Here are three ideas for games you can use in your next general music lesson plan to help encourage knowlege of the Instruments of the Orchestra. This game is especially designed for teachers without any musical knowledge and can be used in small groups or for a whole class activity.

While I was researching this topic, I realized there was a real need for more worksheets and other general activities relating to the Instruments Of the Orchestra which can be accessed instantly. Please feel free to add feedback and comment on your own needs and sucess stories and I will keep posting more info in this area as well. Here’s a few ideas to get you started;

Idea#1 – Instrument Detective

Preparation:
Divide your group/class into two teams.
Have a set of Clue Flashcards describing the instruments of the orchestra, a separate set of picture flashcards to match.

Directions:
The teacher (or a leader student) reads a clue from a clue card. Teams have to identify which instrument the clue is talking about, and put up their hands to answer. If they get it right, they get a point. If they are not correct, they lose a point! The team with the most points wins!

Just visit musical-clipart.com if you would like to make your own flashcards.

Idea#2 – Instrument Of the Orchestra Crossword

It’s just great when you can make some relevant crosswords easily and quickly ready for filling a few minutes in class or for homework. I found a lesson plan site that will let you customize a crossword to suit your needs.

To visit the crossword which is relevant to the topic of Instruments of the Orchestra, just visit this page for a crossword maker which can quickly make you a music instruments of the orchestra crossword.

Idea#3 – Instrument Of the Orchestra Activities

I found a reproducible group of general Orchestral Instruments Information and activities to do containing colour pictures and self checking quizzes for teachers. It’s called “You’ve Got the Music in You”. It also has a section of basic music fundamentals in it.