In the Orchestra

Working with others is important. It’s especially important when you’re in an orchestra. An orchestra is a group of musicians who play instruments together. Large orchestras have 50 to 100 players.

There are many types of instruments in an orchestra. They make different sounds. The instruments are grouped into four families, or sections. Players in each family of instruments sit together.

How do the musicians stay on the beat? They look to their conductor. That’s their leader. The conductor helps the musicians create beautiful music.

Brass instruments are made of metal. A musician plays a brass instrument by blowing into it. The brass section is very loud. It’s in the back of the orchestra.

Percussion instruments make sounds when they are tapped or banged or shaken. They’re usually not played at the same time. One person might play a few different instruments.

Stringed instruments make music when their strings are made to vibrate with a bow or plucked. String players sit up front, close to the conductor.

Woodwind instruments can be made of wood or metal. A musician plays a woodwind instrument by blowing into it. The woodwind section sits in the center of the orchestra.