Where do we start?
Hopefully, everyone already knows at least a little about the instruments of
the orchestra. See what everybody in your group knows. You may want to jot
some notes down. Here are some things you might want to talk about...
1. What instruments are in your family?
2. Do you have a favorite instrument in this family?
3. Do you know anyone who plays the instruments of your family?
4. Can you name any familiar songs that feature these instruments?
After discussing these questions with your group (and anything else you
already know about your instrument family) decide who is going to do the
different "roles" or jobs in your group.
Role 1: The Family Researcher (2 people)
This person is responsible for researching general facts and characteristics
of your instrument family.
Role 2: The Sound Technician
This person is responsible for researching the ways in which the
instruments of your family produce sounds.
Role 3: The Graphic Artist
This person is responsible for locating several pictures of instruments from
your family.
Here are some websites to get you started...
DSO KIDS
MUSIC DICTIONARY
NY PHILHARMONIC
THE STRING FAMILY
THE WOODWIND FAMILY
THE BRASS FAMILY
THE PERCUSSION FAMILY
Other Resources