Orchestra

What Is an Orchestra?

An orchestra is a big group of people who make music together. Everyone plays their own instrument, but they all listen to each other.

Instruments

• Strings – violins, violas, cellos, double basses
• Woodwinds – flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons
• Brass – trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas
• Percussion – drums, cymbals, xylophone

How They Play

A conductor stands at the front with a baton. The conductor tells the musicians when to start, when to go louder, and when to be quiet. The music begins when the conductor says “go!”

Why It Is Fun

All the sounds mix together to make a big, bright music that can feel like a hug for your ears. You can hear many notes at once and feel the rhythm in your heart.