The Four Families of the Orchestra

In the picture

1. 1Strings: a bow or fingers make strings vibrate, giving a warm, singing sound; the biggest family sits at the front
2. 2Woodwinds: air blown across a hole or through a reed gives a breathy or reedy sound; they sit behind the strings
3. 3Brass: the player’s buzzing lips in a metal mouthpiece give a bright, powerful sound; they sit behind the woodwinds
4. 4Percussion: drums and cymbals are struck or shaken for rhythm and big accents; they sit at the very back

Examples

• In a film soundtrack, a loud trumpet fanfare often marks a hero’s entrance, while soft violins accompany a sad scene.
• The recorder many students play at school is a woodwind instrument, just like the flute in the orchestra.

Quiz: The Four Families of the Orchestra (Age 12)

1. 1

   A violin and a trumpet play exactly the same note, but you can still tell which is which. What lets you do that?

   • Their timbre, the 'colour' of each sound
   • Their rhythm, the pattern of long and short notes
   • Their volume, how loud each one is
2. 2

   How does a brass player make a sound?

   • By buzzing their lips into a metal mouthpiece
   • By making strings vibrate with a bow or fingers
   • By blowing air across a hole or through a reed
3. 3

   Going from the front of the orchestra to the back, which order is correct?

   • Strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion
   • Woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion
   • Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.