Understanding Orchestra Instruments and Functions

What is an orchestra?

• A group of singers who perform together.

• A group of musicians who play instruments together.

• A type of dance performance.

• A place where people learn to draw.

Who helps all the musicians in an orchestra play together in time and in tune?

• The lead singer.

• The conductor.

• The instrument maker.

• The audience.

What special stick does a conductor sometimes use to guide the musicians?

• A drumstick.

• A magic wand.

• A baton.

• A pencil.

How many main families of instruments are there in an orchestra?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

Which of these instruments belongs to the string family?

• A trumpet.

• A flute.

• A cello.

• A drum.

How do musicians make sounds with string instruments?

• By blowing air into them.

• By hitting them with mallets.

• By plucking or bowing the strings.

• By shaking them.

How do you make a sound with most woodwind instruments like the oboe or clarinet?

• By plucking strings.

• By blowing air into a reed.

• By hitting a drum.

• By shaking the instrument.

What are brass instruments mostly made of?

• Wood.

• Plastic.

• Glass.

• Brass.

How do you make a sound with a brass instrument?

• By hitting it with a stick.

• By plucking its strings.

• By blowing into a mouthpiece.

• By shaking it.

How do you make a sound with percussion instruments?

• By blowing into them.

• By plucking strings.

• By hitting, scraping, or shaking them.

• By bowing them.