My dad had an ocarina - it was black, I have no idea what it was made of, but not plastic. He would have got it as a young lad in the 1930s, along with his mouth organ and piano accordion - all of which I remember him playing since as long as I can remember.

Ocarinas as very much still around, Jerry. All the children in Year 2 (6 to year olds) in the school I used to teach at learn to play the ocarina before going on to learn the recorder in the following school year.

I know there have been threads on the subject here before, but my all time favourite musical instrument of my childhood (and beyond !) is the very wonderful Comb and Paper. (It had to be that very cheap toilet paper in order to make the very best sound). It would appear that Comb and Paper playing is dying out: I had to introduce the children at that school to its delights a couple of years ago - they'd never heard of it. So much better than a kazoo.

- jeanie