Instruments and Ensembles

Percussion

: instruments where sound is produced by the instrument being shaken or struck.

Idiophones

: instruments where sound is produced by the body of the instrument itself.

Membranophones

: instruments where sound is produced by a stretched membrane (plastic, animal skin, fiberglass, etc .)

Aerophones

use many mechanisms to make the air in the instrument vibrate, thus creating sound waves.

Chordophones

: instruments where sound is produced by strings.

Brass

: trumpet, French horn, tuba, and trombone.

Electrophones

: instruments where sound is produced by electric or electronic means.

Ensemble

: a group of various musicians and instruments.

Woodwinds

: flute, clarinet, oboe, English horn, saxophone, and bassoon.

Strings

: instruments where sound is produced by vibrating .

Wind

: instruments where sound is produced by a vibrating column of air.

Small ensembles

: consists of 2- 9 musicians, each with a separate and unique part.

Chordophones

can be played in a variety of ways: they can be plucked, struck, strummed, or played with a bow.

Aerophones

: instruments where sound is produced by the air.

Ensembles

can be made up of singers alone, instruments alone, singers and instruments together, two performers or hundreds.

Aerophones

instruments where sound is produced by the air

Chordophones

instruments where sound is produced by strings

Chordophones can be played in a variety of ways

they can be plucked, struck, strummed, or played with a bow

Membranophones

instruments where sound is produced by a stretched membrane (plastic, animal skin, fiberglass, etc.)

Idiophones

instruments where sound is produced by the body of the instrument itself

Electrophones

instruments where sound is produced by electric or electronic means

There are 3 families of instruments in western categories

strings, wind, and percussion

Strings

instruments where sound is produced by vibrating strings

Examples

the violin, viola, bass, and cello

Wind

instruments where sound is produced by a vibrating column of air

Woodwinds

flute, clarinet, oboe, English horn, saxophone, and bassoon

Brass

trumpet, French horn, tuba, and trombone

Percussion

instruments where sound is produced by the instrument being shaken or struck

Examples

timpani, snare drum, bass drum, triangle, cymbals, xylophone, tambourin, castanets, and chimes

Ensemble

a group of various musicians and instruments

Large ensembles

performers are usually divided into sections, each with a particular material or function, and a conductor or lead performer responsible for keeping everyone together

Examples

symphony orchestra, marching band, jazz band, gospel choir, West Indian steel pan band, African drum ensemble

The players are grouped by family into sections

winds, brass, percussion and strings

Small ensembles

consists of 2-9 musicians, each with a separate and unique part