Strings
I sing the melody, soaring and high,
With four tight strings tucked under the eye.
Smallest of strings, I lead with grace,
My bright, clear voice sets the pace.
What is the violin?
Shiny like brass but a woodwind inside,
In jazz and in solos, I swoop and glide.
My voice can be smooth, my voice can be strong,
I bring the groove and carry along.
What is the saxophone?
No valves for me, just a slide I push,
My notes can glide and whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!
From bass to bright, my voice will roam,
I bring bold power to brass at home.
What is the trombone?
Big kettle drums that boom and sing,
Pedals can tune me to notes I bring.
I thunder below or roll with might,
A heartbeat of music that feels just right.
What is the timpani?
I have 88 keys but no locks. I can make you feel joy, sadness, or shock. I speak without a mouth and sing without a throat.
What is the piano?
I rest on the floor and lean on a spike,
My voice is warm and deep — you’ll like!
I carry the harmony, steady and strong,
In orchestra pieces, I help move along.
What is the cello?
With two reeds buzzing, my sound is clear,
I often tune the whole group here.
Bright and piercing, I lead the way,
Helping the orchestra start to play.
What is the oboe?
I’m biggest of brass, my bell is wide,
I play the lowest notes with pride.
I keep the bottom steady and strong,
The deepest voice in the brass song.
What is the tuba?
With wires below, I crack and pop,
I march along with a steady hop.
I keep the rhythm crisp and true,
A sharp clear beat to guide the crew.
What is the snare drum?
Four strings I wear, though small in size, From island shores I harmonize. My gentle strum brings sunshine near, A tiny guitar's cousin dear.
What is the ukulele?
I’m tallest of strings, I rumble below,
The heartbeat of music, steady and slow.
Without my rhythm, the song might fall,
I give the foundation, supporting all.
What is the double bass?
With one little reed I can laugh or cry,
From warm low notes to squeaks up high.
In orchestra or jazz, I fit right in,
A smooth, rich sound from deep within.
What is the clarinet?
I’m small and bright, with three shiny keys,
Buzz through my mouthpiece — I’ll play with ease.
I carry the melody, bold and clear,
My brilliant sound is easy to hear.
What is the trumpet?
I’m the largest drum with a thunderous beat,
A sound you can feel in your chest and feet.
I keep the pulse both steady and loud,
The boom that shakes the whole crowd.
What is the bass drum?
With many strings stretched tall and wide,
I shimmer and sparkle when fingers glide.
My glissando shines like a waterfall bright,
I add gentle magic to music’s delight.
What is the harp?
I look like a violin, but here’s the clue:
My sound is richer, and deeper too.
I fill the middle, not too high or low,
In orchestra balance, I help it grow.
What is the viola?
I sparkle up high with a silvery tone,
A breath across me and music is shown.
I float above softly or brighten the band,
A voice like the wind at your command.
What is the flute?
I look like a tuba, but smaller in size,
My warm, rich tone is a mellow surprise.
With valves I play both low and sweet,
A gentle brass voice that can’t be beat.
What is the euphonium?
Crash me together or strike just one,
I add excitement when songs are done.
Shimmer and sparkle, or loud surprise,
I wake up the music before your eyes.
What are cymbals?
I breathe through pipes both great and small, My voice can whisper, roar, or call. In churches high my music swells, While pedals dance beneath like bells.
What is the organ?
I have six strings you strum in a row,
Play me for chords or a melody to show.
In many styles, I fit right in,
From gentle folk to rocking din.
What is the guitar?
I’m long and low with a gentle song,
I keep the bass line steady and strong.
Sometimes silly, sometimes grand,
I’m the deep woodwind in the band.
What is the bassoon?
Curled in circles, I gleam with gold,
Warm mellow tones are what I hold.
In harmony or shining alone,
I blend the brass with a gentle tone.
What is the French Horn?
Bars like piano, struck with sticks,
My bright, sharp notes come fast and quick.
I play the melody high and clear,
A ringing sound for all to hear.
What is the xylophone?
My big sister plays much lower, While I soar high like a tower. Small and silver, sharp and bright, I pierce the air with piercing might. In the orchestra I'm the smallest flute, But my voice can never be called mute.
What is the piccolo?