The Instrument Families

TRUMPET-TROMBONE-TUBA-FRENCH HORNOriginally made from Brass. You can play these instruments by blowing into the mouthpieces and using your fingers to press down buttons on the instrument to change the noise (notes) being played.

TRIANGLE-TIMPANI DRUM-TAMBORINE etc A percussion instrument can be TUNED or UNTUNED.They are played by striking (hitting) them. We usually use drum sticks or mallets to play these instruments, but some can be played by hitting them with our hands like the bongos or the tamborine

VIOLIN-VIOLA-CELLO-DOUBLE BASS These instruments are all made from wood and have four stings. They are played by using a bow. A bow is traditionally made from horse hair! These instruments can be played by bowing or plucking the strings. The are different in size and sound. The bigger the instrument, the deeper (lower) the sound!

FLUTE-CLARINET-OBOE-BASSON These instruments are played by blowing air into the mouth piece and using fingers to control the sound. They are called woodwind instruments because many years ago they were made out of wood! Now, we have the materials to made much better sounding instruments.

BeethovenWas born in Germany in 1770. He is one of the most famous composer. Beethoven composed music in the Classical era. He was a genius and composed much of his music when he was only a child! In later life he became deaf, but that didn't stop him from composing. One of his famous works is 'Ode to Joy'. People liked it so much that it has been chosen as the European National Anthem!