bout the Fife
Fifes are a type of flute.
They has been around since the middle ages.
Fifes were commonly made by turning and reaming a single piece of wood.
Like most wind instruments from this period, they have a cylindrical bore.
Their bore is narrower than many other flutes, a feature that gives them their striking tone.
They have six finger holes and no thumb hole, just like the penny whistle.
They are commonly made in the key of B-flat, a sixth above that of concert flutes which are pitched in D.
Thus they are high pitched.
They have a range of an octave and a fifth.
The fife is primarily remembered as a military instrument.
It was popularized and disseminated through Europe in the 15th century by Swiss mercenaries.
It was paired with drums to give commands to foot troops.
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