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string family

The document provides an educational overview of the string section of an orchestra, detailing instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp. It includes activities such as watching videos, identifying instruments, and describing their characteristics and playing techniques like pizzicato. Additionally, it suggests extension activities for creating quizzes or posters related to string instruments.

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simal97907
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2 views

string family

The document provides an educational overview of the string section of an orchestra, detailing instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp. It includes activities such as watching videos, identifying instruments, and describing their characteristics and playing techniques like pizzicato. Additionally, it suggests extension activities for creating quizzes or posters related to string instruments.

Uploaded by

simal97907
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Instruments of the orchestra

Exploring the Strings Section


Name Gemma Form 8.1

1) Watch the video https://www.icancompose.com/bbc-now-strings titled BBC National Orchestra of


Wales – Strings (published by BBC Radio 3).
a) Which instrument is NOT a member of the orchestral string family?

 Violin  Guitar  Harp  Double bass

b) Which can play lower in pitch: the violin or viola?

 Violin  Viola

c) Which is the lowest instrument in the string family?

Answer: double bass

2) The images below show instruments which belong to the STRINGS section/family of the orchestra
from the smallest (on the left) to the largest (on the right). Write the correct names of all five
instruments below their images. Afterwards, add these to the String box on page 9 of your
booklet. Ensure that the spellings are correct.

violin viola cello double bass harp


______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
Instruments of the orchestra
3. Watch this viola player describe the viola and lots of different special string techniques
https://philharmonia.co.uk/resources/instruments/viola/

4. What is the name of the playing device (labelled “A”) above which is used to play the first four string
instruments? _________
bow

5. What is the other playing technique called when players use their fingers to ‘pluck’ the strings of the
instrument (such as the instrument on the right above)? It is an Italian term, mentioned in the video.
__________
pizzicato

chin
6. What part of the players body rests on the part labelled “B” above? _____________

7. Listen to 5 extracts of music for solo string instruments in the attached audio – one extract
matches each of the above instruments. Write down the correct order in which you hear the
instruments being played.

a. harp
b. violin
c. viola
d. double bass
e. cello

8. Describe where the strings section is arranged in terms of the layout or seating plan of a traditional
symphony orchestra.
first violins, second violins, violas, and cello sections arrayed clockwise around the conductor, with basses behind the cellos on the right.
9. Give some words (these can be your own) that describe the TIMBRE and SONORITY of the sound of
string instruments.
soft, bright, focused

10. Read the following passage and fill in the blanks, using words from the word bank below.

RANGE POWERFUL SECOND HARMONIES

VIOLINCELLO ORCHESTRA EXPRESSION LARGER

The string section is the basis of the orchestra . When all the strings play together they can make a
powerful sound and are also capable of playing with great range . The violin is the
highest pitched member of the string family and is capable of playing with great agility. The violins are divided
into first violins and second violins. Occasionally music is written with a third violin
part. The viola is larger than the violin and can produce a darker tone which blends well with
the clarinet and bassoon. The full name of the cello is violincello . It has a wide expression ,
meaning that it can be playing the bass line at one point and in the next bar playing a high-pitched melody.
The double bass is also known as the contrabass and usually plays the supporting harmonies
though is sometimes given a solo to play.
Extension Activity option 1
Using this website: https://www.icancompose.com/orchestra-instruments, create a string section quiz which your
teacher could give out for homework or use in class. You will need to provide a mark scheme and think about the
style of questions. Here are some different types of question:

• Closed question (right or wrong answer) / Open question (variety of answers)


• Multiple choice (give 4 possible answers with only 1 being correct)
• Picture question
• Odd one out question

Extension Activity option 2


Create an attractive string section poster for a classroom display. For each instrument include: picture (possibly
labelled); how many strings it has; any special techniques (pizzicato / arco) pitch range; at least 2 interesting facts.

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