Apito facts for kids
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| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Apito de Samba or Samba whistle. |
| Classification | Aerophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 421.221.11 (Whistle) |
| Developed | Brazil |
The Apito is a special kind of whistle that comes from Brazil. Its name means "whistle" in Portuguese. People use apitos in many different ways, especially in music.
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What is an Apito?
The apito is most famous for its role in samba music, especially in Brazil. It's often called a "samba whistle."
How is the Apito Used in Music?
In a samba school, which is like a big music group, the apito is super important. The "mestre de bateria," or band leader, uses it to talk to the musicians. With quick whistle sounds, the leader tells the band when to change their music. This could mean changing the sound or the rhythm.
The apito started as a simple whistle. Over time, it became more advanced. Some apitos can even make three different notes! This allows for more complex signals and music.
You can hear apitos in many kinds of music today, not just traditional Brazilian styles. They are also used in modern dance music. The rhythms played on apitos can be very varied and exciting. They often change a lot during a batucada performance, which is a type of samba drumming.
Outside of Brazil, like in Europe, the samba whistle is also used as a rhythm instrument. Sometimes, it's not just the band leader who plays it.
The samba whistle is quite easy to learn. This makes it a fun musical instrument for kids to try. In samba music, it can add a bright sound alongside instruments like maracas or other shakers. To be heard, the shakers need to be loud enough so the whistle doesn't cover their sound.
Different Kinds of Apitos
There are two main types of apitos that band leaders use. One is the single-tone apito, which makes just one sound, much like a regular referee whistle. The other is the tri-tone apito, which can make three different sounds.
Long ago, most apitos were made from wood. Today, you will usually find them made from metal.
How Apitos Make Sound
How does an apito make its loud sound? Inside the whistle, there is a small space called a chamber. Inside this chamber, there's a tiny ball or a small rod. When you blow air into the apito's mouthpiece, the air makes this ball or rod spin and bounce around. As it hits the sides of the chamber, it creates the whistle's distinct sound.
Making Music with an Apito
Because of the small ball or rod inside, the samba apito makes a very loud and clear sound. This loud sound is perfect for a samba school. It helps the band leader's signals be heard clearly over all the other instruments playing.
You can change the sound of an apito in a few ways. By blowing air faster or slower, you can make the sound stronger or softer. Also, changing your embouchure (how you shape your mouth and lips on the mouthpiece) can affect the sound. This allows musicians to add expression to their whistle calls.
You can find many examples of apito sounds and different ways to play them online. For instance, you can hear the sound of a wooden samba whistle in various recordings.
Playing Single-Tone vs. Tri-Tone Apitos
When a band leader uses a single-tone apito, they might hold it between their teeth. This leaves their hands free to make other signals to the band.
With a tri-tone apito, the leader usually holds it with one hand. This lets them use their other hand for conducting. Tri-tone apitos have three small holes. One hole is on top, and two are on the sides (one left, one right).
You can change the sound's pitch by covering these side holes with your fingers.
- If you cover none of the holes, you get the highest sound.
- If you cover just one of the side holes, you get a middle sound.
- If you cover both side holes, you get the lowest sound.
This way, a tri-tone apito can create a small melody or more complex signals.
