A piccolo is a very small flute that plays much higher notes than a regular flute.
From Italian 'flauto piccolo' meaning 'small flute', from 'piccolo' meaning 'small'. The shortened form 'piccolo' became the name of the instrument in English.
The piccolo is so high that it can slice through the sound of a full orchestra like a laser beam. Marching bands use it because those piercing high notes can still be heard outdoors over drums and brass.
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