Orchestra Lapbook for Elementary & Middle School

This fun orchestra lapbook is a great introduction to the orchestra, music history, and instrument families when studying music history and music theory.

When my oldest was around fourth grade, our local library had an Orchestra “petting zoo” where members of the orchestra brought their instruments in for the kids to look at and hear the different sounds each instrument made. She loved it and decided she wanted to learn to play the cello.

I’ve carefully watched the library’s children’s programs calendar ever since, and sadly, they’ve never repeated that program.

So my sister and I created this Orchestra Lapbook for kids to learn about the different instruments and music that the orchestra plays.

The student will learn the types of instruments and about different periods in musical history.

This Orchestra Lapbook learning folder for elementary and middle school students includes 15+ different printable booklets.

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Suggested Resources for Completing the Orchestra Lapbook

Library List

The Story of the Orchestra: Listen While You Learn About the Instruments, the Music, and the Composer Who Wrote the Music! by Robert Levine Also on Open Library

Online Resources

Carnegie Hall Music Educators Toolbox of Resources Very helpful resources, sorted by grade level.

NY Philharmonic Learning Resources with interactive sections about the instruments and a composer’s gallery.

Starz & Cats Music Education Tools: get lots of mobile-friendly tools to help you teach your kids about music, including a metronome, chord-finders, and music lessons.

If you have access to a keyboard or piano, use these free lessons from Homeschooling 4 Him that are so easy you can even teach piano to a five-year old. (Did you know that learning an instrument helps your kiddos with math? It’s true!)

Printable Lapbook Templates--available in the Free Resource Library (scroll down for info)

Printable Orchestra Lapbook Activities

What is an Orchestra Activity Sheet – Explain what an orchestra is. Take a virtual tour of a symphony center
History of the Orchestra Activity Sheet – Answer questions about the orchestra’s history.
Conducting Activity Sheet – Draw how a conductor uses his hands to conduct the music.
Conductor Activity Sheet – What does a conductor do?
Types of Instruments Activity Sheet – What types of instruments are found in an orchestra?
Strings Activity Sheet – Write about string instruments.
Woodwind Activity Sheet – Write about woodwind instruments.
Percussion Activity Sheet – Write about percussion instruments.
Brass Activity Sheet – Write about brass instruments.
Keyboard Activity Sheet – Write about keyboard instruments.
Baroque Period Activity Sheet – Write about the Baroque Period.
Classical Period Activity Sheet – Write about the Classical Period.
Romantic Period Activity Sheet – Write about the Romantic Period.
Modern Period Activity Sheet – Write about the Modern Period.
Composers – Write about composers in each of the different periods.

Additional Orchestra Lapbook Activities

Listen to music from various composers and musical time periods.
Visit an orchestra’s performance. Many local colleges or large towns have low cost or even free performances available (often during the summer months at a local park).
Make your own instrument with these instructions for several different choices
Listen to instrumental music from each instrument family.
Visit a music store to see various instruments firsthand. Most small, locally owned instrument shops are very happy to share their knowledge with interested children!
You might have mailed a “Flat Stanley”, but have you done a “Flat Beethoven”? Get yours here

Download the printable templates for the Orchestra lapbook in the Free Resource Library. Look under “Lapbooks”

Download the Orchestra Lapbook in the Free Resource Library

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More Orchestra & Music Resources for Your Homeschool

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