Instrument Overview
The Instrumental Music Department offers the opportunity to students to learn an instrument in the String Family, in the Woodwind Family, in the Brass Family, and/or in the Percussion Family. Below is just an overview of the different types of instruments and the ensembles that are available for each of them.
String FamilyIncludes:
- Violin - Viola - Cello - Double Bass The String Family is made up of four instruments. Each of these have many things in common, including that they usually have four strings (hence their section's name) have a curvy, yet hollow body made of wood, and draw a bow made out of horsehair across the strings. Orchestras that involve these instruments include:
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Woodwind FamilyIncludes:
- Flute - Saxophone - Oboe (Alto/tenor/Baritone) - B♭Clarinet - Bassoon The Woodwind Family is made up of many instruments. These instruments were once made out of wood. They are composed of a mouthpiece, a narrow cylinder or pipe-like shape with various holes, and an opening at the bottom. The musician blows air through the mouthpiece while covering the holes or pressing on the keys with their fingers in various patterns for each note. Ensembles in which these instruments are a part of include:
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Brasswind (Brass) FamilyIncludes:
- Trumpet - Trombone - French Horn - Tuba The Brasswind Family is made up of various instruments, as well. These instruments are mostly all made of.... Brass!!! They are TREMENDOUSLY LOUD. In technicality, they're all just very long pipes that are either rolled up of shaped into some form. These instruments widen at the end in a bell-like shape. In order to form a sound, the musician must vibrate their lives into a metal mouthpiece and press on different keys. The valves open or close various parts of the pipe in order to create distinct sounds. Ensembles in which these instruments are a part of include:
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Percussion Family
Includes: - Drum Set - Xylophone - Timpani - Cymbals - Triangle - Tambourine - Snare Drum - Bass Drum - Maracas - Gong(s) - Piano* - Chimes The Percussion Family is the largest group in an ensemble. Any instrument that makes a sound when it is hit, shaken, rolled, or knocked is included in this section. Some of the instruments need to be tuned, such as the timpani or the xylophone, while others don't have a definite pitch such as the bass drum or the cymbals. Many of these instruments are used in a piece, and often one musician will play various of them in each. Exact timing and strength is needed to play these instruments, since rhythm is the most important in this section. *Piano is not taught at Wilson. However, students who are at a more advanced level may chose to audition in order to accompany the Advanced or Symphonic Orchestra. Ensembles in which these instruments are a part of include:
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