FLUTES, WHISTLES AND REEDS

The third book to follow Singing Strings and Drums, Rattles and Bells, this is concerned with the woodwinds -- flutes, piccolos, double bassoons, saxophones, clarinets and bagpipes. In addition to outlining the history of each instrument, this also provides simple directions for constructing them and clear explanations of how they work. Children lucky enough to live where elderberry bushes grow wild can make homemade flutes from the stems. Willow reeds are not too difficult to fashion and soda straws make fine oboes. But to understand the woodwind principle in action, the author invites us to make a shepherd's pipe, one of the earliest woodwind instruments- easy to make -- and an excellent approach to basic principles. The author's illustrations and diagrams are as pleasing to the eye as they are informative, and the book as a unit will help teachers and groupworkers enrich their music programs or provide new outlets of enjoyment for hobbyists.