Tone Colour

What is an orchestra?

• An ensemble (or group) of specific instruments, made up of the string, woodwind, brass and percussion families.

• The string instrument in the orchestra, including the violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. A sound is produced by bowing or plucking the strings.

• The woodwind instruments in the orchestra, including the piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. A sound is produced by blowing into a mouthpiece and pressing the keys.

• The percussion instruments in the orchestra, including the triangle, cymbal, snare drum, bass drum and timpani. A sound can be produced in many ways, such as hitting, striking, shaking or scraping.

Which of the following are part of the string family? (Choose 4)

• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double bass

• Oboe

Which of the following are part of the woodwind family? (Choose 4)

• Clarinet

• Bassoon

• Trombone

• Oboe

• Flute

Which of the following are part of the brass family? (Choose 4)

• French horn

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• Bassoon

• Tuba

Which of the following are tuned percussion instruments? (Choose 4)

• Timpani

• Maracas

• Xylophone

• Glockenspiel

• Marimba

Which of the following are untuned percussion instruments? (Choose 4)

• Maracas

• Cymbal

• Claves

• Timpani

• Bass Drum