Flute Fingering Puzzle

For each note printed along the top of the grid below, work out its standard flute fingering and follow the flute key list on the left to circle the correct letters underneath the note (the first column has been shaded for you). Once you have finished, read the circled letters from left to right, top to bottom to read a quote from Charlie Parker..

Four Missing Musicians

Four musicians from the orchestra have left messages explaining why they can’t attend the evening rehearsal, but none of them have signed their messages. However each musician has hidden the name of his or her instrument as consecutive letters in the message. Which four instruments will be missing from the rehearsal?

•I have the flu. Terribly sorry I can’t make it.

•I’m being held in a prison cell overnight. Will explain at next rehearsal.

•My ship’s anchor needs repairing. Very urgent I’m afraid.

•My baby’s throwing a tantrum. Pete’s out of town and I can’t find a babysitter.

Counting Puzzle

A group at a piccolo convention were lining up for a photograph. “You know, there are quite a few different orders we could stand in,” remarked Davison. “That may be so,” replied Peterson. “But remember the ladies must take the two middle positions, and the president must be on the far left. That cuts down the number of possibilities to one sixtieth of what it would have been if we could stand in any order.”

How many people were in the photograph?

Owen lives in Wellington, NZ and is working in the energy industry. He has played in a number of concert bands and has conducted the North Shore Youth Symphonic Wind Band. He is also a keen advocate and player of jazz flute.