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Learn Through English |
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Music |
Instruments |
This activity has been organized as a treasure hunt, that is to say, you are asked a series of questions that you will have to answer after finding the information you need on this website. If you prefer it, you may use other sources of information. This page also includes some interactive games that may be helpful when answering the questions. Don't doubt to use them.
When you have finished this activity, you should know a little more about instruments in general: categories, characteristics, pitch, types, materials, etc. Even though the activity has been planned to be done on line, there is a printable sheet that you will have to use in order to write the answers.
Now read the questions carefully and find the answers.
CATEGORIES OF INSTRUMENTS
There are six major categories of instruments. What are they?
Four of these categories from the basis of a symphony orchestra. Name them. |
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BOWED STRING
Order the following bowed string instruments from the highest to the lowest pitch: Cello / Double bass / Viola / Violin. Try here.
Name two characteristics of string instruments.
When playing the instruments there is a very important difference between violins/violas and cellos/double basses. What is it?
Name three ‘precursors’ of modern bowed strings instruments. |
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WOODWIND
Order the following woodwind instruments from the highest to the lowest pitch: Bassoon / Clarinet / Flute / Oboe. Try here.
Woodwind instruments can be played in two basic positions. Which are they?
With woodwind instruments the sound is produced when some air is blown into them. However, there are some differences in the way they work. Do you know them? The following questions will help you.
a. Which instrument needs a reed to vibrate in order to produce the sound?
b. Which two instruments need a double reed?
c. Which instrument needs a curved metal crook to facilitate the playing action? |
What are the following instruments?
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BRASS
What are the similarities and the differences between ‘brass’ and ‘woodwind’ instruments?
Order the following brass instruments from the highest to the lowest pitch: French Horn / Trombone / Trumpet / Tuba. Try here.
What makes the trombone different from the other brass instruments? |
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PERCUSSION
Percussion instruments can be divided into two groups. Why?
Give three examples for each group. |
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KEYBOARD
| The instruments in this category have in common that they are played by means of a keyboard; however, there are four main types. Name them. |
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GUITAR
These are string instruments but what makes them different from bowed string instruments?
What was the name of an ancestor of the guitar? |
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