Instruments of the Orchestra
Grade 2 · Music · Study Guide
Learn about the four instrument families that make up an orchestra.
An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together. The instruments in an orchestra are divided into four families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
The string family is the largest group. String instruments make sound when their strings are plucked or bowed. The violin, viola, cello, and double bass are all string instruments. The violin is the smallest and makes the highest sounds, while the double bass is the largest and makes the lowest sounds.
Woodwind instruments make sound when air is blown through them. The flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon are woodwinds. Some woodwinds have a thin piece called a reed that vibrates when you blow.
Brass instruments are made of metal and players buzz their lips into a mouthpiece to make sound. The trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba are brass instruments. The tuba is the largest brass instrument and makes very low sounds.
The percussion family includes instruments that are hit, shaken, or struck. Drums, cymbals, and the xylophone are percussion instruments. The conductor stands at the front and uses a baton to lead all the musicians together.
Key terms
- Orchestra
- A large group of musicians who play together
- Strings
- Instruments that make sound when their strings are plucked or bowed
- Woodwinds
- Instruments that make sound when air is blown through them
- Brass
- Metal instruments played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece
- Percussion
- Instruments that make sound when hit, shaken, or struck
- Conductor
- The person who leads the orchestra using a baton
Flashcards
- Orchestra
- A large group of musicians playing together in four instrument families
- Strings
- Violin, viola, cello, and double bass — played by bowing or plucking
- Woodwinds
- Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon — played by blowing air through them
- Brass
- Trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba — played by buzzing lips into mouthpiece
- Percussion
- Drums, cymbals, xylophone — played by hitting or shaking
- Violin
- The smallest string instrument, makes the highest string sounds
- Tuba
- The largest brass instrument, makes the lowest brass sounds
- Conductor
- Leads the orchestra with a baton to keep everyone together
Questions
How many instrument families are in an orchestra?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
Show answer
Answer: Four
An orchestra has four instrument families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
The violin is a string instrument.
Show answer
Answer: True
The violin is a string instrument — it makes sound when its strings are bowed or plucked.
Which family does the trumpet belong to?
- Strings
- Woodwinds
- Brass
- Percussion
Show answer
Answer: Brass
The trumpet is a brass instrument made of metal, played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece.
The person who leads the orchestra is called the ______.
Show answer
Answer: conductor
The conductor stands at the front of the orchestra and uses a baton to lead all the musicians.
Drums are part of the woodwind family.
Show answer
Answer: False
Drums are part of the percussion family, not the woodwind family.
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