Instruments of the Orchestra

1. Instruments of the Orchestra Presented by: Alex Lindauer Professor Yang EDU 505 Multimedia and Internet for Educators

2. Introduction • The Modern-day Orchestra is made up of a number of different instruments. • While some instruments look and sound similar to one another, most instruments are in fact very different. • There are four different types of instrument families: • Strings • Brass • Woodwinds • Percussion

3. Task • Now it’s your turn! Use the internet to learn more about each family of Orchestral Instruments. • Do you play an instrument? If so, what family does your instrument belong to? • Listen to audio clips of what each instrument sounds like. Does this instrument play mostly high notes, or mostly low notes? • Pick your favorite instrument. Briefly describe the instrument, how it is played, and the characteristics that you enjoy about it most!

4. Process • On a piece of paper, write the name of an instrument. Then, write the name of the family that the instrument belongs to. After this, write down if the instrument plays mostly low notes or mostly high notes as part of its characteristic tone. Finally, write something about the instrument that you find interesting. • On a separate piece of paper, select your favorite instrument. Briefly describe the instrument, how it is played, and anything else about the instrument that you would like to share with the class.

5. Resources • For more information about the instruments of the Orchestra, please visit: http://www.sfskids.org/templates/instorchframe.asp?pageid=3 • To hear audio clips of each Orchestra Instrument, please visit: http://www.dsokids.com/listen/instrumentlist.aspx • For detailed information about an instrument, including its history and origin, please visit: http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/public/

6. Evaluation • Excellent • Student clearly and accurately describes each instrument. Each instrument is properly grouped by family with no mistakes. Writing shows that student put great thought into responses. Writing is clear and easily understood. • Good • Student describes each instrument. Some mistakes are made in grouping by family. Writing sample is satisfactory, but could benefit from an increase in detail and clarity. • Needs Work • Student does not describe each instrument. Descriptions are vague and sometimes incorrect. Writing sample is not clear. Student was not descriptive in explaining his/her favorite instrument. Shows lack of understanding the instrument.

7. Conclusion • Aren’t there so many Orchestral Music instruments? I bet each and every one of you learned about at least one instrument that you had never heard of before! • We will continue learning more about each family of musical instruments. We will also get the opportunity to see these instruments and listen to professional musicians play these instruments!