Instruments of the Orchestra Hotlist
by Catherine Walroth

An educational guide to the four families of instruments of the orchestra, how they are played, their timbres, and their functions within the symphony orchestra.

             

Grade(s): Primary (K-2)
Intermediate (3-4)
Middle (5-9)
•Subjects(s): Arts

 

 

 List of Sites:



1. Play Music

  • Site Location: http://www.playmusic.org
    Choose Take a seat in the orchestra. Choose a family of instruments. Click on an instrument. Note two interesting facts. Listen to the music. Click on Cool kids play music. Listen to the student.

2. New York Philharmonic Kidzone
  • Site Location: http://www.nyphilkids.org/main.phtml?
    Click on Musicians' lounge. Choose a musician who plays an instrment from a different family. Note one fact. Choose that musician's instrument from the Instrument storage room. Note two facts. Listen to the instrument.

3. The Guide to Symphony Orchestra Instruments
  • Site Location: http://www.mathcs.duq.edu/~iben/home.htm
    Click on Instruments. Choose a different family. Click on an instrument. Note two facts. Click on the music note to listen.

4. DSO Kids
  • Site Location: http://www.dsokids.com/2001/instrumentchart.htm
    Choose an instrument from a new family. Note two facts. Listen to the three examples.