The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Flutes
Everything concerning the flute can be found at this site. Learn about its construction, range, articulations, effects and more. Also be sure to check out the players tips and tricks.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Oboes
Explore the many aspects of the oboe. This site explains its construction, range, articulations, effects and more. Be sure to check out the videos of the players tips and tricks.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Woodwind Ranges
Easily review the ranges of all of the woodwind instruments. The chart shows the written pitch and the sounding pitch. There are also comments about some of the instruments ranges.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Brass Ranges
Learn the ranges of all of the brass instruments. The chart shows the written pitch and the sounding pitch. There are also comments about some of the instruments ranges.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual String Ranges
Learn the ranges of all of the string instruments. The chart shows the written pitch and the sounding pitch. There are also comments about some of the instruments ranges.
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: Orchestral Instruments
To provide an introduction to orchestral instruments of the modern Western orchestra
Quia
Quia: 2003 Music Review
Play musical Jeopardy! Test your knowledge of sound, instruments of the orchestra, music elements, music notation, and rhythm. Play this interactive game by yourself, or with a friend!
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Orchestral Instruments
This is a brief introduction to the various instruments on the modern orchestra. It is broken into sections based on the instrument families. Each instrument is briefly defined.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Haydn
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart shows students photos and details of Haydn's life, general information about the time period and the classical orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Guiro
Use this resource to learn about the percussion family of the orchestra and the guiro. This instrument is untuned and comes from South and Central America.
Curated OER
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
Lots of information on Benny Goodman with links to related subjects: his music, his band members, his bands and orchestras.
Curated OER
Web Gallery of Art: Musicians in the Orchestra
An image of "Musicians in the Orchestra", created by Edgar Degas from 1870-71 (Oil on canvas, 69 x 49 cm).
Curated OER
Web Gallery of Art: Rehearsal of the Pasdeloup Orchestra at the Cirque D'hiver
An image of "Rehearsal of the Pasdeloup Orchestra at the Cirque d'Hiver", created by John Singer Sargent from 1879-80 (Oil on canvas, 57 x 46 cm).
Curated OER
Web Gallery of Art: The Orchestra at the Opera
An image of "The Orchestra at the Opera", created by Edgar Degas, c. 1870 (Oil on canvas, 57 x 46 cm).
Duke University
Shuffle Along Orchestra
This section focuses on the people created the hit musical, "Shuffle Along," which helped to spur the Harlem Renaissance. Other information on the site about the importance of other black theater during the period.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Scott Joplin, Composer
A short biography of the American ragtime pianist, Scott Joplin.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart wrote his first sonata when he was only four years old. He liked to play pool and enjoyed liver dumplings and sauerkraut. Use this resource to learn more about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791 CE), famous Austrian composer, and...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listen by Composer: George Gershwin
A brief overview of composer George Gershwin, accompanied with audio samples of his music.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Dimitri Shostakovich
Dimitri Shostakovich's (1906-1975 CE) first job was playing piano at a movie house when he was still quite young. He lost the job because he would laugh so hard at the funny parts of the movie that he would quit playing. Read more about...
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Santa Fe Chamber Orchestra Festival: Composer Spotlight: Gabriel Faure
This is a biography of Gabriel Faure, Romantic composer of such works as Pelleas et Melisande, and a beautiful Requiem.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Illinois: Orchestra Hall
A symphony hall designed by Daniel Burnham.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Oratorio
An extensive explanation and history of the term oratorio. Please note that The Catholic Encyclopedia is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context of resource material dated around 1910.
Other
Asia Society: Gamelan Dharma Swara: Balinese Dance and Music
Video performance of a gamelan orchestra and dancers showcases Balinese music and dance. [3:45] Accompanying program notes provide useful background information on the significance of gamelan to Balinese culture. A second video...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Wynton Marsalis
A biography of jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. A musical prodigy, he began playing in orchestras while still in high school. He later won the Pulitzer Prize in Music. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.