Instrument Families

String Family The Violin –Highest sounding from all of the string instruments –Has the strings E, A, D, G –Is played by plucking the string with the finger, or using a bow across the strings –The violin reads treble clef

The Viola –B–Bigger in size than the violin –H–Has a lower string, C –U–Unlike the violin, it does not have an E string –V–Viola reads alto clef

The Cello –Strings are tuned just like the viola, but one octave lower –Has an end-pin on which it stands on the floor –Deeper sounding than the violin and viola –Reads bass clef

The Bass –L–Lowest sounding of all the string instruments –T–Tuned like the violin, but the sound of the strings are opposite (E is the lowest string, G is the highest string) –P–Performers stand up or sit on a stool –L–Like the cello, the bass reads bass clef

Woodwind Family The Flute –A reed-less wind instrument –Sound is produced by the flow of air across the embouchure –It is held to the performers right, parallel with the ground

The Clarinet –Comes in a dozen sizes –Is a single reed instrument –The most common is the B-flat soprano clarinet

The Saxophone –A single reed instrument –Invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841 –The E-flat soprano sax and the B-flat tenor sax are the most common ones –Particularly associated with jazz music

The Oboe –A double reed instrument –A large range of timbre and dynamics can be produced –The oboe tunes the orchestra, giving the musicians the reference pitch of concert A

The Bassoon –A double reed instrument –Generally plays in the bass and tenor registers –Has a warm and dark sound