Piccolos

The piccolo is the smaller relative of the flute. It is exactly the same in all respects (notes and fingerings) but is much smaller than the flute and has a higher pitch – an octave higher than the flute. The piccolo is the highest instrument in a marching band, concert band or orchestra.

Piccolos can be made from a variety of materials. The most common are the all-metal piccolos, which marching bands usually use. They can also be made of plastic or wood. The piccolo is well known for the sound it has when playing marches with a band. The most famous marching band piccolo solo is in "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa. Piccolos are also used in concert bands, orchestras, jazz bands and marching bands.