ne of the traditional instruments of carnival in Basel is the piccolo. It is a small fife, which has its origins in the 18th century.
The marches are usually played in three different parts, sometimes even in four. In combination with the drums, the music receives a special and unique touch. Thus, it is not surprising that drummers and piccolo players often play together. They are the main figures of a "Clique" (=group of carnival members).

The origin of the piccolo and drum playing is not clear, but it seems that it may have a military source. Nowadays, however, the marches are played in a less military way, that is to say, slowlier and more harmoniously.
Most of the marches can be played by drummers and piccolo players together. But there are also some, which are composed for drums or for piccolos only.