May 12, 2019


INTRODUCTION TO WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS : 


We were very privileged at our Move and Groove class held last Wednesday to have one of our very talented Kindermusik Mums - Louisa Billeter attend our Move and Groove : Jazz Kitchens class to demonstrate how the Clarinet and Oboe work.

We learned that the clarinet is a very versatile instrument.  It has a warm tone and expressive
capabilities which make it suited to a variety of musical styles, including classical and jazz.

The large clarinet family ranges from the contrabass, which plays the lowest range of notes to the piccolo clarinet which plays the highest.

Like the saxophone, the clarinet is a single reed instrument.  Players blow into the narrow gap between the reed and mouthpiece, causing the reed to vibrate and produce a sound.

The modern clarinet uses a system of rings and keys to allow the clarinettist to play a wide range of notes.

Like the saxophone, the clarinet is a single reed instrument.  Players blow into the narrow gap between the reed and mouthpiece, causing the reed to vibrate and produce a sound.

The modern clarinet uses a system of rings and keys to allow the clarinettist to play a wide range of notes.

There are four main sections that make up the clarinet : from top to bottom - the barrel, upper joint, lower joint and bell

The standard clarinet is in B flat and is used in most styles of music.  Clarinets are also made in A which are more often used in orchestras and chamber music.

There are some very informative U tube videos on Woodwind instruments and I encourage all who want to know more  about these Instruments to google "BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Woodwind.  I highly recommend these videos to introduce you to the different sections of an orchestra, ranging from Woodwind and Brass to  Strings and Percussion instruments.  

Click on the following link :https://youtu.be/KEt1Mm8sSkA