5
The Instrument
What we often think of as the “instrument” (the clarinet, trombone,
etc.), is really only
half
the instrument – the
second
half.
You
are
the
first
half. Simply put,
you
produce the air, it goes through a
converter (lips, reed) – creating the vibration, and is then amplified
by the physical instrument.
See diagram below
.
The sound of the instrument is dependent on the
quality
of the air
you put through it. This is not something to be taken for granted. It
takes awareness and training. Great players are great breathers.
For singers, the entire instrument is contained within the body, but
the process is the same. The foundation of the sound is the air
stream.
Basic Design Of A Wind Instrument
Exhalation
AMPLIFIER (flute, clarinet, etc.)
• Amplifies Sound
• Additional pitch controls
CONVERTER
• Converts exhalation into sound
(vibration – lips, reed)
• Manipulates pitch
• Produces and
controls air
AIR SUPPLY (player
)
Inhalation
