Instruments of the orchestra ;)

–Instruments in the orchestra!

–By Jasmine and Francesca

–The four main families!

1.The strings,

2.Woodwind,

3.Brass,

And

4.Percussion

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–How they are played!

The strings: Every string instrument makes sound from tensioned strings. String instruments such as the guitar or the violin use fingers to lengthen or shorten the lengths of the strings, resulting with different pitches. Most string instruments are played by drawing a bow across them.

Woodwind: To play a woodwind instrument, one must blow air into one end of the mouthpiece. Most woodwind instruments have fingerholes or keys to vary the pitch.

Brass: Similar to the woodwind, one must blow into one end of the instrument (mouthpiece) whilst vibrating the lips. To produce different notes, one must move the tubes forwards and backwards.

Percussion: These instruments make sounds from being hit/shaking/scarping. Drums have hollow bodies which amplify the noise when being hit or shaken or even scraped. These instruments are not usually played at different notes, but to change the pitch of the note, one must loosen or tighten the head.

–What are they made from?

The strings: Wood for the body, string/steel/gut for the strings.

Woodwind: Metal is used to make the keys, and a wood called reed is used to make the mouthpiece. Wood/metal/plastic or a combination of them are used for the body.

Brass: Hence the name, brass instruments are made from brass. Other than that, sterling silver.

Percussion: They are made from materials such as wood, plastic or metal.

–Facts about each family!

Strings:

-The strings on string instruments vibrate to make sounds. The tighter, the higher the pitch.

-Violins, Violas, Cellos big basses need a bow in order to play.

Woodwind:

-Recorders are simple and fairly easy to play, so they are a popular instrument taught to children in schools.

-Clarinets are often used in jazz music.

Brass:

-hence the name, most brass instruments are made from brass!

Percussion:

-Percussion instruments usually only play one pitch!

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