How did all you guys start? And are you planning to play beyond high school or through college? If you're in orchestra as flute, tell me a story....

I started in 5th grade, then joined beginner band, the director told me, that because I couldn't whistle, that I would never be a good flute player..

Well I went on to youth symphony, all state band and orchestra, majored in music in college and have a career in which I have done the following jobs:

- private teacher

- artist/clinician/lecturer for Jupiter flutes International

- concert soloist

- orchestral and theatrical flutist

- recording artist for TV and Movies and CD's

- chamber musician

So don't always believe what your beginner band director tells you.

Most of what you said you were in are my goals. Any tips on getting into a youth orchestra? I'm just trying to get a grip on how hard it would be, what kind of music, performing like that...

prepare repetoire that you have ready for any audition, that way, when the youth symphony has auditions you are always ready, a good teacher in your area should be able to help you build a good varied repetoire which would include orchestral solos

Jeanne Baxtresser's Orchestral Excerpts book is a good start.
Trevor Wye also puts out two volumes of The Orchestral Practice Book as does Toricho.

In addition to this, you will need to play standard flute repetoire.

those are good books, but better to buy the actual part, and buy the score as well, study the score and part while listening to the orchestral piece or concerto

I'm way beyond school & college.
I got into flutes by repairing them (amongst other instruments) - just don't ask me to play the things!
I'll stick with the bigger things in life & appreciate a well played flute from a distance.

Started playing as an adult, and have now played for almost three years. I feel silly struggling with the flute at times because there are so many excellent flutists who have played since they were young. I don't really know what kind of goals I should have, and with a full time work it is a struggle to find practice time at all. People who are not into music always seem to think it is crazy to spend so much time on something not really useful. Nonetheless, somehow I don't want to quit. I just love every moment of playing and am so amazed when something happens to sound good or I learn something new (that ten year old flutists would play better!). I have had the luck to meet very inspiring and wonderful teachers which helps of course.

This is cool....