Instruments of the Orchestra

Question 1

What are the four main string instruments in the orchestra?

Answer 1

Violin, viola, cello, double bass.

Question 2

Which is the smallest and highest-pitched string instrument?

Answer 2

Violin.

Question 3

Which string instrument is slightly larger than the violin and has a deeper sound?

Answer 3

Viola.

Question 4

Which string instrument is played while seated and has a rich, warm sound?

Answer 4

Cello.

Question 5

Which is the largest string instrument in the orchestra?

Answer 5

Double bass.

Question 6

How are string instruments played?

Answer 6

Using a bow or by plucking the strings (pizzicato).

Question 7

What is pizzicato?

Answer 7

Plucking the strings with your fingers.

Question 8

What is a bow made of?

Answer 8

Wood and horsehair.

Question 9

What are the four main brass instruments in the orchestra?

Answer 9

Trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba.

Question 10

Which brass instrument has valves and a bright, piercing sound?

Answer 10

Trumpet.

Question 11

Which brass instrument has a circular shape and a mellow tone?

Answer 11

French horn.

Question 12

Which brass instrument uses a slide instead of valves?

Answer 12

Trombone.

Question 13

Which is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument?

Answer 13

Tuba.

Question 14

How do brass players produce sound?

Answer 14

By buzzing their lips into a mouthpiece.

Question 15

What are valves used for on brass instruments?

Answer 15

To change the pitch of the notes.

Question 16

What is a mute used for in brass instruments?

Answer 16

To change the tone and reduce volume.

Question 17

What are the main woodwind instruments in the orchestra?

Answer 17

Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon.

Question 18

Which woodwind instrument does not use a reed?

Answer 18

Flute.

Question 19

Which woodwind instrument uses a double reed and has a nasal sound?

Answer 19

Oboe.

Question 20

Which woodwind instrument uses a single reed and has a smooth tone?

Answer 20

Clarinet.

Question 21

Which is the largest and lowest-pitched standard woodwind instrument?

Answer 21

Bassoon.

Question 22

What is a reed?

Answer 22

A thin piece of wood that vibrates to produce sound.

Question 23

What is an embouchure?

Answer 23

The way a player shapes their mouth to play a wind instrument.

Question 24

How do woodwind players change pitch?

Answer 24

By covering holes or pressing keys.

Question 25

What are the two types of percussion instruments?

Answer 25

Tuned and untuned.

Question 26

Name a tuned percussion instrument.

Answer 26

Xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani.

Question 27

Name an untuned percussion instrument.

Answer 27

Snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, tambourine.

Question 28

How is sound produced on percussion instruments?

Answer 28

By hitting, shaking, or scraping.

Question 29

Which percussion instrument can play different pitches using tuning pedals?

Answer 29

Timpani.

Question 30

What is a glockenspiel made of?

Answer 30

Metal bars.

Question 31

What is a xylophone made of?

Answer 31

Wooden bars.

Question 32

What is the role of percussion in the orchestra?

Answer 32

To keep rhythm, add colour, and enhance dynamics.

Question 33

How many instrument families are in the orchestra?

Answer 33

Four – strings, woodwind, brass, percussion.

Question 34

Which family usually has the most players in an orchestra?

Answer 34

Strings.

Question 35

Which instrument often leads the orchestra?

Answer 35

First violin (concertmaster).

Question 36

What is the conductor’s job?

Answer 36

To lead and direct the orchestra.

Question 37

What is an orchestra?

Answer 37

A large group of musicians who play together.

Question 38

What is a symphony orchestra?

Answer 38

A full orchestra including all four instrument families.

Question 39

What is the difference between tuned and untuned percussion?

Answer 39

Tuned can play specific notes, untuned cannot.

Question 40

What is a piccolo?

Answer 40

A very small, high-pitched woodwind instrument.