History and Development of the Piccolo

The legendary American bandmaster, John Philip Sousa, may have had the greatest influence in introducing the piccolo to the masses through his foot-tapping march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever." What audience fails to be stirred and excited as a flute section, switching to piccolos, stands and plays the famous obbligato as the band or orchestra performs that familiar patriotic melody? Just the mention of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" to a gathering of music lovers brings applause and shouts of approval. Not surprisingly, this composition is now, by an act of Congress, is the official march of the United States.

The piccolo, the smallest member of the flute family, produces the highest notes in the band or orchestra. Other family members include the familiar concert flute in C, soprano flute in Eb, alto flute in G, and bass flute in C. The piccolo in C sounds one octave higher than the printed notes it plays. Although most piccolos today are made in the key of C, a few pitched in D flat can still be found. However, all music composed today for piccolo is written for the C instrument.

The word piccolo in Italian means small — flauto piccolo literally means "small flute." The Germans refer to it as kleine flote and the French use petite flaute. Another Italian word, ottavino, or octave flute, is used as well. The piccolo is used primarily in concert bands, symphony orchestras, and flute choirs.

Most organizations use one piccolo unless the music specifically requires a second player. Since the piccolo is considered a "first chair" instrument, it should never be the responsibility of the first chair flutist to also be the first chair piccoloist. These positions should always be played by two musicians.

There are some compositions that feature the piccolo as a solo instrument, such as concerti by Vivaldi ("Concerto in C Major" and "Concerto in A minor"), "Piccolo Espagnol," by James Christensen (piccolo and piano), "Parable for Solo Piccolo," by Vincent Persichetti, "Concertino for Piccolo and Orchestra," by W.G. Bottje, and "Sonata for Piccolo and Piano," by Martin Amlin, to name a few. Generally speaking, however, the piccolo is used mainly within an ensemble.

PICCOLO HISTORY

The piccolo is generally related to the early six hole fife. This instrument can still be seen and heard today in such groups as "The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps" (used in ceremonies with the President of the United States) and the historic drum and bugle corps in Colonial Williamsburg, Va. The Revolutionary War "Spirit of 1776" features a flag bearer, drummer, and fife player. Gradually, the instrument was modified with added keys and bore changes, until the instrument we know today was completed.

IS THE PICCOLO DIFFICULT TO LEARN?

Almost no one starts on the piccolo. The flute is the preferred starting instrument, primarily because the piccolo presents challenges, such as embouchure formation, octave difficulties, and minute pitch adjustments. It is important to learn proper breathing techniques and breath support at the onset of playing so that a proper embouchure (lip formation) can be developed.

Once a player has a firm foundation and understanding of the flute and has played for a few years, the piccolo can be considered. Basic techniques learned in the study of the flute can be transformed to piccolo; however, basic understanding of the embouchure change is critical and should only be undertaken under the skillful tutoring of a professional flutist/piccoloist. Remember that you are not simply playing upon a small flute. Intonation can change drastically with even small embouchure adjustments. A good ear and keen sense of pitch are mandatory for successful piccolo playing.

CHOOSING THE PROPER INSTRUMENT

There are two basic types of piccolos, cylindrical bore and conical bore. The cylindrical bore piccolo is similar to the concert flute in C, which features a tapered head joint and a cylindrical body (same diameter from top of barrel to foot joint). A conical bore piccolo uses a cylindrical bore head joint and tapered body. Many school bands and jazz doublers find that the cylindrical bore piccolo is somewhat easier to play. Further, the cylindrical bore piccolo is always made of nickel silver or sterling silver, whereas the conical bore piccolo is offered in the above metals as well as composition material (plastic) and grenadilla wood. Some players will order a metal head joint with a composition or grenadilla wood body to get the best of both worlds. This combination adds a little more brilliance to the sound. Others prefer to have the entire instrument all composition or wood. This becomes a matter of personal choice. Young flutists desiring to purchase a piccolo should seek assistance from the band director or flute teacher.