Instrument Game

Objective​: Students will be able to sort different instruments into the string, woodwind, brass,
and percussion family at random based on pictures and sounds.

Intro:

Today we will be learning about the different instrument families! We’re going to watch this
video about the different instruments and then we will play a game!

Sequence:

Activity 1
Show students youtube video of different instruments in the orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvJDEHlisGM

● As video progresses, stop after each family is done being introduced and describe the
instruments in the family

String
● Describe how the instruments look similar to each other.
○ All have the curve in their body
○ All of them have strings
● Define what makes them string instruments
○ The strings that are on the instrument have to be plucked, strummed, or bowed to
make the sound of the instrument.
● Define Family
○ “If we think about our families, sometimes we have similar characteristics with
other family members. Sometimes our hair or eyes are the same color, sometimes
we look similar, and there are also times where we have similar interests. That’s
what makes them family.

Woodwind
● Describe how the instruments look similar to each other
○ Most of these instruments are made of wood, were originally made of wood
when created, or use a piece of wood or cane to make their sound
○ Flutes were originally made of human bone

Brass
● Describe how the instruments look similar to each other
 ○ Why do we think these instruments are in the brass family?
■ They are made of brass
○ They all have flared bells
○ They are played by vibrating your lips into the mouthpiece

Percussion
● Define why percussion instruments are called percussion instruments
○ They all have to be struck either with a mallet or on each other to make a sound
○ Are percussive
● Pianos are considered a percussion instrument
○ You have to press the keys to have the mallets within the piano strike the strings
within. Even though they have strings, due to the fact that they are struck with a
mallet to make their sound is why they are called percussion instruments

Now that we have gone through the instruments, we are going to play a game!

Activity 2
Game

Game is on Quaver Music curriculum and randomly chooses instruments from the string,
woodwind, brass, or percussion family and plays a sound sample combined with a picture and
the name of the instrument. You can change the settings to take away the name and the picture.
The students then see how many they can sort into the different families within 60 seconds.

Variations
● Sort students into groups. Alternate groups to have them work together to sort the
instrument into the right family. See which group can get the most within the 60 seconds.
Eventually take away the name and the picture. You can also have them have to say the
correct instrument name if so desired.
● Use the above rules, but have students answer as a class.
● Have students work individually on iPads by having them sign into Quaver Music and
providing them with the QR code to the game. See how many each student can sort
correctly in the 60 seconds given.

Assessment:
● As a class the students will answer what family the instrument displayed is given with
80% accuracy.