flute for composer

[mek42]

I'm learning to write, and am developing a compulsion to dabble in performance. I played tuba in elementary school. I own a digital piano, but on the keyboard I spend too much time translating from score to letter to which key to strike. In contrast, my daughter just turned 5 and I bought a pair of recorders (hers the "Frozen" package) and am relearning the recorder (from third grade) and things are coming back better than expected.

I've also started taking snare drum lessons with a (bag)pipe band (tonight was first night). I'm going to need alot of practice, but I learned to roll tonight.

I'm not seeking to become a virtuoso level flutist, but would like to get to the level to join a community ensamble or not embarrass myself doing a little improv with a busker. Enough ability to know if I've written something grossly unidiomatic.

I may start with a plastic (tranverse) fife to learn embouchure while demonstrating to my wife that I'm going to be serious enough to justify a modest expense. When I am ready to purchase a flute, would the typical beginner flute advice apply or would other suggestions be more appropriate?

[mek42]

I found a YFL-261S from a private seller for 200 USD. It was purchased used 7 years ago, prior provenance unknown. I'll ask a local uni flute major to let me know what sort of work it needs and then for some basic lessons.

Hope to have more interesting questions soon.