FLUTE CLARINET OBOE BASSOON SAXOPHONE WOODWIND FAMILY

FLUTE The flute, like the trumpet, is one of the oldest known instruments. The oldest complete, playable instrument is a nearly 9,000-year-old bone flute found in China. The transverse (side-blown) flutes can be seen in paintings and manuscripts that date back as far as the 14th century, though most flutes were played like the recorder, blowing air in from the end.

FLUTE The sound is produced by blowing air across the tone hole (a hole in the instrument). Theobald Boehm designed a system of fingering that is used today, called the “Boehm System”

FLUTE Flutes a generally made from a silver alloy, although some players prefer to have their flutes made of platinum, gold, or even wood. There are several sizes of flute that are made.

FLUTE

CLARINET The clarinet was found in Islamic and Asian countries over 700 years ago. It came to Europe as a folk instrument. Like most other woodwind instruments, the clarinet uses a reed (single) that vibrates to make sound. Joseph Denner (famous instrument maker) began manufacturing clarinets in Germany in the late 1600’s.

CLARINET Boehm’s fingering system was adapted for use with the clarinet to make it easier to play in the 1800’s. Clarinets perform in all types of music, including classical, jazz, and swing.

CLARINET

OBOE The oboe is descended from an instrument known as the shawm that dates from about 2800 B.C. It was introduced to the French courts in the mid- 17th century and became part of classical orchestras in the beginning of the 18th century.

OBOE The oboe is a double reed instrument. Professionals usually make their own reeds, or have them hand-made.

OBOE The oboe is an important member of the orchestra. All other instruments tune to it. It is almost never used in marching bands.

OBOE

BASSOON The origin of the bassoon is a mystery. We do not even know what country it originated in. Scholars say that it may have been called as many as eight different names throughout history, each with many different spellings.

BASSOON Generally, the dulcian is considered to be the forerunner of the modern bassoon, as the two instruments share many characteristics.

BASSOON Originally, the bassoon doubled the cello in orchestral uses. It’s unique shape has not been changed since the 1700’s. This is because the sound changes drastically as the shape changes. The name bassoon came from the bass sound that comes from the instrument. It is written for the bass clef.

BASSOON It is a double reed instrument that is NOT related to the oboe family.

BASSOON

SAXOPHONE The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax and introduced to the world in 1841 at the Brussels Exhibition. It is classified as a single reed woodwind instrument. However, it is actually a hybrid, using elements of the clarinet and oboe.

SAXOPHONE Originally, it was available in fourteen different sizes and keys. The most popular ones today are the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones.

SAXOPHONE Saxophone is used in many different styles of music like: opera, band, jazz, and popular music.