An orchestra is made up of four families of instruments -string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. Full orchestra can range in size from about 80 people to hundreds of people. The conductor, who is the person in charge of the orchestra, waves a baton to keep all the musicians playing together.
Bright sounds
Brass instruments, like horns, trumpets, and trombones, are made of a metal called brass. They are played by blowing.
Piping sounds
Woodwind instruments, like flutes and clarinets, were once made of wood. Now they are often made of metal or plastic. They are also played by blowing.
Sweet sounds
String instruments are violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. They are plucked and bowed.
Keeping the beat
Percussion instruments are drums, cymbals, and anything you hit to make a sound.
All together now!
- Not all the instruments play the same notes at the same time. Some instruments play the high notes, while others sound low and deep. And different instruments play different tunes that sound good together.
