Orchestra Family Instrument Introduction Resources

Developed for fifth grade students who will be choosing an instrument to play in their middle school band or orchestra, the RSO is proud to provide these resource materials to give you several ways to introduce your own students to the instrument families in the orchestra.

This project was generously funded by the Kjellstrom Family Foundation and produced in partnership with Rockford Public Schools, District 205.

Watch the full presentation of introducing the instrument families of the orchestra with a live student audience (approx. 35 mins).
Access resources and scenario options to create your own version of this presentation at your school.
Download the script, pre-concert trivia show, and individual instrument introduction videos to bring this presentation, or a modified version of it, to your school.

Watch the full performance presentation.

Filmed live on December 22, 2022 at Forest City Church in Rockford, IL with a live audience of fifth grade students. Produced and presented in partnership with Rockford Public Schools with generous funding from the Kjellstrom Family Foundation.

Hosted by: Margo Stedman, RSO Education and Community Engagement Director

String Quartet: Ann Montzka-Smelser, violin; Rachel Handlin, violin; Rebecca Swan, viola; Karena Fox, cello

Woodwind Quintet: Jean Bishop, flute; Laura Medisky, oboe; Patrick Rehker, clarinet; Joshua Fleming, bassoon; Kathryn Swope, horn

Brass Quintet: Mark Baldin, trumpet; Michael Swope, trumpet; Kathryn Swope, horn; Rick Seybold, trombone; Joshua Wirt, tuba

Percussionist: Nick Bonaccio

Vocal Quartet: Kari Maratos, soprano; Lindsay Lancaster, alto; Tim Lilly, tenor; Robert Lindstrom, bass
Vocalists presented in partnership with The Nielsen Chorale

Present this at your school!

There are several ways to bring this presentation live to your own school or school district. You may use the presentation as shown above, or modify it to work for the musicians you have available to you. You can also work with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra to get funding to bring this presentation to your school - multiple seatings can happen in one day!

Options to consider include:

Download the script and individual introduction videos below and request to borrow music from the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for the same instrument groupings/repertoire.
Download the script and individual introduction videos below and use your own music to create a tailored performance for your school.
Create a custom combination of live music and sections from our video depending on your school’s resources (i.e. if you’re missing an oboe/bassoon, show the Woodwind portion from the video, while having a live brass quintet on stage).
Work with the RSO to get funding to bring the full live performance to your school/district (you can do multiple seatings in one day).

For more information, contact
Education and Community Engagement
Director Margo Stedman at mstedman@rockfordsymphony.com.

Materials to Download

Script Download

This script will download as a Word document to give you the flexibility to make the modifications you need.

Pre-Show Video Download

This optional pre-show video includes trivia on the instrument families that will excite students and keep them engaged as they enter the concert hall.