Musical Instrument Families—Western Tradition 1 of 26

What is an Orchestra ? Greek Theater Orchestra is an old Greek word which means “a dancing place.” In Greece, during the 5th century B.C., orchestra was the name given to the space in front of the main acting area which was used by the chorus, who danced as well as sang, and by the instrumentalists of open air theatres. Today we use the word orchestra to mean a reasonably large collection of instruments playing together as a group. Greek Theater 2 of 26

Try to name the instruments that are members in each group. The Orchestra The orchestra has grown up gradually from early 17th century and is now a very wonderful and varied combination of instruments, which falls into four groups. Try to name the instruments that are members in each group. 3 of 26

Woodwind Instruments As the name ‘woodwind’ suggests, the instruments of this section of the orchestra are mostly made of wood, though some are now often made of metal instead. In each woodwind instruments there is a series of holes bored along the length of the tube. When all the holes are covered, the instrument sounds its lowest note. But if the player uncovers the bottom hole, a higher note is sounded. 4 of 26

Woodwind Instrument Flute Nowadays, it is made of metal. It is easy to recognize among the instruments of the woodwind section, as it is held sideways (transverse) rather than straight in front of the player. The low notes are soft and mellow, but higher notes become brighter and more brilliant. 5 of 26

Oboe Woodwind Instrument It is a double-reed instrument. It has reedy sound and can express pastoral feeling. 6 of 26

Woodwind Instrument Clarinet Of the four main woodwind instruments, it was last to join the orchestra. It has a single reed -- a flat piece of cane. The lower part of its range has a hollow but rich sound. The middle part of its range is smooth. High up, it sounds rather sharp. 7 of 26

Woodwind Instrument Bassoon It is a double-reed instrument with a conical tube 9 feet long. The low notes are very reedy. The higher notes are more flute-like and sound lovely. 8 of 26

Brass Instruments The sounds of the brass section, like those of the woodwind, are made by blowing. Brass instruments are long, hollow brass tubes blown from one end. They are curved or bent into various shapes. 9 of 26

Brass Instruments Trumpet Of the instruments in the brass section, it is the most ancient. It is one of the most powerful and colorful musical instruments in the orchestra. The tone quality is really brilliant. 10 of 26

Brass Instruments French Horn It is a long conical tube coiled into a circular shape and ends in a large bell shape. It has a beautiful mellow tone of pure and lofty character. 11 of 26

Brass Instruments Trombone The Italian name means ‘big trumpet’, and this instrument is in fact a long, folded trumpet with a more deeply cupped mouth-piece. It has a rich, noble tone. 12 of 26

String Instruments The strings are the ‘backbone’ of the orchestra. More than half the members of an orchestra play string instruments. The sound is produced by bowing, plucking or striking the string. Many of these instruments are similar in shape and each has four strings, but in different sizes; all tuned in fifth except the double bass that is fourth. 14 of 26

String Instruments Violin It is about 23.5 inches long. These instruments of the orchestra are divided into two groups: first and second. The difference is not in the music they play -- the firsts usually playing higher notes than the seconds. 15 of 26

String Instruments Viola It is about 25 inches long and is pitched a fifth lower than violin. 16 of 26

String Instruments Cello The correct name for this instrument is in Italian a longer violin name-- but it is always called by its shortened name. It is around 5 feet in height and is pitched one octave lower than the viola. 17 of 26

String Instruments Double Bass This instrument is sometimes called by a shortened name. It is the largest in size (around 6.5 feet in height) and has the deepest tone (one octave below the cello) in the string family. 18 of 26

Percussion Instruments Percussion instruments are those which are struck or shaken. Percussion instruments can be divided into two groups. They are ‘tuned’ and ‘non-tuned’. Tuned: Non-tuned: 19 of 26

Percussion Instruments Timpani It can also be called kettle drum. These are often used in sets of two, three, or four each tuned to a different note. The instrument is played with two sticks. The player can tighten or loosen the parchment with pedals for tuning. 20 of 26

Percussion Instruments Xylophone It consists of blocks of hard wood, each tuned to a note. The player strikes the wooden blocks with wooden beaters to produce a bright, dry, hard sound. 21 of 26

Percussion Instruments Tambourine Small metal plates are loosely inserted around the shell. When the player hits or shakes it with his hand, the mental plates give a jingling effect. 22 of 26

Percussion Instruments Castanets These consist of little wooden clappers moved by the thumb and forefinger of the player. In the orchestra, they are placed on a stick. 23 of 26

Orchestra Instruments Brass Strings Percussion Woodwind With pitch French Horn Double Bass With pitch Without pitch Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon Trumpet Trombone Tuba Violin Viola Cello Timpani Xylophone Tambourine Castanets 25 of 26

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