Musical Instrument Families

Why are there different families Each instrument family has their own unique TIMBRE or sound How is sound produced –By vibrations! That’s how the different families are grouped, BY THEIR SOUND and their construction

BRASS Sound is produced by vibrating the lips into a mouthpiece All instruments are made of BRASS Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba

WOODWINDS Sound is produced by vibrating REED Either currently or previously made of WOOD. Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone

STRINGS Sound is produced by vibrating a STRING –Plucking –Bowing –Strumming Violin, Cello, Guitar, Harp, Bass, Banjo

PERCUSSION Sound is produced many ways: –Striking –Shaking –Rattling –Scraping Drums, Xylophone, Tambourine, Maracas, Bongos, Piano

THE HUMAN VOICE Sound is produced by vibrating of VOCAL CORDS Soprano –High female voice Alto –Low female voice Tenor –High Male voice Bass –Low Male voice