Curated OER
Exploring Instruments
Orchestral instruments are the focus of this introductory presentation. Learners identify individual instruments on slide two and then read about the characteristics of six other instruments typically used in orchestral pieces.
Curated OER
Brass Instruments of the Orchestra
In this orchestra worksheet, 7th graders read about the brass instruments which include the French horn, tuba, trombone, and the trumpet. They fill in the blanks in 8 sentences about the brass section of the orchestra.
Curated OER
Musical Instruments
In this musical instruments worksheet, students identify and locate 20 various types of musical instruments in a word search. First, they locate brass and percussion instruments. Then, students locate string and woodwind instruments.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: Why Was the Valve Invented?
Dr. Ericson holds firm to his beliefs that the valve was not invented as "a mere crook changing device." Dr. Ericson embraces the idea that the "co-inventors of the valve clearly intended to perfect the brass instruments by making them...
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: What Was the Omnitonic Horn?
This Arizona State article suggests that the omnitonic horn and valved horns were invented in the same era and for the same reasons. However, further reading points out the differences between the two. The explanation for their invention...
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Brass Instruments and Pitch
Students will enjoy making their own brass instrument with this interesting lesson plan. Objectives include what factors affect the pitch of brass instruments and what determines pitch.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Horns
A wonderful resource covering many aspects of the French horn. Most explanations are made with video and audio clips of members of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Be sure to check out the players tips and tricks section.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids
This interactive site offers students resource for learning about composers, their works, the logistics of orchestra seating, the functions of different instruments, and the like.
Arizona State University
Arizona State Univ.: Horn Folklore & "Urban Legends"
This Arizona State University article more appropriately falls under the heading of literature, but Dr. Ericson's statement in the first paragraph, "I am amazed by the rather large body of plausible sounding folklore which has been...
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: Natural Horn & Its Technique
Arizona State's descriptions of the horn are broken up by illustrations of the horn, players, and music. There is a big discussion of crooks (not the kind that go to jail), but the kind that are made when you bend metal! The author notes...
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: Keyed Horns and Slide Horns
This ASU piece of writing takes us on a journey through the development of the horn's ability to play a chromatic scale with some degree of ease. The "experimenters" are presented--their country, years of experimentation, and outcome of...
Arizona State University
Arizona State University Horn Studio: Henri Kling and the Valved Horn
This ASU biographical sketch depicts a man in the 1800's who was consumed by French horn music. As a composer and conductor, he viewed music from many angles. His beliefs about the playing of the French horn are interesting and...
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Other
Pay the Piper
A resource for children who want to play a musical instrument, and their parents, this website includes answers to such questions as "Where do you get lessons?" and "How much will a new instrument cost?" Also included are informational...
Other
Pay the Piper: The Trumpet & the Cornet
This website, intended for young students wishing to play a musical instrument, discusses the "pros and cons" of playing the trumpet or cornet. The site provides background information on these brass instruments.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: The French Horn
Here is a web page introducing the French horn. Included is a brief history of the instrument as well as audio clips and pictures.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listening Library
At this resource listen to a selection of audio clips that feature the works of a full range of composers and a full orchestra of instruments. Scroll down an alphabetical list to find the composer or instrument you want, then choose the...
Other
French Horn Stopping Why the Pitch Shift?
The opening four points of this article point out the 4 special challenges of playing the modern French horn. When the player uses the "stopping mute", he/she must transpose the music down one semitone in order to play in the correct...
Music Education
Learn About Instruments: The Brass
Besides providing general information on various brass instruments, such as the French Horn and trombone, one can listen to sound clips of these instruments being played.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Tuba
Read about the brass family, and the tuba in particular. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to listen to the tuba by itself and with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: French Horn, Brass Instrument
Visit this resource to find out how the French horn is played. Read more about the brass family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the French horn on its own, or with the orchestra.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: An Example Intermediate Horn Home Practice
If you are a French horn player, you may get a good idea of how to practice from this resource. It provides general ideas of what your practice routine should include.
Curated OER
French Horn
Besides providing general information on various brass instruments, such as the French Horn and trombone, one can listen to sound clips of these instruments being played.