The Abridged Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra

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The (Abridged) Young Persons Guide to the
Orchestra

• A Short Introduction to the Instruments of the
  Modern Orchestra
• By Robert Boughner

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The Modern Orchestra is made up of many different
instruments divided into four large
sections Mouse over the names of the instruments
to hear a sample sound!
The String Section

• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double Bass

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The woodwinds listed here are the key instruments
of several sub-sections of woodwind instruments.
There is also the piccolo, bass clarinet, English
horn and contrabassoon.
The Woodwind Section

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Oboe

• Bassoon

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The brass section is one of the most recognizable
sections in the orchestra. Its distinctive sound
and volume helps it to stand out.
The Brass Section

• Trumpet

• French Horn

• Trombone

• Tuba

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The percussion section is the rhythmic backbone
of the orchestra. The various instruments of this
section help keep a steady beat.
The Percussion Section

• Timpani

• Snare Drum

• Xylophone

• Cymbals

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Activity Time!
Now that youve seen some of the most important
instruments of the orchestra, try and name some
other instruments you know of that may sometimes
play with an Orchestra.
Work with a partner and write down as many
instruments you can think of that might be used
in an orchestra. Then go to the next slide and
see if your answers match!
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What else is there? Do any of these instruments
match what you came up with?
Piccolo
Organ
Piano
Bass Clarinet
Bass Drum
Saxophone
Tambourine
Harp
English Horn
Contra Bassoon
Triangle
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How Does It All Work?
What does an Orchestra look like?
This is the traditional layout of the modern
Orchestra
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Who Makes It Work?
The Conductor!
Click the Conductor to see the famous Leonard
Bernstein conduct the Finale to Mahlers Second
Symphony
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Where Do I Go?
Why dont you find out for us! Take the next 5
minutes and use your favorite search engine to
find a local orchestra and give us information on
how we could go see a concert as soon as possible!
- Where are they located?

• What are they
• performing?

- When is their next concert?

• Who is the
• conductor?

• How much are
• tickets?

• Is anyone famous
• performing?

Report back to your classmates with what you
found!
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Now Go Enjoy Some Classical Music! The End.