Try looking up these key words on the internet
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Try looking up these key words on the internet |
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- Woodwind
Progress and further opportunities
Applying for lessons and further information |
The family of woodwind instruments consists of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone. The instruments are blown to produce a sound and apart from the saxophone they are made, or used to be made, of wood. The woodwind provide colour and interest to the Western orchestra and form the backbone of the wind band.
The flute is one of the most popular instruments. It plays the high notes and produces a sound by blowing across a hole. Flautists are sometimes asked to play even higher notes which they play on the piccolo.
The clarinet is a single reed instrument. It is very versatile and plays in orchestra, wind band and jazz. The saxophone is also a single reed instrument but made out of brass. Invented by Adolf Sax in the middle of the 19th century, it is a newcomer to the woodwind line up. The family of saxophones are commonly found in popular music, big band and jazz.
The oboe and bassoon are double reed instruments. They are two ‘endangered species’ instruments. They are more difficult to play than the flute or clarinet because of the double reed but players will always be in demand as there are so few around. The oboe has a very clear sound which is used to tune the orchestra and to play prominent solos. The bassoon is the bass of the woodwind forming the foundation for tuning the entire wind section. After a year of tuition, woodwind players can join CMS Workshops at Croydon Young Musicians, and at about Grade 3 progress to CYM Concert Band. Players of Grade 5 to 8 standard can join the Centre for Wind and Percussion, and to experience orchestral playing the Orchestral Centre. |
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Download information sheets about flute, clarinet and saxophone purchase here. |