The Flute is a member of the Woodwind family. Unlike the woodwind instruments with reeds, a Flute is a metal, reedless wind instrument that produces sound from the flow of air across an opening. Flutes are the earliest known musical instruments. A number of flutes have been discovered dating as far back as 40,000 years ago. The Flute is frequently found in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and even rock bands.