1. Instrument Families of the Orchestra
Introduction
Lesson
Quizzes

2. Introduction Subject: Music Grade: 4 Directions Lesson
Upon the completion of this unit you will be able to classify musical instruments into the four families of the orchestra both visually and aurally. Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to explain why each instrument fits into the family that it does.
Standards Addressed:
Ohio's Grades Music Standards
Music Standard for grade 4
Indicator:
1) Classify instruments by the four families of the orchestra.
2) Explain classification of musical instruments, voices, composers and forms using appropriate music vocabulary.
Directions
Lesson

3. Directions
As you proceed through the lesson, read all the text on the slide and click on any links provided. When you are ready to proceed to the next slide, click the “next” button, in the corner.
Proceed to Lesson

4. Lesson-Strings
The most defining characteristic of a string instrument is that it has strings! Most are made of wood. Most strings instruments are played using a bow, which rubs against the string to make sound.
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5. The most common string instruments in an orchestra are these:
Lesson-Strings
The most common string instruments in an orchestra are these:
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6. Lesson-Woodwinds
Woodwinds are instruments played using wind (a.k.a. blown air). They were originally all made of wood. Many woodwinds are played using a reed (a small piece of wood attached to the mouthpiece). The modern flute is the exception to both of these rules. It is neither made of wood, nor played with a reed. Most modern woodwinds are not made of wood.
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7. The most common woodwinds in the orchestra are these:
Lesson-Woodwinds
The most common woodwinds in the orchestra are these:
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8. Lesson-Brass
Brass instruments are made of metal. These instruments are played by buzzing into a round mouthpiece. Brass instruments generally have three to four buttons, called valves, which change the pitch. The trombone does not have valves, it has one large slide.
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9. The most common brass instruments in the orchestra are these:
Lesson-Brass
The most common brass instruments in the orchestra are these:
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10. Lesson-Percussion
Percussion instruments are defined primarily as instruments that are played by being struck (be it by a hand, mallet, stick, etc.).
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11. Lesson-Percussion
The percussion instruments most common to the orchestra are these:
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12. Lesson-Conclusion Quiz Home Re-do Lesson
For more information about the families of the orchestra, please visit these links by clicking on them: You are now ready to take the quiz! If you want more preparation, you may also retake the lesson or go back to the homepage.
Quiz
Home
Re-do Lesson

13. Quiz 1
What is the name of the device used to play the strings of the violin?
Pick
Feather
Bow
None of the above
Answer

14. Quiz 1 Answer
What is the name of the device used to play the strings of the violin?
Pick
Feather
Bow
None of the above
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15. Quiz 2 Which woodwind does not use a reed? Clarinet Flute Bassoon
None of the above
Answer

16. Quiz 2 Answer Which woodwind does not use a reed? Clarinet Flute
Bassoon
None of the above
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17. Quiz 3 Which of the following is not a brass instrument? Tuba
French Horn
Trumpet
None of the above
Answer

18. Quiz 3 Answer Which of the following is not a brass instrument? Tuba
French Horn
Trumpet
None of the above
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19. Quiz 4
Which of the following is the best definition of a percussion instrument?
Something that is played with your fingers
Something that is struck
Something that is a drum
None of the above
Answer

20. Quiz 4 answer
Which of the following is the best definition of a percussion instrument?
Something that is played with your fingers
Something that is struck
Something that is a drum
None of the above
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21. CONGRATULATIONS!
You have completed the quiz! You may now go back to the homepage for this lesson, or view the citation page to see where I got my material!
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Citation page

22. Citation