I personally would go the clarinet route, as it will be easier to pick up other instruments after clarinet. Since the clarinet overblows at the twelfth, it is much easier to learn flute or sax after clarinet, since the clarinet`s clarion register fingerings are fairly similar to the first/second octave fingerings for other Boehm woodwinds.

i would go with both cuz it would improve with all the woodwind instruvlyment czu the fingering are realitity the same as the others

"I personally would go the clarinet route, as it will be easier to pick up other instruments after clarinet. Since the clarinet overblows at the twelfth, it is much easier to learn flute or sax after clarinet, since the clarinet`s clarion register fingerings are fairly similar to the first/second octave fingerings for other Boehm woodwinds."

now that you mention it, the clarinet would be THE best choice if you want to lear mor einsturments because the clarinet`s fingerings also match up with the bassoon. (basically in the register surrounding the bass clef)

Making choices to play wich instrument is always difficult. So, if somebody can help you with making a decission, do it.
I did it also. I talked to many people and called too different shops.

Finnaly I found a shop that helped me a lot. They were very nice and helped me later for bying an Armstrong Flute.
They are nowing a lot about the wind-instruments and what is good price/quality.

So, give it a try and look at.

http://www.boxymusic.com/news.lasso?id=1786

I personally would choose clarinet, as flute is harsh and high-pitched. Also, flute is very difficult to keep in tune, causing a clashing sound in the lower octaves when it`s a flute and clarinet playing the same note (though it`s written as an F for flute and G for clarinet, as they are in different keys). I had the fingerings down in three months. It takes a great deal though when you get to the wonderful pieces written for the instrument after a few years of getting down support, embochure, etc.

Clarinets ROCK! I play clarinet and have been for 3 years! Clarinets have easier fingering and a beautiful sound! Flutes have a more complicated fingering and requires more memory and control of air. All and all the clarinet turns out to be the easiest of the two. Good Luck!
-Cady
Concert Band Member

Wow, thats interesting. I found the flute fingerings very natural, or at least much more so than the clarinet. I also found clarinet all in all much harder. Although, I am so far finding oboe easier that clarinet so I guesse it all depends what your good at.

Well, i had then same problem! OMG! Well, i would choose the clarinet,because it is easier. The flute...........well u have to keep ur mouth in a position to play.

clarinet is easier to play, but i personally like flute better

I would reccomend playing clarinet first - I have been playing clarinet for 10 years, and these are the reasons (although I have no flute experience - i did go from clarinet to sax)

a ) i have been told that clarinet is the hardest of the 4 main woodwinds (clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe), with regard to fingerings

b ) this will make you able to adjust to the easier fingerings on other instruments later

c ) the embouchere can get you used to controlling your mouth and needing a precise flow of air, however it is not as difficult as oboe and flute which can be a pain to people not used to woodwind instruments

d ) clarinet playing position is more natural for a beginner