INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA

1.Strings2.Woodwinds3.Brass4. Percussion

STRINGS

• Called the backbone of the orchestra. WHY?• .Strings make up the largest number of all .• Can be bowed or plucked• Differ in size only• Each has 4 strings that can be tuned by pegs

located on the top of the instrument• Have air holes to produce resonance

Strings

WOODWINDS

• Require air to produce a sound• Some are held horizontally, some

vertically• May use a single reed, a double reed,

or no reed at all• Flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon

Brass

• Usually gold in color (some can be silver)• All use the same cylinder mouthpiece that

differ in size only• All have buttons to press except the trombone• Are associated with royalty• French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba

PERCUSSION

• Percussion instruments are any instruments that must be hit, shaken, or struck to produce a sound.

• This section is divided into definite pitch (those that can produce a pitch) and indefinite pitch (those that cannot). Pitch is a high or low sound

• How would you classify a drum, a xylophone, a tambourine, cymbals, and a piano?

Timpani Drums

• A timpani drum, also called a “kettledrum”, is the only drum that can produce a pitch.

Aim: To be able to recognize different instruments of the orchestra. Do Now1. What is the difference between definite and indefinite pitch percussion instruments? 2. Name the lowest-pitched instruments in each of the remaining sections. 3. Which woodwind does not use a reed?4. Which brass instrument uses a slide?

Aim (2): The orchestra Distribute orchestra seating chartDistribute listening sheetWhich 3 songs from "the Nutcracker Suite" begin with woodwinds? Which song begin with strings? Which song alternates brass with strings? The celeste is featured in which song? The harp is featured in which song?

Aim: Can we hear each section of the orchestra and each instrument of each section?Do now: 1) Which drum has a pitch? What is its nickname?2) How many feet is a French horn?3) Which brass instrument has no buttons or keys to press? How does this instrument change its pitch?