Steps to playing `Ohe hano Ihu
by Manu Josiah
First, the pronunciation of the instrument:
OH-heh HAH-no EE-hoo
ʻOhe is bamboo, hano is a cylindrical object, and ihu is the nose.
- Holding the flute with your right hand, place the flute under your right nostril, so that the nose hole is under your right nostril, holding it perpendicular to your nose and about 30 degree angle to the right. You can adjust to find the best tone quality.
- Gently place the pad of your middle finger over the hole farthest from your face. Remember, relax and don’t press too hard. Just enough pressure to cover the hole.
- Gently place the pad of your index finger over the hole closest to your face (not including the nose hole, of course).
- Gently place your left thumb under the flute for support.
- Gently place your left index finger on your left nostril and gently apply pressure to close the airway of your left nostril.
- You are ready to play. Gently breathe in through your mouth and breathe out through your right nostril. Remember to relax, don’t force it. You can adjust the position of the flute until you hear a nice full sound.
- Gently lifting your fingers on your right hand will give you different notes.
You may purchase Manu’s flutes at this link.