The clarinet is a versatile member of the woodwind family. It plays both melodies and harmonies.
The clarinet is played by blowing onto a thin single reed which is strapped against a mouthpiece. The reed vibrates which creates a mellow, warm and woody sound. The player presses down on buttons and keys that cover holes in the instrument to change the sound.
There are different types of clarinet. The higher-pitched E-flat clarinet is about half the length of a standard clarinet. The bass clarinet is much louder and longer – it can play some of the lowest notes in the orchestra.
Clarinet comes from the French word ‘clarinette’ which means ‘little bell’.