Fife

a wind instrument resembling the flute. The melody is produced by blowing through a hole in a reed or tube. The current of air is regulated by opening and closing six holes with the fingers. A single key is sometimes added. The instrument has a compass of two to three octaves according to the skill of the player. The player of the fife may be recognized in the rock sculptures of the most ancient civilizations. Its notes are especially stirring. Fife and drum are associated traditionally in military music.