Being a musician is definitely one of the most rewarding and wonderful things you can do with your life, but let's be honest, it's the most rewarding and wonderful if you're a flute player. As the most desirable section of the instrumental music world (click here to read about more instrumental stereotypes), we know that everyone strives to get to our level. Unfortunately, the flute world is an exclusive one, and there are just some things only we can relate to.

1. What do we even call ourselves?

Is it "flutists?" Maybe "fluties" or "fluters?" Regardless, we're always prepared for some random person to yell at us because their fourth-grade band teacher told them the only proper noun for a flute player is "flautist."

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2. "Nooooo, my flute peed on me again!!!"

Flute Pee (n): When the "condensation" (okay let's be real: SPIT) built up inside the flute drains out the keys and the foot joint, leaving small puddles on one's clothes or the floor that resemble...an accident.

3. The Altieri Bag

These things are HEAVEN-SENT. We've all got one, and if we don't have one, we definitely want one.

4. Piccolo is the bane of our existence

Every flute player has a love-hate relationship with piccolo. This little villain is an extreme source of fear and discomfort for many of us as, piercing through the sound of any ensemble, as if it WANTS people to judge us for poor intonation.

5. The flute goatee

Sometimes called "black chin", this is the small black smudge you might find on your chin after playing. Some have said this is caused by the reaction of makeup or lotion with the metal of the flute. Regardless, always make sure to help out your fellow flutists by telling them when they've got a flute goatee...unless they're auditioning against you for first chair. Then, THEY'RE ON THEIR OWN.

6. Ledger lines...

Even as a seasoned pro, a veteran of the stratospheric staff, a ledger master (okay sorry, I'll stop), playing in the upper octaves can be such a struggle.

7. The warm-up woosh

You know that thing that we all do where we blow air through our flute right before we play, almost as if we are incapable of playing well without doing it? Yeah. That thing.

8. The French book

We all know it. We've all played from it. We all love it...and sometimes hate it.

9. Don't even think about using lip balm before playing

That is, unless you enjoy having your flute slip right off your face! Or...

10. Unless it's Chop Saver

James Galway endorses Chop Saver, so obviously it's the greatest product a flutist could EVER use. And hey, maybe if I start using it, I'll get a little be closer to being even half as good as James Galway (ha, I wish).

11. Hitting people with our instruments

It seems like ensemble managers and music teachers set up the chairs in the flute section closer than in any other section, as if they're just hoping that we'll hit each other in the head.

12. Giggling

I can't explain it, but this is just a thing. We giggle. A lot.

13. Your instrument is your everything

Your flute is your best friend, your numero uno, your child, YOUR WORLD. When a flute player accidentally hits their flute into a stand, you KNOW the whole section is freaking out and asking if it's okay while the flute owner profusely apologizes and inspects the entire body of the flute.

Every flute player may be different, with his or her own unique and beautiful sound and style. However, the flute world is a small one, and we all share the same struggles of being part of the best instrumental section on the face of the Earth.