Instruments of the orchestra

What is an orchestra?

An orchestra is a group of musicians. It includes lots of instruments and sometimes up to 100 players.

Instruments in the group or ensemble include:

• Ones that you bow like a violin. This is called the string section.
• Ones that buzz like a trumpet. This is called the brass section.
• Ones that blow like the flute. This is called the woodwind section.
• Ones that you hit like the bass drum. This is called the percussion section.

Watch: Explore the instruments of the orchestra

Watch musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra play and talk about their different instruments.

Important words

Instrument – An object used to make sounds.

Musical ensemble – A music group that includes many players.

Notes – Each different sound is called a note.

Section – The orchestra has four sections of instruments, called families: string, woodwind, brass and percussion.

Valves – These are like keys on a trumpet, that you press down for different sounds.

Activity

Quiz