A First Guide to the Orchestra

This is an introduction to the world of classical music for children aged nine and older. It begins with an explanation of the term "orchestra", what instruments it features, and how it has developed. It also answers questions such as: What does the conductor do? What does a score look like? Who were Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Wagner, Debussy, and a whole host of other composers? What is the chamber orchestra? The text then explains the four orchestra families: string, woodwind, brass and percussion. Each section starts by explaining how the instruments are played, and for every instrument featured there is a fully-labelled drawing plus a cutaway diagram. Throughout the book there are charts showing where instruments are placed in an orchestra, and their musical range.