The Woodwind Family
Woodwind instruments are a family of musical instruments under the general category of wind instruments. What differentiates these instruments from other wind instruments is the way in which they produce their sound. All woodwind instruments produce sound by splitting an air stream on a sharp edge. Contrary to popular belief, not all woodwind instruments are constructed with wood. The following woodwind instruments are offered:
Flute
The flute is the highest-pitched instrument of the beginning band with a bright, clear sound. It is played by blowing air across an opening and moving fingers to change the pitch.
Oboe
The oboe is similar in appearance to a clarinet, but it is played using a double reed instead of a single reed to produce sound. Soloistic and melodious, the oboe is a unique member of the band and only a few students each year will be selected to play it. Students wanting to play the oboe must take private lessons.
Bassoon
The bassoon is played with a double reed and is a larger, lower sounding instrument. With its dignified and majestic sound, the bassoon is also a unique member of the band with only a few special students selected to play it each year. Students wanting to learn the bassoon must take private lessons.
Clarinet
The clarinet uses a single reed and a mouthpiece to produce its sound. With an extensive range, the rich and lustrous sound of the clarinet is very popular choice for band students.
Alto Saxophone
Although it gives the impression of being a brass instrument, the saxophone belongs to the woodwind family and produces its smooth sound with the help of a single reed. All beginners start on the alto saxophone, with some students getting the opportunity to move to the deeper tenor or baritone saxophones at the start of their second year.