Instrument Families of the Symphony Orchestra Instrument Families

Instrument Families of the Symphony Orchestra

Instrument Families of the Symphony 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 the Symphony Orchestra What are instrument families? • A family of musical instruments is a grouping of several different but related sizes/types of instruments • 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.

Instrument Families of the Symphony 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 scraping Example: drum

Instrument Families of the Symphony Orchestra Terms: 4. Conductor - the man or woman who is in charge of directing the orchestra; they stand on a podium 5. Concertmaster/Concertmistress - the best violin player in the orchestra 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.

Instrument Families of the Symphony Orchestra 6. Baton - the stick that the conductor uses to direct the orchestra, so that the beat is clearly seen baton

Instrument Families of the Symphony Orchestra 7. Score - written or printed music, showing all parts for the instruments or voices

Orchestra Seating Chart 8. Draw the seating chart of the orchestra below: