Woodwind Instruments

　　Woodwind instruments were orginally made by hard and sustainable woods. The quality of the sound and pitch, however, played by woodwind instruments would be affected by the weather. Therefore, many new woodwind instruments are then made by metal or other synthetic materials, but the term "woodwind instrument" is still preserved.

　　The way to play the woodwind instruments is by blowing the wind to make the air vibrate in the tubes. There is a line of holes in the tube, which enables the hands to control the pitch with the opening or closing of the holes. The woodwind instruments could further be divied as reedless, single reed, and double reed.

　　Reedless instruments are played without reeds. One plays the reedless instrument by blowing the air directly with their mouth, making the air flow and vibrate in the tube, making sounds. Flutes and piccolos are considered as reedless instruments. A reed is attached to the mouthpiece of single reed instruments, which include clarinets, bass clarinets, and saxphones. Two reeds are bounded together and inserted to the mouthpiece of double reed instruments, such as oboes, English horns and bassons. The key influence of reeds in performances could not be underestimated. The size, shape and thickness of the reeds would influence the sounds of the instruments.

(Reference : Website of NTSO)

Octagonal Kiosk

　There are several booths in the octagoanl kiosk. A touch screen is attached in the booth, which are loaded with interactive e-books of various themes. Special headphones are attached to each set as not to disturb other users. We raced for the booths right away and enjoyed the e-books.

Brass Instruments

　　Brass instruments are musical instruments made of brass or metal. The horns made by beasts or conchs could be considered as ancestors of the brass instruments. Performers press their lips on the mouthpieces and vibrate the air of the tube to make sounds. The pitches of the brass instruments are changed through varying the pressure of the lips, the speed of the airflow, and the pressing of the valves to change the length of the tubes. The size and shape of the mouthpieces could also influence the sounds. For instance, if the mouthpiece is broad and deep, the sound made by it would be softer. But if the mouthpiece is small, its sound pitch would be high.

	Brass Instruments: French Horns and Tubas	Brass Instruments: Trombones

　　Common brass instruments include trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas, and baritones. The sounds of brass instruments are loud, clear and rich, which are often used to express the strong power or the bright feeling of the music. They are suitable for chamber music, outdoor marching bands or the accompaniment of ceremonies.

(Reference: Website of NTSO)