Introduction
Exploring Musical Instrument families
Music
8th grade
Jonathan Murphy- Instructor
Musical instruments number in the hundreds and differ throughout the world with different physical and sonic qualities. But despite these differences there are several similarities that allow groupings of these instruments. These instrument grouping are known as Instrument Families. Throughout the years the naming of these instrument families has changed due to evolving ideologies of how the instruments have been grouped. Currently there are main 6 instrument families, but we will limit ourselves to the exploration of the following 4; Woodwind, Brasswind, String, and Percussion. In this WebQuest you will select one of the 4 instrument families and discuss several variables concerning these instruments (exact parameters will be located on the Task page).
Task
You will be creating a Power point project that will require the following information
1. Select an instrument family
2. List and discuss characteristics that afford individual instruments inclusion in the selected family.
3. List and describe smaller categories with the family and characteristics of the category (ex. If this about motor vehicles you would have categories such as van, car, suv)
4. Select 2 instruments within the family, that are not in the same smaller grouping (such as an alto saxophone and a tenor saxophone).
5. Compare the 2 selected instruments detailing 4 similarities and 4 differences
Process
The following sites will assist you in the creation of your power point:
Orchestra Instruments - Meet the Orchestra | MakingMusicFun.net
Instruments - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
http://www.beginband.com/brass.shtml
http://www.beginband.com/strings.shtml
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/instruments/percussion
There are other websites that contain information about musical instruments, and you are welcomed to use any you find. The Following videos may also help
BRASS FAMILY | INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA | LESSON #5 | LEARNING MUSIC HUB | ORCHESTRA
WOODWIND FAMILY | INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA | LESSON #4 | LEARNING MUSIC HUB | ORCHESTRA
STRINGS FAMILY | INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA | LESSON #3 | LEARNING MUSIC HUB | ORCHESTRA - YouTube
Evaluation
Instrument Family Analysis Rubric
|
Criteria |
4 - Exemplary |
3 - Proficient |
2 - Developing |
1 - Beginning |
|
Family Characteristics |
Accurately identifies and explains 5+ key characteristics of instruments with detailed scientific understanding |
Identifies and explains 3-4 key characteristics of instruments with good understanding |
Identifies 2-3 characteristics of instruments with basic understanding |
Identifies 1-2 characteristics with limited or unclear understanding |
|
Categories Within Family |
Clearly categorizes instruments within family into multiple groups with 3+ accurate examples for each category |
Categorizes instruments within family into 2-3 groups with 2+ accurate examples for most categories |
Categorizes woodwinds into 2 groups with some accurate examples |
Shows minimal understanding of categories with few or inaccurate examples |
|
Instrument Comparison |
Provides comprehensive comparison of 2 instruments including construction, sound production, range, technique, and musical roles with specific details |
Compares 2 instruments covering most key aspects (construction, sound, range, technique) with good detail |
Compares 2 instruments covering some aspects with basic detail and understanding |
Limited comparison covering few aspects with minimal detail or accuracy |
|
Contrast Analysis |
Identifies and explains 4+ significant differences between chosen instruments with clear reasoning and musical examples |
Identifies and explains 3 differences between instruments with adequate reasoning |
Identifies 2 differences between instruments with basic reasoning |
Identifies 1 difference with unclear or limited reasoning |
Conclusion
Upon the completion of this project, the student should have a better understanding of the workings of instruments in the family they selected.