Roles of Wind Ensemble Instruments
Many instruments are classified as wind instruments. These musical instruments use air to cause vibration, which then produces sound. Wind ensemble instruments are a specific set of wind instruments. They are broken into two classifications; brass and woodwinds. Many of these are originally traditional and folk instruments that have been developed over centuries to accommodate the orchestra and classical music.
The Trumpet
The trumpet falls under the brass section and plays a very regal and royal role. It has three octaves and is used in the arrangement to express the arrival of a conclusion, and often for the grand finale of the composition.
The French Horn
The French hunting horn was introduced to the orchestra in the 1700s, then underwent developments until the early 19th century, when it became the French horn that we know today. This instrument brings excitement, emotion and suspense to the composition. It is also part of the brass section.
Trombone
Part of the brass section, the trombone was inspired by the trumpet. By inserting one pipe into another, and then sliding it open or closed, it produces different notes. The trombone is usually either tenor or bass, hence it is used to fill the low-mid range of the composition.
Tuba
The largest of the brass family, and the lowest in range, the tuba is the foundation of the wind ensemble instruments. Generally, only one is necessary.
Flute
The flute is the oldest non-percussive instrument known to man. One discovery shows that the flute existed as early as 35,000 years ago. Originally flutes were made of bone, wood, bamboo, clay and other materials. Today the flute can be made of silver, platinum or gold. It fills out the higher registers in the composition, often accompanying the melody.
Clarinet
From its beautiful rich tone to its high smooth sound, the clarinet has the reputation of being the most beautiful of the woodwinds. The clarinet has one large reed, which is the reason for its soft tone. In an ensemble, the clarinet is often used to fill out the violins in the string section, but it is just as commonly used as a solo instrument.
Oboe
Due to its loud nature, at the beginning of the rehearsal when the orchestra must tune, the oboe is where everyone gets their A note. It has a range of two-and-a-half octaves, and is generally classified in the tenor section. Two or three oboes are often found in the orchestra, depending on its size and needs.
Bassoon
The bassoon is a double instrument with three-and-a-half octaves. It was originally used to thicken the sound of the cellos, but has now earned its own role in the orchestra. The bassoon is also known to be the clown of the orchestra because of the unique, comical sounds of which it is capable.
