Strange question, about the Bass flute

[wackiejackiexox]

For many years I had dreamed of just being able to hold a bass flute and one day even play it. I lived that dream over the summer at 2 music camps, I played the bass flute. And I loved every minute of it This may be a stupid question, but is it possible to become a professional bass flutist? and also, anyone know any pieces that feature the bass flute?
I know, very strange question, but I was looking over my old pictures of over the summer and me playing the bass flute and I remembered how much I absolutly loved playing it.

[fluttiegurl]

Since the basic requirement (as has been established here on many occasions) to becoming a "professional" is to be paid for your work, I would say that anything is possible. However, it is not likely that you will be able to make a living at playing the bass flute. Most of the time, the bass is used for flute choir arrangements, and there are few flute choirs that are actually paid for their performances, though there are some out there. It is more likely for a great flutist to become a pro and have the capability of playing bass whenever asked.

However, music is becoming more innovative all of the time. Maybe you could find a nitch in the recording industry.

As for solos, there are some out there. Check out Flute World (www.fluteworld.com). They have a section for alto band bass solos. The bad part is that you can't listen to or preview the piece before buying. (To any Flute World employees lurking out there .... hint, hint )

I personally have a love/hate relationship with the bass. Though it is very fun to play, I find it to be quite heavy and hard on my hands. I can imagine that years of playing it as a principle instrument could do some serious damage to your hands and shoulders.

[pied_piper]

Since the basic requirement (as has been established here on many occasions) to becoming a "professional" is to be paid for your work, I would say that anything is possible. However, it is not likely that you will be able to make a living at playing the bass flute.

Quite true. In the U.S., about the only places that someone might get a bit more than occasional bass flute work would be Hollywood studios or New York theater. Even then (assuming that you were one of the best players), you'd have to play other instruments to make a living at it.

Most of the time, the bass is used for flute choir arrangements, and there are few flute choirs that are actually paid for their performances, though there are some out there. It is more likely for a great flutist to become a pro and have the capability of playing bass whenever asked.

Or again, studio or theater work.

I personally have a love/hate relationship with the bass. Though it is very fun to play, I find it to be quite heavy and hard on my hands. I can imagine that years of playing it as a principle instrument could do some serious damage to your hands and shoulders.

As a doubler (sax, flute, clarinet), I find all of the flutes lightweight (even the bass) in comparison to any sax. I guess it depends upon what you are accustomed to.