Topic Two (1.2): Woodwind Instruments

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

In this topic you will be learning about woodwind instruments, such as the flute, clarinet and oboe, to name just a few. Woodwind instruments were originally made of wood (which explains the name), but that is not the case today.

Skills Icon.png Instructions

  • King Henry VIII of England is well-known for having six wives but did you know that he also collected recorders? He even composed two songs for the recorder which you can hear below. This is the typical sound you would hear in courts and palaces during the Tudor times.

  • In Tudor times recorders came in all shapes and sizes, unlike today, where there are four sizes: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. These terms are used to refer to the four main vocal ranges: Soprano – A high female (or male's) voice. Alto – A low female (or male's) voice. Tenor – A high (adult) male voice. Bass – A low (adult) male voice. The most common recorders are the soprano and alto recorders which are often used by beginners. You can learn more about how a recorder produces different sounds in the video below.

  • A recorder is just one of many different woodwind instruments. You can learn about other members of the woodwind family by reading the link below. Try to make notes of the key points as you read.

READ - The Woodwind Family Links to an external site.

  • Now that you have learnt about string and woodwind instruments, you are ready to play the fun quiz below. Click on each instrument to hear it play. Once you’ve explored the instruments, take the quiz to see if you can match the instrument with its sound.

LISTEN - Online Musical Games Links to an external site.

Review Icon.png Review

Complete the Woodwind Instruments worksheet. You will need to research some of the answers online.

DOWNLOAD - Woodwind Instruments Download DOWNLOAD - Woodwind Instruments

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

Complete the wordsearch on woodwind instrument.

COMPLETE - Wordsearch - Woodwind Instruments Download COMPLETE - Wordsearch - Woodwind Instruments

You can check your answers here.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Make a woodwind instruments! Follow the instructions in the worksheet below to create your own woodwind instrument out of lolly sticks!

COMPLETE - Make a Woodwind Instrument Download COMPLETE - Make a Woodwind Instrument