Mimi Stillman

At the age of 12, concert flutist Mimi Stillman became the youngest wind player to ever be admitted to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. But her long tenure as a classical flute enthusiast hasn't left her much time for experiencing the flute outside of her preferred genre -- meaning that flute-loving rock bands like Jethro Tull and Polyphonic Spree are pretty new to her ears.  

Mimi stops by our studio to perform modern works from her latest album, “Odyssey,” accompanied by pianist Charles Abromovic. And, we play her some flute-heavy clips from outside of the classical world, and get her take on them.

We ask the classically trained flutist Mimi Stillman to rate some flute jams unfamiliar to her ears – from Jethro Tull to The Polyphonic Spree. Listen to hear her reactions.

What do you think of the flute in rock and pop bands? Is it fierce, or fearsome? Take our Smackdown survey, below -- and tell us why you voted thumbs up or down.

Have a listen to some of the flute-wielding candidates:

Jethro Tull - Cross-Eyed Mary

Men at Work - Down Under

Polyphonic Spree - Soldier Girl