Download Instrument Expert Groups

Name: __________________
Expert Group #1 – Acoustic Guitar
Visual Characteristics
The acoustic guitar has a curvy, hollow body made of glued pieces of wood with a large hole in the
center. It has a long neck with tuning pegs, a fretboard and frets (metal strips). Most have 6 nylon or
metal strings that run from the tuning peg to the tail on the body.
How Sound is Produced
A guitarist uses the fingers of one hand to hold down certain strings on the neck. They use the
fingers of the other hand or a pick to pluck, tap, or strum the strings on the body of the guitar. The
sound waves vibrate in the hollow body to produce the sound we hear.
How Sound is Changed
The sound on an acoustic guitar can be changed by tightening or loosening the strings using the
tuning pegs. This will change the pitch produced. The frets are used so the guitarist can change the
notes being produced. The amount of pressure applied to the strings will change the volume of the sound
produced.
Similar Instruments from Around the World
The acoustic guitar is in the string family of instruments. The rebab from Persia, the sitar from
India, the balalaika from Russia, the gu zheng and pipa from China, and the bouzouki from Greece are
string instruments from around the world.
Interesting Facts
Timpani are also called kettledrums. Unlike other percussion instruments, the timpani can produce
different pitches when struck with a mallet. There are 3 or 4 timpani drums in most symphony
orchestras.
Name: __________________
Expert Group #2 – Flute
Visual Characteristics
The transverse (side-blown) flute has three parts, the head joint, the body, and the foot joint.
The body of the flute has 16 tone holes. Most flutes are made of silver but they can be made of
platinum, gold, or wood
How Sound is Produced
The flutist holds the flute horizontally (to the side). It is held steady against the lower lip. The
flutist blows air across the small hole in the head joint to allow air to vibrate through the tube.
How Sound is Changed
The sound on the transverse flute can be changed by covering or uncovering the tone holes. This
will change the pitch produced by increasing or decreasing the length of the tube. The amount of air
blown across the hole in the head will change the volume of the sound produced.
Similar Instruments from Around the World
The flute is in the wind family of instruments. The Irish flute and bombard from Ireland, the
nagaswaram and bamboo flute from India, the didgeridoo from Australia, and the bagpipe from Scotland
are wind instruments from around the world.
Interesting Facts
The first wind instruments were made out of animal horns. Flutes were originally made of wood.
The transverse flute we use today has been used since 1847.
Name: __________________
Expert Group #3 – Kazoo
Visual Characteristics
The kazoo is made out of metal or plastic. It can be many different shapes but it is a tube with
both ends open. One end is flattened, the other end is circular. The most important part of the kazoo is
a hole with a wax membrane that oscillates (turns).
How Sound is Produced
The player hums, sings, or speaks into the end of the kazoo. The vibration from the lips creates
air that causes the membrane to vibrate. This creates a humming, nasal sound.
How Sound is Changed
The sound on kazoo can be changed by covering or uncovering the membrane hole. This will change
the pitch produced by increasing or decreasing the length of the tube. The amount of air hummed into
the kazoo will change the volume of the sound produced.
Similar Instruments from Around the World
The kazoo belongs to a group of instruments called mirlitons. The mirliton from Africa and eunuk
flutes from Europe are mirliton instruments from around the world.
Interesting Facts
The kazoo is also known as a singing drum. The Kazoo is the only instrument created in America.
The first one was made in 1840 and kazoos became mass produced 1912.
only instrument created in America
Name: __________________
Expert Group #4 – Tambourine
Visual Characteristics
The tambourine has a small round wooden frame with jingles or snares shaped like disks. They
may have a skin, like a drum, or be open across the top. Most tambourines are made of wood but they can
be made of plastic too.
How Sound is Produced
The musician holds the tambourine in one hand. They shake, hit or tap it on their leg or hand to
the beat of the music. As it is hit, the snares move to create the sound.
How Sound is Changed
The sound on tambourine can be changed by the how it is held, vertically or hoizontally. The speed
and force of tapping or shaking will change the volume of the sound produced.
Similar Instruments from Around the World
The tambourine is in the percussion family of instruments. The bendir from Africa, the bodhran from
Ireland, the pandeiro from central America, and the riq from the middle east are percussion instruments
from around the world.
Interesting Facts
Tambourines have been used since ancient times. Modern ones have not changed very much since
ancient times. Mozart, a famous composer, used tambourines in his music in 1782.