Facts About Band Instruments - WOODWINDS
/What makes a woodwind - a woodwind?
Merriam-Webster defines woodwind “as any of a group of wind instruments (such as a clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone) that are characterized by a cylindrical or conical tube of wood or metal usually ending in a slightly flared bell, that produce tones by the vibration of one or two reeds in the mouthpiece or by the passing of air over a mouth hole, and that usually have finger holes or keys by which the player may produce all the tones within an instrument's range.”
What does this mean in layman’s terms? Well, not every woodwind is made of wood and not every woodwind requires a reed - it’s all about the shape!
While there are several woodwind instruments, we are going to focus on three of the most popular!
The Flute is the oldest of all woodwinds dating back over 30,000 years and has been made from bones, wood, stone, or clay throughout history. Today’s flutes are typically made from nickel, brass, silver, or wood.
Did you know? Every flute has a unique sound! The sound of a flute is determined by the material it is made from and from the thickness of the material used. The flute is easy to maintain and transport. Since sound is produced by blowing air across the hole of the mouthpiece, there is no need for a reed!
In comparison, the Clarinet has only been around since the 18th century. Early clarinets were made of boxwood. Professionally, today’s clarinets are made from African hardwoods while beginners can easily find clarinets made from plastic resin.
The clarinet is a versatile instrument. It is played in symphonies and orchestras as well as jazz bands and other music ensembles. Using only a single reed, the clarinet is easy to clean, maintain, and transport making it a great beginner’s instrument.
While we often think of jazz when we think of the Saxophone, it was originally invented as an orchestral instrument in the 19th century. Made from metal, the saxophone requires a reed to make sound, thereby making it a woodwind instrument.
Due to their modern design, saxophones are considered a good beginner’s instrument.