| The piccolo is the highest pitched instrument in the | | | | register differently. Collegiate level education usually |
| woodwind family - and this same family includes the | | | | addresses these subtle differences, but by and large |
| flute, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone. This | | | | the fingerings are the same for the two instruments. |
| underappreciated instrument is a whole octave above | | | | This instrument can be somewhat difficult to tune, and |
| the flute. | | | | because the human ear particularly notices its higher |
| While it is sometimes used in high school bands and | | | | wavelengths, and when this instrument is out of tune it |
| marching bands, most people do not truly study the | | | | can make an entire band sound terrible. Thorough ear |
| piccolo until collegiate level. Even then, most people | | | | training can cure an out of tune instrument, but it takes |
| take a cursory note of this instrument, although people | | | | lots of practice, concentration, and dedication to |
| who stick with the training can become virtuosos. This | | | | achieve this level of skill. |
| instrument is highly sought after on professional levels - | | | | These fine members of the woodwind family can be |
| including but not limited to orchestras and studio | | | | created using wood, metal, plastic, or a smorgasbord |
| musicians. | | | | of these materials. High School level bands usually use |
| The higher notes the piccolo can hit can be considered | | | | composite materials, whereas professional musicians |
| shrilly, so as a result the entire capabilities are not | | | | only use one type of material; when this instrument is |
| usually explored. There are solos for this particular | | | | made of a composite of materials, there are minute |
| member of the woodwind family, although more often | | | | inflections created that on a world-class level simply |
| than not this instrument is used as an accent that | | | | can't be tolerated (for high school or beginners use |
| emphasizes certain moods or feelings. Perhaps the | | | | though, it's fine). |
| most famous piece, "Stars and Stripes Forever", the | | | | Should you choose to master this wonderful |
| famous Americana piece by John Phillip Sousa, has a | | | | instrument, you will be in a very exclusive league that is |
| solo for this instrument too. | | | | highly sought after and very much in demand. Learning |
| This instrument is very similar to a flute; both | | | | the right fingerings, breathing techniques, and notes can |
| instruments are tuned in the key of C and many of the | | | | be very difficult at times, but with perseverance, your |
| fingerings from the flute translate to the piccolo. | | | | hard work can come to a very profitable and |
| However, some notes require altered fingering, for | | | | rewarding fruition. |
| although the sound may be similar, some notes tend to | | | | |