InstrumentsClick to listen to a sampleViolin
The violin is by far the most common orchestral instrument. It is also the smallest out of all the strings and has the highest pitch. This is usually the first choice of musicians who want to learn a string instrument (unless they have viola, cello, or bass friends).
Viola
The viola is slightly larger than the violin and has a deeper pitch in comparision. It is also in the "middle register" of the string family. Although not as popular as the violin, it is still a vital part of the orchestra.
Cello
The cello is still bigger than the violin and viola. It has a beautiful, mellow sound. The cello must rest on the floor because it is too big to be held like the violin or viola.
Bass
The bass is the biggest instrument in the string section. It also plays the widest assortment of music from classical to broadway to jazz. Although it appears the same size as the cello in the picture, it actually about 1 1/2 to 2 times taller
Flute
The flute really isn't a woodwind anymore, and is normally made of metal now. It produces very bright and joyful notes.
Piccolo
The piccolo is the smaller relative of the flute. It is exactly the same in all respects -- notes and fingerings -- but is a lot smaller than the flute and it has a higher pitch.
Clarinet
The clarinet is a single reed instrument. It plays a wide range of music from classical to jazz. It also has a very wide range of notes that can be played.
Oboe
The oboe looks very similiar to the clarinet except for the fact that it has a double reed. The oboe is widely used in classical compositions.
Saxophone
The saxophone is a single reed instrument. Depending on the player it can sound mellow or strong. It does everything from pop to big band to jazz but also has its place in classical music.
Bassoon
The bassoon is a double reed instrument. Because of its size, it plays very low notes and is often the backbone of the orchestra.
French Horn
The French Horn is often played with the right hand inside the bell. It is also said to be the most difficult instrument to play.
Trumpet
The trumpet plays high brassy notes. An optional mute can make the trumpet sound completely different. Many great jazz players have been trumpet players.
Tuba
The tuba is the lowest instrument in the whole brass section. The tuba is used a lot in marches and other compositions where it is important to have a strong beat.
Trombone
The trombone has the the greatest note range out of all the brass because of its slide. The 'bone is an essential part of any big band group.
Cymbals
Everyone pretty much knows what the cymbals do. You hit them together and they produce a crashing sound.
Snare Drum
The snare drum is primarily used for rolls in a classical setting or for adding accents to music.
Timpani
The timpanis are also commonly used in rolls. They can, however, be tuned to a certain note and have a deeper sound.
