The orchestra is an ensemble (group) of instruments.  The modern orchestra developed from the small groups of the Baroque Period (1650-1750).  New technology, manufacturing possibilities, concert halls and composer's and performer's innovative ideas have all contributed to this development.

It is common for most cities to have an orchestra.  Many are named after the city or region in which they are based (the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Guernsey Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra).

Who's involved

The many members of the orchestra play in 'sections' or families of instruments.

Study the pdf here to get an idea of which instruments are involved in the orchestra and which families they each belong to:

Notice that the instruments are organised into families based a combination of what they are made from AND how they are played

Notice that within each family (or section) they are organised in PITCH order

How does it sound?

Use this video (introduced by CONDUCTOR Simon Rattle) to answer your worksheet.

Check these videos for more information

(You can watch as much as you like, and feel free to skip to various sections)