* Violins: The violins are the highest-pitched instruments in the orchestra. They are played with a bow and produce a bright, lyrical sound.
* Violas: The violas are lower in pitch than the violins and have a warmer, richer sound. They are also played with a bow.
* Cellos: The cellos are the lowest-pitched string instruments in the orchestra. They are played with a bow and produce a deep, resonant sound.
* Double basses: The double basses are the largest and lowest-pitched instruments in the orchestra. They are played with a bow and produce a powerful, booming sound.
Woodwind instruments
* Flutes: The flutes are the highest-pitched woodwind instruments in the orchestra. They are played by blowing air across a hole in the side of the instrument. The flutes produce a clear, bright sound.
* Oboes: The oboes are lower in pitch than the flutes and have a more piercing, nasal sound. They are played by blowing air across a double reed.
* Clarinets: The clarinets are lower in pitch than the oboes and have a warm, mellow sound. They are played by blowing air across a single reed.
* Bassoons: The bassoons are the lowest-pitched woodwind instruments in the orchestra. They are played by blowing air across a double reed and produce a deep, rich sound.
Brass instruments
* Trumpets: The trumpets are the highest-pitched brass instruments in the orchestra. They are played by blowing air through a mouthpiece. The trumpets produce a bright, piercing sound.
* Trombones: The trombones are lower in pitch than the trumpets and have a mellower, more resonant sound. They are played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and moving the slide to change the pitch.
* French horns: The French horns are lower in pitch than the trombones and have a warm, rich sound. They are played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and using the hand to stop up different holes to change the pitch.
* Tubas: The tubas are the lowest-pitched brass instruments in the orchestra. They are played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and using the hand to stop up different holes to change the pitch.
Percussion instruments
* Timpani: The timpani are a set of tuned drums that are played with mallets. They produce a deep, resonant sound.
* Snare drum: The snare drum is a single-headed drum that is played with sticks. It produces a sharp, cracking sound.
* Bass drum: The bass drum is a large, single-headed drum that is played with a beater. It produces a deep, booming sound.
* Cymbals: The cymbals are a pair of metal discs that are played by hitting them together. They produce a bright, crashing sound.
Keyboard instruments
* Piano: The piano is a keyboard instrument that is played by pressing keys that cause hammers to strike strings. It produces a wide range of sounds, from soft and delicate to loud and powerful.
* Harpsichord: The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that is played by plucking strings with quills. It produces a bright, tinkling sound.
Other instruments
* Voice: The human voice is the most versatile instrument of all. It can produce a wide range of sounds, from low and deep to high and piercing.
* Guitar: The guitar is a stringed instrument that is played by strumming or plucking the strings. It produces a warm, mellow sound.
* Harp: The harp is a stringed instrument that is played by plucking the strings with the fingers. It produces a beautiful, ethereal sound.