Understanding the Orchestra

George introduces the Sydney Youth Orchestra and explores the roles and instruments within it. He learns about the conductor's role and the different families of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Each section explains how the instruments are played and their unique sounds. George ultimately decides he wants to be a conductor.

What is the primary role of a conductor in an orchestra?

• To sell tickets

• To compose music

• To keep musicians in time and in tune

• To play the violin

Which of the following is NOT a string instrument?

• Double Bass

• Clarinet

• Violin

• Cello

How do woodwind instruments produce sound?

• By shaking them

• By blowing air into them

• By hitting with sticks

• By plucking strings

Which instrument is part of the woodwind family?

• Viola

• Trumpet

• Oboe

• Timpani

What material are brass instruments typically made from?

• Wood

• Plastic

• Brass

• Glass

Which of the following is a characteristic of brass instruments?

• They have strings

• They are shaken to produce sound

• They use a reed

• They have a mouthpiece

What is a unique feature of percussion instruments?

• They are always quiet

• They are made of wood

• They are played by blowing

• They are played by hitting, scraping, or shaking

Which instrument is part of the percussion family?

• Trombone

• Violin

• Flute

• Glockenspiel

What did George decide he wanted to be at the end of the video?

• A violinist

• A conductor

• A drummer

• A clarinet player

Which family of instruments can produce both soft and loud sounds?

• Percussion

• Strings

• Woodwinds

• Brass