Meet the Instrument Families Packet (No-Prep, Print and Go Worksheets)

This is the mother of all orchestral instrument family packets! Whether you are a seasoned musician or new to teaching and know nothing about instrument families, this packet is for you! Teach your students all about the instruments of the orchestra with this print and go workbook. The four instrument families are introduced individually and then each instrument within the family has its own, detailed page. Each sheet has a large picture complete with labeled parts and interesting facts about the instrument. Assess your students comprehension with the done-for-you worksheets at the back. 

A breakdown of what’s inside:

• Introduction to the instrument families

• Strings Family Overview

• Individual pages for violin, viola, cello, double bass

• Woodwind Family Overview

• Individual pages for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon

• Brass Family Overview

• Individual pages for trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba

• Percussion Family Overview

• Individual pages for timpani, snare drum, cymbals, bass drum

Worksheets to assess and ensure understanding

• Instrument match: connect the name to the picture

• Instrument identification: write the name of the instrument below the picture

• Instrument sort: cut out and glue/tape the instrument picture into the family’s box

• Instrument word search: including a done-for-you answer key

• Tricky spelling: practice writing some of the more challenging words: cello, oboe, bass…

• Family portrait: draw your own family’s portrait

There are many ways to use this packet. Here are some teaching suggestions:Copy packets for students so that everyone has their own and work through together as a class

• Have students work through packet in small groups

• Divide into four groups and have students focus on one instrument family; then have each group share what they learned by presenting to the rest of the class

• Use in centers (particularly if you need a quiet activity!)

• Keep in your sub tub for a no-prep, print and go lesson; it's also great for a non-musical substitute

• Use as an introduction to an instrument unit

• Perfect to reinforce musical instrument vocabulary

• Share digitally on a platform like Seesaw or Google Classroom

• Constructive filler activities (just the thing you need when you are caught between units!)

• Pair with musical performance demonstrations (online or in person)

• Motivation for “fast finishers” who have completed assignment

• Wrap up instrument unit and assess students' comprehension