Discover the Bombarde
The Bombarde is a fascinating early childhood music resource. It introduces children aged 0–6 to the bold sounds of traditional Breton folk music. This powerful wind instrument comes from Brittany in northwestern France. It belongs to the shawm family — double-reeded instruments with roots in the ancient Middle East.
What Makes the Bombarde Special?
The Bombarde produces a bright, piercing sound that instantly captures children’s attention. Young children hear it and react with surprise and delight every time. This makes it perfect for sparking curiosity and discussion in early childhood settings.
The shawm family is the direct ancestor of the modern orchestral Oboe. Introducing children to the Bombarde opens a wonderful conversation about how instruments evolve over time.
How is the Bombarde Made?
Craftspeople traditionally make the Bombarde from ebony — a dense, dark wood. The instrument has three main sections: the reed, the body and the bell. Musicians design it for outdoor performances and lively open-air dances.
The Bombarde in History
In the 16th century, some religious artworks depicted the Bombarde as an instrument of the devil. Its powerful, startling sound likely inspired this reputation! This makes for a wonderful discussion with educators and older children about how different cultures respond to music.
The Bombarde in A Swag Full of Instruments
The Bombarde features in The Elephant and the Snake. Children stomp like elephants and slither like snakes along to its unique sound — guaranteed fun for any early childhood classroom!
To hear the Bombarde Click here
to explore more music click below to stream this tune and other songs from A Swag Full of Instruments.
