National Flute Association flute choir, and masterclass categories and four non-performance competitions, which highlight new flute music, research, and entrepreneurship. The NFA commissions original compositions for all members of the flute family. The New Music Advisory Committee, established in 1985, works with the NFA Board to create opportunities for flutists to interact with contemporary composers by playing their music and ensuring today's composers create substantial repertoire for flute players. The NFA has commissioned more than 70 new works for both flute and piccolo. Beginning in 1986, the NFA has commissioned a new piece to be used as repertoire in the Young Artist Competition
Members of the western concert flute family version is usually used for jazz because both the tenor saxophone and clarinet are in B. The alto flute is characterized by its distinct, mellow tone in the lower portion of its range. The tube of the alto flute is considerably thicker and longer than a C flute and requires more breath from the player. However, this gives it a greater dynamic presence in the bottom octave and a half of its range. It is pitched in the key of G (sounding a fourth lower than written) with its range stretching from G to G. The headjoint may be straight