Instrument Families
Orchestra instruments are grouped into four main families: the string family, the woodwind family, the brass family, and the percussion family. Today, we will learn about the string and woodwind families.
The String Family
String family instruments are any instruments that use vibrating strings to create their sound. In an orchestra, the most common string family instruments are the violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp.
The Woodwind Family
The woodwind family instruments make sound when a musician’s air or a reed vibrates. The main woodwind family instruments in an orchestra are the flute, oboe, clarinet or bassoon. Other somewhat common woodwind instruments are the piccolo, english horn, and bass clarinet.
Explore the Orchestra
Click on each instrument below to hear it play. Once you’ve explored, take our fun quiz to see if you can match the instrument with its sound – or save the quiz for another day and keep listening to your heart’s content!
Take it Further
Enrichment Packet for late elementary and middle school age children
String and Woodwind Family Playlists
Now that you’ve learned all about the string and woodwind families of the orchestra, check out our Spotify playlists for each family.