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Western Classical Music
Quick questions on The orchestra and its families explained: N(A)-Level Music
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are the strings?Show answer
The string family (violin, viola, cello, double bass) makes sound when a bow is drawn across the strings, or when the strings are plucked (pizzicato). The sound is smooth, warm and singing. Strings are the largest section and often carry the main melodies.
What is the woodwind?Show answer
The woodwind family (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon) makes sound from vibrating air. The flute is blown across a hole (breathy and bright); the clarinet and oboe use a reed that vibrates (the oboe is reedy and nasal, the clarinet smooth and woody). Woodwind tends to be agile and good at fast, light passages.
What is the brass?Show answer
The brass family (trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba) makes sound when the player buzzes their lips into a cup mouthpiece, setting the air in a long metal tube vibrating. The sound is bright, bold and powerful, ideal for fanfares and big climaxes. Pitch is changed with valves or a slide (the trombone).
What is the percussion?Show answer
The percussion family (timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, xylophone, glockenspiel) makes sound when struck or shaken. Some are pitched (timpani, xylophone, play definite notes) and some are unpitched (snare drum, cymbals, give rhythm and colour rather than a tune). Percussion drives rhythm and adds excitement.
What is q1?Show answer
Name the four families of the orchestra. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain how a brass instrument makes its sound. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Give one pitched and one unpitched percussion instrument, and explain the difference. [3 marks]
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