ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Transverse flute

Have you ever blown on a straw in your drink and made a sound? Well, imagine a really long straw that you hold sideways, with holes in it. That's what a transverse flute looks like!

To make music, you blow air into the hole on the side of the flute and control the pitch by using your fingers to cover or uncover the other holes along the tube. By changing which holes are covered or uncovered, you can create different notes and play songs!

Some people may call it a "fancy straw" or "musical straw," but it's officially known as a transverse flute. It's been around for a very long time, even as far back as ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. Lots of famous musicians have played the transverse flute throughout history, and it's still used in many different styles of music today.
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