Orchestra Instruments Word Search and Puzzles

Orchestra Instruments word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this orchestra instruments puzzle set for my Grade 3 and Grade 4 students during our music unit. The kids could name a few instruments but had no idea how an orchestra was organized into families or what words like string, woodwind, brass, or percussion meant in the context of a symphony. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like double bass, viola, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trombone, tuba, timpani, bass drum, snare drum, marimba, and cymbal. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the orchestra vocabulary finally stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or music class. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about which section the French horn belongs to. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple violin and brass instrument drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Grade 3 through Grade 5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one instrument from each orchestra family on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.