I've been playing my Piccolo for several years, but I stopped after I got my braces off three years ago. I've started back up and I've got back most of my tone but I can't seem to get E flat to sound right. Every other note is clear as a bell, but when I play E flat, it comes out as air with a squeak, albeit a in tune squeak. Anyone have any ideas?

Also, I'm trying to expand my dynamic range by using the same exercises as the flute. Any other suggestions on that?

Which Eb? Low? Middle? High?

middle

Well, assuming that you are lifting your LH first finger to play Eb, it's possible that the Eb key (RH pinky) is not opening far enough.

It was my first thought that I was forgetting it, but I went slowly and doublechecked. It actually sounded a tiny bit clearer with the LH 1st finger, though not as in tune. I'll double check the pinky key.

Any suggestions for expanding my volume range?

I'm trying to expand my dynamic range

Which end of the range - pianissimo, fortissimo or both? From my usual contra bassoon seat the first is the normal problem area.

Both, but with a piccolo its the pianisimo direction that's harder

To get a softer sound, for me, I just relax... the piccolo need a lot of relaxation. and direct the airstream higher. that is basically what i do.