The Flute Click here to listen to the flute (RealAudio file) The modern orchestral flute is held horizontally, and is the only woodwind instrument of the orchestra that is held parallel to the shoulders. The flute has a range of three octaves from middle C, though a few notes higher than the three-octave range can sometimes be obtained. The piccolo, a smaller version of the flute, is also found in the symphony orchestra, yet sounds an octave higher and starts from D. Next instrument - the Oboe Previous instrument - the Double Bass, Back to the Orchestra construction of the flute Size and materials: Originally made of wood, today mainly of metal or sometimes gold, the flute is a cylindrical tube about 60 cm long consisting of three pieces joined together by slides Keys and holes: The flute contains a total of sixteen holes and keys. The keys are connected to the body, and small springs allow them to be pushed down and lifted when not in use. A number of holes are also used to produce notes Sound production: The air is blown across a sharp-edged mouth hole (called the embouchure) which is cut into the side near the stopped end of the tube. The smooth, shiny inner surface of the flute allows the air to pass through undisturbed and with little resistance. The Piccolo: The piccolo is constructed in the same manner as the flute, though on a smaller scale and, like the flute, is a non-transposing instrument.