East Texas Quarterly Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 13

plains style, regardless if the flue is carved in the bottom of the block or in
the top of the flute.
Woodland flutes differ slightly from plains flutes in design and how
they are constructed. They generally have the flue in the body of the flute,
as opposed to the block, and the fipple (mouth piece) is not cut at such
a sharp angle. The mouthpiece is blunt and goes against the lips, not between them. The holes are usually burned, not bored.
The drone flute, which is of Aztec origin, comprises two or more flutes
built together. Generally, the drone chamber plays a fixed note which
the other flute can play against in harmony. The drone may also change
octaves as it resonates with the melody played on the adjacent flute.
Native American flutes were made from bones at first; now they are
made from various materials. Juniper, redwood, and cedar
are popular, as they provide a nice aroma. The soft woods are
generally preferred by most flute players, because of the softer
tones produced by the wood. Other harder woods such
as walnut and cherry are appreciated for the clear, crisp,
richness of sound that they can produce. Bamboo and river cane
can contain either soft or clear, crisp tones depending on size and species.
Although traditionally flutes would be made from river cane, bamboo, or
a local wood, more exotic rain forest woods or even plastics are now used.
Today flute makers use many exotic materials too, like ceramic and glass.

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