Musical Instruments

GOOD VIBRATIONS
Musical instruments are grouped into families based on how they make sounds. In an orchestra, musicians sit together in these family groupings. But not every instrument fits neatly into a group. For example, the piano has strings that vibrate and hammers that strike. Is it a stringed instrument or percussion instrument? Some say both!
BRASS
Brass instruments are made of brass or some other metal and make sounds when air is blown inside. The musician’s lips must buzz, as though making "raspberry" noise against the mouthpiece. Air then vibrates inside the instrument, which produces a musical sound.
Brass instruments include the trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, cornet and bugle.
PERCUSSION
Most percussion instruments, such as drums and tambourines, make sounds when they are hit. Others, like maracas, are shaken, and still others may be scratched, rubbed or whatever else makes the instrument vibrate and produce a sound.
Percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, triangles, chimes, bells and xylophones.
STRINGS
Yes, the sounds of stringed instruments come from their strings. The strings may be plucked (guitar and harp); bowed (cello and violin); or struck (piano). This creates a vibration that causes a unique sound.
Stringed instruments include the violin, viola, cello, bass, double bass, harp, lute, banjo, guitar and dulcimer.
WOODWINDS
Woodwind instruments produce sound when air (wind) is blown inside. Air might be blown across an edge (flute); between a reed and a surface (clarinet); or between two reeds (bassoon). The sound happens when the air vibrates inside. Woodwind instruments include the flute, piccolo, clarinet, recorder, bassoon and oboe.