Instrument Families of the Instrument Families of the Symphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

• Click through this Power Point to learn about the instrument families of the symphony orchestra

• Complete the worksheet as you go through this presentation.

Instrument Families of theSymphony Orchestra

Instrument Families of the Instrument Families of the Symphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

What are instrument families?

• Musical instruments are classified by the way they make sounds

• Sounds are the result of vibrations, and in each type of instrument the vibrations come from a different source.

• A family of musical instruments is a grouping of several different but related sizes/types of instruments

Instrument Families of theInstrument Families of theSymphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

3. Four Families of instruments in the Symphony Orchestra

A. Strings - all have strings, are played by strumming, bowing, or plucking

Example: violin

B. Brass - made of brass, produce sound by blowing air into the mouthpiece (buzzing lips)

Example: trumpet

C. Woodwinds - made of wood; produce sound by using wind or air (most have a reed)Example: clarinet

D. Percussion – played by striking, shaking, or scrapingExample: drum

- the best violin\

player in the orchestra

- the man or woman who is in chargeof directing the orchestra; they stand on a podium

Instrument Families of theInstrument Families of theSymphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

Terms:

a. What special duties does the concertmaster have?They tune the orchestra and make sure everyone in the orchestra knows how to play their part.

4. Conductor

5. Concertmaster/Concertmistress

Instrument Families of theInstrument Families of theSymphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

6. Baton - the stick that the conductor uses to direct the orchestra, so that the beat is clearly seen

baton

Instrument Families of theInstrument Families of theSymphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

- written or printed music, showing all partsfor the instruments or voices

7. Score

Orchestra Seating Orchestra Seating ChartChart

8. Draw the seating chart of the orchestra below: