Instrument Webquest
What are the instruments of the
Orchestra?
Introduction
• For the first nine weeks of class we have been
talk about music and describing sounds that
we have heard. Lets take some time and learn
about the instruments that are creating those
sounds that we have been hearing. Think
back to our listening to “The Young Persons
Guide To the Orchestra” by Benjamin Britten,
what instruments did we hear?
Instruments You Can Do
Your Project On.
Woodwinds
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flute
Oboe
English Horn
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Strings
•
•
•
•
•
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Guitar
Brass
•
•
•
•
•
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion (difficult to find
enough information on)
•
•
•
•
•
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Timpani
Xylophone
Chimes
Task
• At the end of the project you will create a three (3)
page paper that will describe one of the instruments
that you have researched.
• Remember that pictures will not be counted as part
of your three pages.
• As you begin your research remember that our time
on the computers is limited and you should just be
taking notes to put in your own words as you begin
to write your paper.
• The more information that you get during the
research phase the easier it will be to write your
paper.
Process
HINT! Return to this page often to review project goals.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Begin by reviewing a little general information about the orchestra and its
history. Reading this brief information will help you to understand how your
instrument fits into the overall group known as an orchestra.
Now that you’re caught up on orchestra, it is time to select one of the
instruments from the resource page. Each instrument is a little bit different, so
make sure you select the one that interests you the most.
Once you have selected your Instrument you can begin to research the history
and answer the questions listed . Use these questions to guide your gathering of
information about the instrument.
**Remember to gather the information first…and then begin to write your
paper!!!
After you’ve answered each question for your instrument, begin to put it
together. If you found other interesting facts about your instrument please
include them with the other information you’ve collected.
Remember you only get out of this assignment what you put into it. If you do
not give your best effort you will not learn anything from researching the
instrument.
Research
***Be sure to keep track of the websites and books that you find information in. You
will need to hand this list in with your assignment.***
1.
2.
The first section of your research should focus on the history of your instrument. Try your
best to find answers to all of these questions.
a.
When was your instrument invented?
b.
Who invented your instrument?
c.
Where was your instrument invented?
d.
How is the original model of your instrument different than the ones we see and
here today?
e.
What are all of the parts of your instrument?
f.
What is your instrument made of?
g.
What was your instrument originally used for? (i.e. the French horn was used as a
signal for hunters riding on horses)
h.
Are there any other interesting facts that you came across?
Research one professional musician who plays your instrument. (This is extra information
that you might find very interesting)
a.
Who is the musician?
b.
Where is your musician from?
c.
Where does the musician live now?
d.
When did he or she start learning the instrument?
e.
Does he or she play more than one instrument?
f.
Was the musician part of an orchestra, or did he or she play alone?
Resources
Information About the
History of Instruments
Instrument Storage Room – New York Philharmonic KidZone
Playmusic.org – Fun Site with some information about instruments
The Symphony, an Interactive Guide –Lots of information Click on Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra – Kids – Listen To All of Instruments
Energy is In the Air! – Lots of Information about instrument families
General Information About The Brass Family
General Information About The Woodwind Family
General Information About The String Family
General Information About The Percussion Family
Resources
Information About
Famous Musicians
• Yahoo Directory -- Artisits By Instrument
• Google Directory -- Artisits by Instrument
Instrument Storybooks
Rubric
The discovery of song
and the creation of
musical instruments
both owed their
origin to a human
impulse which lies
much deeper than
conscious
intention: the need
for rhythm in life…
the need is a deep
one, transcending
thought, and
disregarded at our
peril.
~Richard Baker
Accurate
Information
Organization
Creativity
Beginning 1
Developing 2
Accomplished 3
Advanced
4
No
information
presented is
accurate
Very little of the
information
presented is
accurate.
Most of the
information
presented is
accurate.
All of the
information
presented is
accurate.
Very difficult
to follow the
storybook
Some parts of
the storybook
are difficult to
follow.
The storybook is
easy to follow.
The
storybook is
very easy to
follow.
Very little
creativity to
capture the
students
attention.
A little
creativity to
capture the
students
attention.
Creativity with
some items which
capture the
students attention.
Very creative
with lots of
items to
capture the
students
attention.
A=13-16
Points
B= 9-12 Points
C= 5-8 Points
D = 3-4 Points
Score
F= 2
Points
and
Below