Orchestra Instruments

Instruments of the Orchestra

Every orchestra is different, but here are some instruments you’re likely to see:

String family Violin Viola [vee-OH-lah] Cello (violoncello) [CHEL-low] Bass (double bass, contra bass) [rhymes with “face’] Woodwind family Flute, Piccolo Oboe, English horn Clarinet, Bass clarinet Bassoon, Contrabassoon Saxophones Brass family Trumpet Horn (French horn) Trombone Tuba Keyboards and Harp Celesta [cheh-LESS-tah] Piano Harpsichord Organ Synthesizer Harp

Percussion family Timpani (kettledrums) [TIM-pa-nee] Snare drum Bass drum Cymbals Tambourine Triangle Xylophone Glockenspiel Chimes Marimba Vibraphone (vibes) plus other things to hit, scrape, and shake Voice Types Soprano     high female voice Mezzo-soprano     medium female voice Alto (contralto)     low female voice Countertenor     very high male voice Tenor     high male voice Baritone     medium male voice Bass     low male voice