The "Little Flute" is Not a Little Thing

Author: Pat Scasny- IMC Representative, Retired Green Bay Public School Instrumental Music Teacher

During the summers of my high school and college years, I played with my hometown’s community band.  Our biggest performance of the summer was always the 4^th of July and the most memorable piece played during that concert was John Philip Sousa’s, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”  The highlight of that march came when the entire flute section, switching to piccolos, stood to play that famous obbligato as the rest of the band played the familiar patriotic melody.  John Philip Sousa, America’s legendary bandmaster, may have had the greatest influence in introducing the piccolo to the public through his exciting march.

Piccolo is the Italian word for “little.” The complete name for the instrument is “flauto piccolo” which means “little flute.”  The piccolo is approximately half the size of a flute and made up of two parts.  Usually made of nickel silver, sterling silver, plastic or grenadilla wood, the piccolo is the highest pitched member of the woodwind family, playing notes that are one octave higher than its relative, the flute.

The piccolo is mainly used in an ensemble, often being heard in marching bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and even jazz bands.

As a former beginning band teacher, one question I would sometimes get from young students was, “why can’t I play the piccolo?”  Though small in size, the piccolo is more of an advanced instrument.  The flute is the preferred starting instrument because the piccolo does have some challenges with embouchure formation and tuning.  Once the student has a good foundation and understanding of the flute and has played the flute for a few years, the piccolo can then be attempted.  Some basic techniques learned on the flute can be transferred to the piccolo.

In selecting a piccolo, one must consider in which type of ensemble you will be playing.  The silver -bodied instruments have greater projection and therefore are more suitable for marching band.  The wood and plastic instruments have a mellower tone and may be more appropriate for symphonic or concert work.

If you are a flutist with the desire to learn the piccolo, please come to the Instrumental Music Company, 2908 Ontario Rd. Green Bay, WI 54311 and try out one of our Yamaha, Pearl or Jupiter piccolos.