The clarinet is a wonderful instrument. It can evoke so many emotions, from sweet and gentle to powerful and intense.

-Aaron Copland

Woodwind instruments produce sound by causing a column of air to vibrate within a tube or resonator, typically by blowing into a mouthpiece or reed. The pitch of the sound is determined by the length of the air column and can be altered by opening or closing finger holes or keys along the length of the instrument.

Woodwind

Flute

A melodic instrument for the most part, the flute has a clear and bright sound with a distinctive warmth, refinement, and subtlety to its tone. Another feature of the flute is the use of expensive materials such as gold, silver, and gems in its manufacture.

What is the flute?

The flute is a family of woodwind instruments that produces sound by directing a column of air against the edge of a hole or opening in the instrument. Flutes can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and glass. They typically consist of a tube with finger holes or keys along its length, a mouthpiece that directs the player's breath into the tube, and a mechanism for producing different pitches. Flutes are capable of producing a wide range of tones, from sweet and delicate to bright and piercing, and are used in a variety of musical genres, from classical and jazz to folk and popular music.

Oboe

Oboes, whose name comes from the French for "high-pitched wood," are excellent for solo performances with many notes in high ranges. The oboe is extremely difficult to play.

What is the oboe?

The oboe is a double-reed woodwind instrument that produces sound by causing two thin pieces of cane called reeds to vibrate against each other. It is made of wood, typically ebony, and has a long, slender body with a flared bell at the bottom. The player blows air into the reed, which causes the reeds to vibrate and produce sound. The sound is then directed through the instrument's body and out of its top through a small opening called the "embouchure." The oboe has a distinct, nasal sound that is often described as reedy or haunting. It is commonly used in orchestral music and is also featured in chamber ensembles, concert bands, and jazz bands.

Clarinet

The appeal of the clarinet is its rich variety of expression, which ranges from a light timbre to a deep mysterious timbre. It also boasts a register of approximately four octaves—the largest of any wind instrument.

What is the clarinet?

The clarinet is a single-reed woodwind instrument that produces sound by causing a thin piece of cane called a reed to vibrate against the mouthpiece. It is typically made of African blackwood or other dense woods, but can also be made of plastic or other materials. The clarinet has a cylindrical body with a flared bell at the bottom and a thin, tapered mouthpiece at the top. The player blows air through the mouthpiece and over the reed, causing it to vibrate and produce sound. The sound is then directed through the instrument's body and out of its top through a small opening called the "embouchure." The clarinet has a wide range and can produce a variety of tones, from bright and piercing to warm and mellow. It is used in a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to jazz and beyond.

Bassoon

From deep resounding low notes to sweet melodies, unhindered expression. The long, wide wooden pipe of the bassoon contains much wisdom.

What is the bassoon?

The bassoon is a double-reed woodwind instrument that produces sound by causing two thin pieces of cane called reeds to vibrate against each other. It is typically made of maple wood and has a long, curved body with a flared bell at the bottom. The player blows air into the reeds, which causes them to vibrate and produce sound. The sound is then directed through the instrument's body and out of its top through a small opening called the "embouchure." The bassoon has a deep, rich sound that is often described as warm and dark, and it is capable of producing a wide range of tones. It is commonly used in orchestral music, as well as in chamber ensembles, concert bands, and jazz bands.