String Family
Cello
Large string instrument, played between the knees. Performers traditionally sit down to play.
Double reed
Two reeds together that the oboe, bassoon, and contrabassoon use to make sound
Intro
A section of music at the beginning of a piece of music that establishes the key, tempo, and any other defining factors.
Trumpet
The highest instrument in the brass family. Has 3 valves. Buzz your lips into a mouthpiece to make sound.
Timpani
Pitched drums that change notes when you press a pedal down. Musicians play multiple drums as part of a set.
Double bass
the largest of the stringed instruments of the orchestra, with very low pitches. Performers often stand or sit on a tall stool to play.
Saxophone
Has a single reed and is made out of brass metal. Is only used occasionally in the orchestra, but often in a Jazz band.
Bridge
Section that provides contrast while connecting other sections of a song.
Trombone
Plays lower notes than the trumpet and reads notes in the Bass clef. Uses a slide to change the pitch. Also buzz your lips into a mouthpiece to make sound.
Snare Drum
Drum most used in marching bands, concert bands, jazz bands. This drum is the main component of a drum set.
Harp
Piano-like stringed instrument that is very heavy as the bass is made of metal.
Bassoon
Has a double reed. Has the widest range of all woodwind instruments. Made out of wood.
Verse
A recurring section of music that tells a story and has multiple variations within a song
French Horn
Has three valves like the trumpet and tuba. Has the widest range of any brass instrument. Tubing is twisted and circular.
Bass Drum
Low-pitched, large drum part of a Jazz band, concert band, and marching band.
Guitar
a fretted string instrument that is strummed or plucked with a pick or fingers.
Oboe
Has a double reed. Looks similar to the clarinet.
Chorus
A recurring section of music that expresses the main idea of the song that has the same melody, key, tempo, etc. throughout the song.
Tuba
The largest instrument in the brass family. Has three valves like the trumpet and french horn. Players need to sit in a chair to play traditionally.
Piano
Keyboard instrument with 88 black and white keys. Hammers hit strings to create sounds.
Viola
stringed instrument of the orchestra that is bigger than the violin and reads notes in alto clef on the music staff. Strings are the same as the cello.
Clarinet
Has a single reed. Notes sound lower than flute. Often made out of wood or plastic.
Rondo Form
ABACA-form of a composition that has a recurring A section
Valves
The buttons you press down on a brass instrument
Marimba
Large instrument that uses two mallets to play. Uses the same notes as on the piano. Made of wood.