Fife (instrument)

A fife is a long, skinny musical instrument that is kind of like a flute, but smaller and louder. You hold it horizontally, like a hot dog, and blow into the small hole at the top of the instrument to make sound.

The fife is usually made out of wood, like a branch from a tree, and has six holes along the length of the instrument that you cover with your fingers to make different notes.

Fifes were often used in military bands to help soldiers march in step and keep their morale high. The sound of the fife could be heard over a long distance, so it was useful for signaling commands during battle.

Even though they are not used in the military as much anymore, people still play the fife in bands, especially for traditional folk music.