Woodwind instruments used to be made of wood, which gives them their name. Today, they can made of wood, metal or plastic. They are made of pipes with holes along their length, a mouthpiece at the top, and an opening at the bottom. Air is blown through the instrument to make a sound (the wind part of their name). Some of the holes are covered by metal caps called keys.

The mouthpieces of the clarinet, oboe and bassoon have a thin piece of wood called a reed, which vibrates when it is blown. The clarinet uses a single reed made of one piece of wood, while the oboe and bassoon use a double reed made of two pieces of wood bound together.

Woodwind instruments taught at YRC include:

  •  piccolo

  • flute

  • oboe

  • clarinet

  • bassoon and the

  • saxophone.

Teaching staff:

  • Liz Boland

    YRC studios, Young Young Public School

    Hi, I’m Liz, a woodwind and brass tutor at YRC. I am a local girl, being brought up on a mixed farm west of Young. I attended Young Public School and Young High School where I was actively involved in music within the schools and wider community. I began teaching flute at YRC in 2008 and since have expanded my knowledge in other instruments including oboe, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and horn. Music has become a huge part of my life with both my children following in my footsteps and being involved in many community events in various bands and ensembles.

    I take great joy in seeing my students grow musically and having fun playing for others. I have a passion for ensembles and believe that sharing your talents is a must, no matter how good you think you are. And I believe anyone can learn to play an instrument or sing… you just have to give it a try and have a bit of fun!

    CMus - Flute Bachelor of Applied Science -Agriculture

    Enrol with Liz

  • Leisa Dunford

    Bribbaree Public School YRC studios, Young Young Public School

    Early Childhood Music classes

    The highlight of working at YRC is being involved with so many families throughout the community. I thrive on helping people to achieve their goals, to build their skills, resilience and confidence, and to help them form life long friendships and connections through music. I grew up in a small town very similar to Young, so I understand the immeasurable impact music has on our community. In 2003, I moved to Sydney to live and study, relocating to Young as YRC’s Woodwind Tutor, and Band Coordinator in 2007.

    I have enjoyed my time here immensely, and am now settled with a family of my own. I am passionate about students of all ages, and all abilities, having the opportunity to pursue music, and I look forward to the long and fulfilling career ahead of me at YRC.

    Bachelor of Music (performance) UNE Advanced Diploma of contemporary music and performance, JMC Academy. Certificate IV Training and Assessing, Riverina TAFE Certificate IV Personal Training. AIPT.

    Enrol with Leisa

  • Ingrid Owens

    YRC studios, Young Quandialla Central School St Anne’s Catholic School. Temora St Mary’s Catholic School, Young Temora Public School Temora West Public School

    I am a tutor of flute, piano, clarinet and saxophone at YRC. I have loved listening and moving to music from a very early age, and the desire to create music naturally followed as I grew. In my career, I have mostly focused on classical music and have been involved in many ensembles across the country, but more recently, I have explored the amazing world of jazz music. I believe the social aspects of music and music making are most valuable to personal health and wellbeing, and I love performing for and with others. YRC has a great culture of student concerts, which I readily involve myself with as often as I can. I get a great deal of satisfaction from teaching, when I see my students grow in confidence and self-belief as they achieve their goals.

    Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

    Enrol with Ingrid