Wind instruments produce sound by a vibrating column of air, either using a reed or a musician's lips. It is classified into two groups; woodwinds and brasswinds. In Ancient civilization, wind instruments made of animal horns were used as a warning signal.
The bagpipe is one of those instruments that requires a musician to have lung-power in order to play it. Bagpipes take more time to master than other wind instruments, but it seems to be a fun instrument to play.
By the early 17th century, bassoons were included in orchestras, although it would achieve more prominence by the 18th century. The bassoon can be traced back to a musical instrument called curtal.
The clarinet has undergone many changes and innovations through the years. From its first inception during the late 1600s to todays' clarinet models, this musical instrument has certainly gone a long way. Due to the many improvements it underwent, many different types of clarinets were made throughout the years.
Also known as double bassoon, this reed instrument that belongs to the wind family of musical instruments is bigger than the bassoon. That's why it's called "the bassoon's big brother." It is pitched lower than the bassoon and demands lung-power from a musician.
The trumpet and cornet are quite similar; they are usually pitched in B flat, both are transposing instruments and they both have valves. But whereas the trumpet is used in jazz bands, the cornet is usually used in brass bands. Trumpets also have a more powerful sound and has a cylindrical bore. Cornets, on the other hand, have a conical bore.
The dulcian is another double-reed wind instrument of the Renaissance period. It is the predecessor of the shawm and the precursor of the oboe.
The flute belongs to the wind family of musical instruments. It is of ancient origin and was first made of wood. Now, however, the flute is made of silver and other metals. There are two types of methods used in playing the flute: side-blown or end-blown.
The flutophone is a lightweight, pre-band musical instrument that serves as a great introduction to playing other wind instruments such as the recorder. Flutophones are also inexpensive and quite easy to learn.
The harmonica is a free-reed wind instrument and is used in blues and folk music. Musicians such as Larry Adler and Sonny Boy Williamson played the harmonica. This is certainly an instrument worth trying out, very portable, affordable and offers a lot of opportunities for jam sessions.
The origin of the oboe can be traced back to instruments used in previous periods such as the shawm of the Renaissance. The soprano oboe was particularly favored during the 17th century.
