Orchestra – 3rd grade

In 3rd grade, we learn the 4 families of the orchestra. Students must be able to name the family each orchestra instrument belongs in. They must also listen to an instrument (such as trumpet or flute) and identify which family that instrument is in. (I don’t require them to identify the name of the specific instrument.) I teach the 4 orchestra families and describe in general the differences between the families. Students must be able to identify (visually and aurally) which family each instrument fits into. There are many ways to teach the orchestra families. I prefer having the students either see the instruments played live or on video. (See the PowerPoint below to review before the assessment.)