Orchestra Jeopardy

Instrument Families

100

This is the only orchestral family where every instrument uses strings to make sound

String Family

200

This family of instruments are played by blowing air across a hole or through a reed

Woodwind Family

300

This family is the loudest and is made entirely of instruments that use buzzing lips to make a sound

Brass Family

400

This family has both pitched and unpitched instruments

Percussion Family

500

This family of instruments is the largest section in most orchestras and often plays the melody

String Family

Strings

100

This string instrument is tuned the highest and often carries the melody

Violin

200

This string instrument is so big it rests on the floor and is played sitting down

Cello

300

This string instrument is bigger than the violin but smaller than a cello

Viola

400

This is the only string instrument that can be plucked, strummed or played with pedals.

Harp

500

This tool is used to play string instruments by rubbing it on the strings

Bow

Woodwinds

100

This woodwind is the highest-pitched member of its family and is smaller than a flute

Piccolo

200

This woodwind has a single reed and is found in orchestras

Clarinet

300

This double-reed instrument often plays the tuning note for the orchestra

Oboe

400

This is the lowest woodwind instrument, known for its long tube and funny, deep sound

Bassoon

500

This instrument isn't usually found in the orchestra and is often mistaken for being part of the brass family

Saxophone

Brass

100

This brass instrument changes pitch by sliding a long tube in and out

Trombone

200

The highest of the brass instruments

Trumpet

300

This brass instrument is played with the right hand inside the bell

French Horn

400

This is the lowest and largest brass instrument, with a wide bell that points up

Tuba

500

This is the name of the small cup-shaped piece you buzz into to play any brass instrument

Mouthpiece

Percussion

100

This percussion instrument is a common shape with 3 sides and rings when hit with a metal stick

Triangle

200

These metal discs can crash together or be struck with a mallet

Cymbals

300

This percussion instrument looks like a mini piano but is played with mallets

Glockenspiel

400

This is the only percussion instrument that uses pedals to change pitch

Timpani (kettle drums)

500

This is the only percussion instrument that has black and white keys you press instead of hitting with sticks

Piano