CSET Practice Test the Orchestra

6. The loud, clear sound of this instrument has been used to send signals and messages for a long time. These were once used to frighten enemies in battle, and to celebrate big ceremonies with blazing fanfares. The tone of this instrument is produced by its distinctive shape: a cup-shaped mouthpiece, narrow metal tube, and flaring bell. Different pitches are played by pressing down on the keys that control the three valves, or by changing the shape of the lips against the mouthpiece.

A. French Horn

B. Trumpet

C. Tuba

D. Flute

7. These form the middle of the orchestral brass section. They fill out the harmonies between the trumpets and the horns on top, and the low tuba below. This instrument has a rich tenor voice. Most brass instruments use valves to produce different pitches. But this instrument uses a slide instead. Players push and pull the slide back and forth to change the length of tubing – which changes the pitch.

A. Trombone

B. Trumpet

C. Cymbals

D. Timpani

8. This section is huge and it includes any instrument that produces sounds when it is struck, scraped or shaken. A player in an orchestra may play as many as a dozen different instruments, since different pieces of music need different kinds of sounds.

A. The Percussion Section

B. Triangle

C. Xylophone

D. Snare Drum