Strings
This instrument is usually held by the concertmaster (star player in the orchestra). It is the most commonly played string instrument and reads in treble clef!
Violin
This instrument is held sideways when you play it. Your mouth never actually touches the mouthpiece to play it!
Flute
The highest instrument in the brass family. Only has three valves!
Trumpet
These large metal plates can be crashed together to add a BANG!
Cymbals
Has four strings, is small, in the strings family, and originated in Hawaii.
Ukulele
This instrument is often forgotten... but plays countermelodies and are important inner voices within the orchestra. It has lower strings and reads in alto clef. Its posture is similar to a violin but creates a different sound
Viola
This double reed instrument tunes the entire orchestra when it plays an A. It is very charming, and difficult to play.
Oboe
The only brass instrument that controls their notes with a slide.
Trombone
This is a melodic percussion instrument, meaning it plays notes instead of just rhythms. You play it with a mallet and we have some in our classroom!
Xylophone
This instrument has 88 keys and can have the word "GRAND" in its name!
Piano
This instrument is held between your legs when being played. It is a low sounding instrument, but not the lowest of the string family. Reads in Bass clef
Cello
This instrument is not always in the orchestra, but loves jazz music. It has a curvy neck and lots of extra keys and pads. It comes in a variety of sizes! It is often confused as a brass instrument due to it's colour.
Saxophone
Lots of curly tubing goes into this brass instrument. It speaks a foreign language, and your hand has to go into the bell to hold it.
French Horn
This instrument is made of metal, triangular in shape, and sounds like a light DING! when played.
Triangle
This instrument rocks out at concerts and comes in both acoustic and electric form. It is one of the most popular instruments in western culture. Known for its 'shredding'
Guitar
This instrument is the largest and lowest of the strings family. Musicians who play this instrument need to stand up or sit on a high stool in order to manage it's large size.
Bass
This highest and smallest instrument of the woodwind family, which is very closely related to the flute.
Piccolo
The largest and lowest of the brass family.
Tuba
This is the lowest sounding drum in the percussion family. It stands very tall and is played with a big wool mallet.
Bass Drum
Drum Set
This instrument can play both the melody and accompaniment parts. It is not always on stage with the other strings, but has a very distinct sound from the other strings. It is not played with a bow and can go very high.
Harp
This double-reed instrument is the largest of the woodwind family
Bassoon
This instrument is related to the tuba and very similar to its posture. However it is a mini version of it, and in silver colour instead of gold. Can transpose as well.
Euphonium
These instruments come in sets of 4 and are pitched highest to lowest. They sit on the ground and are played with wool mallets. They often create rumbles and thunder and are very fun to play!
Timpani
This instrument can be wooden, but is often beige plastic and often played in elementary schools. It is a wind instrument from the baroque era and requires very little air to be played.
Recorder