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 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, former 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

Individual Instrument Introduction Videos

Click the video title link below each video to be taken to a page where you can download the MP4 video file .