Website
The Orchestra

The Orchestra: A User's Manual Woodwind Ranges

For Students 9th - 10th
Easily review the ranges of all of the woodwind instruments. The chart shows the written pitch and the sounding pitch. There are also comments about some of the instruments ranges.
Article
Other

Circular Breathing

For Students 9th - 10th
Circular breathing is a method of breathing that is used to "maintain a sound for a long period of time." This article explains how to engage circular breathing as a technique for playing the instrument.
Handout
Other

The Woodwind Fingering Guide: Clarinet Fingerings

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a complete fingering chart covering basic fingerings, alternate fingerings, trill fingerings, alternate low clarinet fingerings, and Oehler basic fingerings. The information is displayed in chart format with scale/notation provided.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Bass Clarinet

For Students 3rd - 5th
Use this resource to learn about the bass clarinet, and read about the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the bass clarinet on its own and with the orchestra.
Website
University of Michigan

University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Clarinet

For Students 9th - 10th
This article, providing general information on the clarinet -- "a very popular woodwind instrument which originated in Islamic and Asian countries" -- includes an image of a clarinet, several references for reading and research, and a...
Website
University of Michigan

University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Bass Clarinet

For Students 9th - 10th
The University of Michigan provides a brief article on the bass clarinet, which is "the lowest voiced member of the clarinet family." Includes references for further reading and research and links to information on the clarinet and...
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Benny Goodman

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography from the John F. Kennedy Center on jazz legend Benny Goodman discusses his foray into jazz music with his band and the legacy he left with his music.
Article
Scott Alexander

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Sidney Bechet

For Students 9th - 10th
Red Hot Jazz offers a biography, filmography, suggested reading, and links to many of Sidney Bechet's contemporaries as well as to other sites.
Article
Other

Clarinet Reeds: Selection and Care

For Students 9th - 10th
If you are a clarinet player, this is an excellent site dealing with the selection and care of clarinet reeds. Topics covered are: recommended brands of reeds, reed strength, reed rotation, and reed holders.
Handout
Music Education

Learn About Instruments: The Winds

For Students 3rd - 8th
This tutorial teaches students about the flute, piccolo, and saxophone. It features sound clips so that you can hear examples of each instrument being played.
Article
Other

Pay the Piper

For Students 3rd - 8th
A resource for children who want to play a musical instrument, and their parents, this website includes answers to such questions as "Where do you get lessons?" and "How much will a new instrument cost?" Also included are informational...
Website
Other

Discover Eso: Musical Instruments: Woodwinds

For Students 9th - 10th
Website with information on four woodwind instruments: clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and flute. Students learn about the history and qualities of the instruments and can listen to audio excerpts of the instruments being played.
Website
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids

For Students 3rd - 8th
This interactive site offers students resource for learning about composers, their works, the logistics of orchestra seating, the functions of different instruments, and the like.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listening Library

For Students 3rd - 5th
At this resource listen to a selection of audio clips that feature the works of a full range of composers and a full orchestra of instruments. Scroll down an alphabetical list to find the composer or instrument you want, then choose the...
Website
PBS

Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments

For Students 3rd - 8th
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Oboe

For Students 3rd - 5th
Learn about the oboe and how it is played. Read more about the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the oboe on its own or with the orchestra.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Saxophone

For Students 3rd - 5th
Read more about the saxophone, and the characteristics of the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the saxophone play with the orchestra.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Music for Kids: Woodwind Instruments

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site contains information about various musical woodwind instruments like the flute, clarinet, and oboe. Learn about their styles of music and how they work.
Website
University of Michigan

University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Saxophone

For Students 9th - 10th
The University of Michigan provides general information on the saxophone, a single-reed woodwind instrument, invented by Adolphe Sax. This resource also includes images and references for further reading and research.
Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: Musical Instruments

For Teachers 9th - 10th
An interactive and printable crossword puzzle developed by the New York Times Learning Network. The theme of this puzzle is Musical Instruments.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Contrabassoon

For Students 3rd - 5th
Learn about the contrabassoon, a member of the woodwind family of instruments. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the contrabassoon.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: William Grant Still

For Students 3rd - 8th
This resource describes how William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE) started out playing the violin and then began teaching himself to play other string instruments as well as the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. His most famous work is...