The Woodwind Family
Instruments in the woodwind family are played by blowing into or across a mouthpiece. They have keys to allow the musician to play different pitches (high or low sounds.) Most of the instruments in this family used to be made of wood. Today, many are also made of plastic or metal. The smallest instruments make the highest sounds, while the largest instruments make the lowest sounds.
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To watch a short YouTube video featuring several instruments in the woodwind family, please click here.
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flute
The flute is the highest sounding member of the woodwind family. It is made out of metal and is played by blowing across the tone hole. It has keys which allow the player to play different pitches (high and low sounds.)
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To see and hear the flute, click on the following songs:
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oboe
The oboe is made of wood or plastic. It has a double reed, two pieces of cane tied together, which is placed in the player's mouth.
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To see a picture of the oboe reed, click here.
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To see and hear the oboe, click on the following songs:
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clarinet
The clarinet is made of wood or plastic. It has a reed, a single piece of cane, which is placed against the mouthpiece. Sound is made by the vibrating of the reed against the mouthpiece.
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To see the clarinet mouthpiece, click here.
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To see and hear the clarinet, click on the following songs:
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Second Symphony clarinet solo- Rachmaninof
Rhapsody in Blue arrangement for clarinet quartet - Gershwin
bassoon
The bassoon is the largest of the double reed instruments. Because it is so large, it plays the lowest notes.
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To see and hear the bassoon, please click on the following songs:
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saxophone
The saxophone is not made of wood - it is made of brass. Although it is made of brass, it has a mouthpiece with a single reed and keys like a clarinet, so it is a member of the woodwind family. It is not often used in the orchestra but is found in concert bands and jazz groups.
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To see and hear the saxophone, click on the following songs:
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Activities
colouring and activity sheets
listen and draw
Listen again to one of the songs on this page. Draw a picture of what you imagine as you listen.
write
Write a few sentences about your favourite woodwind instrument. Why is it your favourite? Does it remind you of an animal or another sound? What have you learned about this instrument? What else would you like to know about this instrument?