Harmonica

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/harmonica

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical precursor?The Chinese sheng, an ancient free-reed instrument dating back thousands of years
2. How does a harmonica make sound?When you blow or draw air through its holes, the air moves the metal reeds. The reeds vibrate and create notes.
3. Why is the harmonica called a "mini-band in your pocket"?Because it is very small and portable, yet it can play many notes and sounds like a whole band.

Free Reed: A vibratile element fixed at one end within a slot, its vibration being unimpeded by any external constraint.
Aerophone: A musical instrument that produces sound by the vibration of a column of air, or by the vibration of the instrument itself, when this vibration is caused by the player's breath or by a mechanical means of blowing.
Embouchure: The way a musician applies their lips, mouth, and facial muscles to a mouthpiece to produce sound on a wind instrument.