This fully-resourced KS3 Secondary unit comes complete with 6 fully-resourced lesson plans, each containing a Lesson Plan, Worksheet and PowerPoint Presentation with all embedded audio and video files (also available separately as MP3/MP4 and WAV files).  
 
Purpose: This unit develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of orchestral instruments and their families within the modern symphony orchestra. Pupils explore how instruments are constructed, how they produce sound, and the distinctive timbres and sonorities that define each section. They learn about the layout and grouping of orchestral instruments, gaining insight into how these sections combine to create a cohesive ensemble.
 
A central focus of the unit is pupils’ understanding of the key terms timbre and sonority. The learning sequence begins with a general introduction to the orchestra, followed by lessons that each focus on one orchestral family or section. 
 
The unit is enriched through practical exploration and performance. Where resources allow, pupils perform as a “class orchestra” using traditional orchestral instruments. Alternatively, suitable keyboard voices may be used to simulate orchestral sounds, and pupils who play orchestral instruments are encouraged to perform on these during lessons.
 
Outcome: By the end of this unit, pupils will have developed a secure understanding of the layout and structure of the symphony orchestra and the roles of its instrumental families. They will learn how orchestral instruments are played, how they are constructed, and the different methods of sound production that give rise to their distinctive timbres and sonorities. Through practical experience, pupils will perform on orchestral instruments where possible or use orchestral tones and voices on keyboards to form a ‘class orchestra’. This ensemble work will help pupils appreciate the experience of performing together, recognising the function of different instrumental parts and how textural layers combine to shape the overall sound.