The bass clarinet comes from the clarinet family, a group of instruments played using a reed – a very thin piece of wood which vibrates when you blow through it.

The bass clarinet normally has a long straight body with a silver-coloured metal bell, a curved neck and metal keys. It is known for its deep and rich sound and is used in orchestral music and jazz. Bass clarinets were only invented in the eighteenth century, which makes them one of the younger members of the orchestral family!