What sound does a piccolo make? What's the difference between a violin and viola? What family does a timpani belong to? Take a tour through the different sections of an orchestra with an interactive reference tool.

Concepts

brass instruments, instruments, string instruments, orchestras, classical music, composers

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Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign for homework in a music appreciation class
• Have a few instruments available for learners to try, or invite members of a local orchestra to play their instruments in front of the class

Classroom Considerations

• Have class members put the definitions in their own words, rather than copying them from the website
• Let learners know that they need to click the blue button on each activity to begin
• Requires Internet access and audio equipment

Pros

• Provides written definitions and audio examples of each instrument
• Encourages online navigation skills as well as reference skills

Cons

• None