Instruments of the orchestra What is an orchestra

Instruments of the orchestra

What is an orchestra? An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble. A typical orchestra is made up of four sections Strings Brass Woodwind and Percussion instruments. Orchestra’s have grown over the years. Did you know that an orchestra could have up to 100 players playing together at the same time!

Instruments of the orchestra

Conductor • A conductor is the leader of an orchestra. • One of the main roles of a conductor is to help keep everyone in time with each other by using hand gestures.

Instruments of the orchestra Strings • Stringed instruments can be played in a number of ways • How many can you name? • Violin, viola, cello, double bass • Harp • Guitar, banjo, piano • Bowed • Plucked or • Struck

Instruments of the orchestra - Brass • Brass instruments are long tubes of curved brass. • How many can you name? • Cornet, trombone, • Trumpet, tuba, French horn, • They are played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and making air vibrate through the tube to make a sound. • You can make different sounds by blowing harder or softer into the mouthpiece.

Layout of an orchestra

Instruments of the orchestra Woodwind • • • How many can you name? • Flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument which produces sound when the player blows air against a sharp edge or through a reed. Most of these instruments are made of wood but can be made of other materials, such as metals or plastics.

Introduction to instruments of the orchestra - percussion • Percussive instruments are instruments that are hit by a hand or a beater Tuned Untuned Xylophone Vibraphone Tubular bells Drums Shaker cymbals • There are two types of percussion instruments: tuned and untuned.