Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit develops knowledge and understanding of the instruments of the orchestra. Pupils also learn to play a famous orchestral melody on the keyboard, learning to play and move out of position and they learn to identify from C to octave C on the stave through performance.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify the characteristics of the brass family and can play in the F position on the keyboard.

Key Notes

• The brass family consist of four main instruments: the trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba.
• As the instruments get bigger, the pitch gets lower. The range of an instrument is how high and low it can play.
• The brass family are often used to play fanfares, which are triumphant melodies.
• The middle section of Going Home is played in F position.
• F position uses the notes F, G, A, B and C and the thumb should rest on F.

Vocabulary To Learn

• brass: a family of instruments in the orchestra made of brass metal, that produce sound by buzzing air through the instrument
• fanfare: a short, triumphant-sounding musical idea often played by brass instruments
• range: how high and low an instrument can play
• F position: a hand position on the keyboard where your thumb rests on F

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils may mistake another note for F when changing position. Brass instruments can only be identified by pitch.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Performing the accompaniment for Going Home Study Guide
• Performing the melody and accompaniment for Going Home Study Guide
• Playing an orchestral melody in the C position Study Guide
• The percussion family and performing the full melody Study Guide
• The string family and the woodwind family Study Guide