Part 2: At the Concert

Instruments of the Orchestra

Every orchestra is different, but here are some instruments you're likely to see.

string family

violin
viola [vee-OH-lah]
cello (violoncello) [CHEL-low]
bass (double bass, contra bass)
[rhymes with "face']

woodwind family

flute, piccolo
oboe, English horn
clarinet, bass clarinet
bassoon, contrabassoon
saxophones

brass family

trumpet
horn (French horn)
trombone
tuba

percussion family

timpani (kettledrums) [TIM-pa-nee]
vibraphone (vibes)
snare drum     bass drum      cymbals
tambourine     triangle     xylophone
marimba     glockenspiel     chimes
plus other things to hit, scrape, and shake

keyboards and harp

celesta [cheh-LESS-tah]
piano     organ     synthesizer
harpsichord     harp