INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA NATIONAL 3-5 UNDERSTANDING MUSIC

Learning Outcomes In this unit you will: Learn about instruments of the orchestra. Be able to identify individual instruments through listening activities. Learn some of the playing techniques used by these instruments. Be able to identify instrumental groups that use orchestral instruments.

Instruments of the Orchestra How the sound is produced in the String Section TASK 1 Complete the string listening task based on Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens. SectionInstruments STRINGSViolin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp Arco/ Bowing The sound is produced by drawing the bow across the strings of the violin, viola, cello or double bass Pizzicato/ PluckingThe strings are plucked with the fingers Strumming The finger, fingers or plectrum are drawn across the strings of an instrument, most usually heard on the guitar Pitch Bend The string is pushed upwards with the finger, bending the pitch of the note Con sordino A small clip is placed on the bridge of the instrument to deaden the vibrations from the strings, producing a muffled sound GlissandoTo slide from one note to another, often heard on the harp when the harpist sweeps their fingers over the strings

SectionInstruments WOODWINDPiccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone How the sound is produced in the Woodwind Section TASK 2 Complete the woodwind listening task based on Concerto for Orchestra by Bartók. Blowing Using breath to create vibrations in the tube of the instrument Flutter Tonguing The player rolls an ‘R’ on their breath, creating a purring sound. Most often heard on the flute Pitch BendMost often heard on the saxophone, the player changes the shape of their lips on the mouthpiece to bend the pitch of the note

How the sound is produced in the Brass Section TASK 3 Complete the brass listening task based on Rodeo by Copeland. SectionInstruments BRASSTrumpet, (French) Horn, Trombone, Tuba Blowing Using breath to create vibrations in the tube of the instrument, the brass players vibrate their lips into the mouthpiece Con sordinoA mute can be placed in the bell of the instrument to create a slightly muffled sound

How the sound is produced in the Percussion Section TASK 4 Complete the percussion listening task based on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by John Williams, using the table provided. SectionTuned InstrumentsUn-tuned Instruments PERCUSSION Timpani, Xylophone, Glockenspiel Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Guiro, Castanets Striking/ Hitting Hitting an instrument with a beater, mallet or striking together RollsVery fast repetition of a note on a percussion instrument, e.g. snare drum or timpani When working out which instrument sounds higher or lower than another remember the pitch/sound rule: The smaller the instrument, the higher the pitch. The bigger the instrument, the lower the pitch.

Instrument Groups As well as being used in an orchestra, many of the instruments we have looked at can also be found in other instrumental groups. These include: Brass BandGroup made up of brass and percussion instruments Wind BandGroup made up of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.