Instrument Families

1. Instrument Families

2. String Family • The Violin • Highest sounding from all of the string instruments • Has the strings E, A, D, G • Is played by plucking the string with the finger, or using a bow across the strings • The violin reads treble clef

3. The Viola • Bigger in size than the violin • Has a lower string, C • Unlike the violin, it does not have an E string • Viola reads alto clef

4. The Cello • Strings are tuned just like the viola, but one octave lower • Has an end-pin on which it stands on the floor • Deeper sounding than the violin and viola • Reads bass clef

5. The Bass • Lowest sounding of all the string instruments • Tuned like the violin, but the sound of the strings are opposite (E is the lowest string, G is the highest string) • Performers stand up or sit on a stool • Like the cello, the bass reads bass clef

6. Woodwind Family • The Flute • A reed-less wind instrument • Sound is produced by the flow of air across the embouchure • It is held to the performers right, parallel with the ground

7. The Clarinet • Comes in a dozen sizes • Is a single reed instrument • The most common is the B-flat soprano clarinet

8. The Saxophone • A single reed instrument • Invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841 • The E-flat soprano sax and the B-flat tenor sax are the most common ones • Particularly associated with jazz music

9. The Oboe • A double reed instrument • A large range of timbre and dynamics can be produced • The oboe tunes the orchestra, giving the musicians the reference pitch of concert A

10. The Bassoon • A double reed instrument • Generally plays in the bass and tenor registers • Has a warm and dark sound