Just a thought, but on grade 8 flute the requirement for B major is two octaves. If a flute has a low B joint, would it be possible to start the scale on the low B? or would you then have to play three octaves?

Good question, but I think you still have to play it 2 octaves from the upper B, even with a low B foot joint.

I'm fairly sure it specifies somewhere in the syllabus that you have to start from the B on the stave! (nice try )

So, would it put a nice smile on the examiners face to hear B and Bm in three octaves and award extra marks for loveliness or do you reckon they'd go, bl**dy flutes!! and deduct points for showing off!

Not sure I'd call my top B "lovely" teehee

I'm not sure 3 octaves of B anything would be considered doing the examiner a favour!!

Why would you want to play more than 2 octaves - personally, I hate B major unless its on a piano, then its one of the easiest scales!

I can usually rattle off all my major scales and then when I get to B major, I have to slow the speed. I hate the scale, as the key is unkind and reaching the top B is .

Heh, glad it isn't just me who hates it.

I'd rather play F# or Db with all the sharps and flats! It's getting the stupid top octave smooth and fluent and fast - nightmare I can play it, but only about a 10th as well as I'd like (If I'm being generous!!!!!)

I don't like the arpeggio either.

In my grade 5 I did Bb major to 2 octaves instead of a 12th - didn't get any extra marks though, but they didnt deduct any.

I thought you said you didn't get the scale in the end and managed to stop for the arpeggio...? ... Maybe I remember wrong, but wouldn't want someone to think it was OK cos someone else did it, and then lose marks... (Don't think you would or indeed should for doing too much, but... not worth the risk if you can help it!! )

I'm so glad to hear that some of the more advanced flautists hate B major!!! Now I don't feel so rubbish at it! Although I think being able to play the two lower octaves would be such an advantage as low B sounds so much nicer than top B!!!

it definately states that you have to start on the stave (I checked as I'm looking at doing my Grade 8).

I hate B major as well. I don't like C on three octaves either.

Hmmm....maybe it wasn't my exam when I did that then. Oh I can't remember. My memory is terrible. I know there was something that I kept going too high in.