Woodwind(Flute Family)

[Kevin]

The Woodwind section of an orchestra can consist of many instruments depending on the size of the ensemble and the requirements of the music.

A basic section will consist of the following instruments:-

1. Flute
2. Oboe
3. Clarinet
4. Bassoon

Further instruments that are available are:-

1. Piccolo
2. Alto/Bass Flute
3. Cor Anglais
4. Alto/Bass/Contrabass Clarinets
5. Contra-Bassoon
6. The saxophone family.

I shall endeavor to indicate the possible playing registers and the practical playing registers. This is something that a good orchestrator needs to know in detail. It is okay writing music using the possible register but it is a lot easier on the musicians to use just the practical register!

[Kevin]

The Flute

The flute is a very agile and lyrical member of the woodwind family. The majority of flutes are made of different types of metal but there are some made of wood also.

Although it has a 3 octave range it needs to be used carefully in order for it to be projected.(see pdf file below)

If you are lucky enough to have 3/4 flutes available they can produce a lovely ensemble.



Moving between the middle and upper register is relatively easy but be careful with the lower register. This requires more air from the player therefore longer phrases need to be thought about. (Musicians have to breathe ;D)

Here is an example of playing with an orchestra, notice how the scoring has to be reduced for the flute to come across.



and one of the most famous of all flute solo's showing an example of the lower/middle register of the flute.

[Kevin]

Piccolo

The piccolo can strengthen the upper register of the flute when used either in unison or an octave higher.

Here is a famous piccolo solo:



(solo commences at 2.00)

and here in a baroque setting:



Alto Flute

A slightly larger member of the flute family. Due to the fact that it has a greater bore and length than the normal flute it is not quite as agile and it is difficult to cut through the sound of a full orchestra. It should therefore be reserved for quieter moments. The ranges are the same for a flute but it sounds down a perfect 4th from concert pitch. They can have a straight or curved head. This is only for covienience,



Bass Flute

The lowest member of the flute family. Mainly used in flute choirs. Same range as a flute but sounds an octave lower.



There are larger flutes but these are only used in ensembles.

[Kevin]

Ranges for the flute family.

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