Woodwind Instrument Choices
Flute
The flute is highest pitched member of the woodwind family. It is an aerophone wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening.
Oboe
The oboe is very unique! It’s a type of double reed woodwind instrument. Oboes are usually made of wood. The oboe produces a distinct sound that is easier to hear over other instruments in large ensembles.
Clarinet
The clarinet produces many different tones depending on if you are playing in the lower or higher register. Unlike the double reed of the oboe, the clarinet uses a single reed against a mouthpiece. Air flow between the reed and the mouthpiece causes the reed to vibrate and produce sound.
Bass Clarinet
The bass clarinet is a woodwind, and a member of the clarinet family. Bass clarinets sound similar to regular clarinets, but because they are much larger in size, they can play much lower. Bass clarinets also use a single reed to produce sound.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone is the 2nd highest pitched member of the saxophone family (the soprano sax being the highest pitched). It is the most common saxophone and you can find it being played in all kinds of music, including jazz and pop. Even though it is shiny like the members of the brass family, it is still a woodwind instrument. The saxophone uses a single reed like the clarinet to produce a sound.
Baritone Saxophone
The baritone saxophone or “bari sax” is one of the largest in size and lowest sounding members of the saxophone family. Just like the bass clarinet, it uses a single reed to produce a sound.
Bassoon
The bassoon, like the oboe, is a woodwind instrument that uses a double reed. The bassoon is known for its unique tone and wide note range. It is very long and slender. You can see the bassoon towering over the rest of the orchestra or band.