest B, in all keys.

Most flute repertoire will have music that goes up to the
highest "C". Sometimes you will see/hear the highest C#/D being
played. There are actually even a few higher notes than that.
However, personally, I have only heard a few popular flute recordings
and live improvised performances in jazz and/or classical where the
player has EFFORTLESSLY played anything HIGHER than the highest "C",
and only from a handful of players. There a many many players that
can play the highest C#/D in practice, but when it comes to "laying
it the line"... "live"....you will hear it ALOT more regularly in
Latin Jazz. Especially in Latin Jazz Salsa / Dance music. It's just a
part of the flute technique/repertoire in Latin Jazz. Also when
playing anything higher than the highest "D" it helps if your flute
is in tip top shape. So for all "PRACTICAL" purposes, the range on
the flute is the highest "D" - even though THERE ARE a few higher
notes than that. In most playing situations you will frequently visit
up to the highest "C". So therefore I would have that as my initial
goal, to be able to play the range all the way up to the highest "C".

Also, especially in the beginning, take it easy when playing in the
upper range, because it is very tiring to your embrochure. Once you
get used to it, it's not a problem.

There is a good fingering chart on the Emerson website that has the
fingerings for flute all the way up to the highest "D"... the link is
below...

http://emersonflutes.com/education/finger.html

Good luck, and Thank You for your question and your compliments. And
if you purchase a CD from my website and use the "buy direct from
JazzLover.com link" I can autograph the cover of the CD for you. Just
include a note in the purchase instructions, and/or email me. Also if
you order by mail I can do the same, again, just include a note.


Zig Noda
http://www.jazzlover.com


--- In flutemusiconline@yahoogroups.com, "T" <jazz_iz_it@y...> wrote:
> Hello,
> I'm a big fan of Dave Valentin, and I'd like to know if anyone knows
> what he uses to hit those high notes? Is he using a headjoint with a
> smaller embouchure? Or is it mostly technique?
> I want to be able to play latin jazz and I want to know what it I'm
> going to need - some new technique and/or a new headjoint.
> I've taken less than one year's lessons - not taking any now. So I
am
> mostly trying to take what I've learned and "move up a notch".
> My intrument is an Emerson 6B, open hole, low B foot.
>
>
> Complements to ZigNoda. Excellent sound and technique.
> I'll have to get your cd.
> Anyway I can purchase a cd autographed?
> Thanks!
>
> And thanks to any help I can get!
> jazz_iz_it