The String Family
The string family is the largest family in the orchestra and consists of four main instruments: violin, viola, cello and double bass. These instruments have a hollow wooden body and, of course, strings. Sound is made by causing the strings to vibrate, either by plucking the strings or more commonly by drawing a bow across them.
The bow is a stick with horsehair stretched from end to end. Sticky rosin is used on the horsehair to cause the bow to catch on the strings of the instrument, making them vibrate.
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The string family also includes the harp, which is sometimes used in the orchestra, as well as other popular instruments like guitar and ukulele.
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To see and hear the string section of the orchestra, please click here.
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violin
The violin is the smallest member of the string family and so it plays the highest pitches. The violin section is the largest section of the orchestra and is placed right at the front of the orchestra by the conductor. The violin is placed under the chin and the fingers of the left hand press the string against the neck to change the pitch as the right hand plucks or uses the bow.
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To see and hear the violin, click on the following songs:
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Meditation from Thais - Massenet
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viola
The viola is slightly larger than the violin, and so it's range is a little lower. It is played under the chin, just like the violin.
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To see and hear the viola, click on the following songs:
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cello
The cello is so large that it must rest on the floor to be played. Because of its size, the musician sits down to play it. Like the violin, the cello's strings are either plucked or played with a bow. The cello has a rich, mellow sound.
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To see and hear the cello, click on the following songs:
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double bass
The double bass, or string bass, is the largest member of the string family and so it plays the lowest pitches. It is so large that the player will either stand or sit on a tall stool to play it. It is often taller than the person who plays it!
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To see and hear a double bass, click on the following songs:
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harp
The harp is occasionally found in the orchestra. It has many strings, which are strummed to make a beautiful sound.
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To see and hear the harp, click on the following songs:
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guitar
There are severals types of guitars and they are used in many styles of music!
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Classical guitars have a hollow wooden body and a neck with a fret board. The player uses one hand to push the strings against neck in different places to change the pitch of the strings, while using the other hand to strum or pick the strings. The strings on a classical guitar are made of nylon, giving the instrument a mellow sound. This type of guitar is used in classical and Spanish Flamenco music.
To see and hear a classical guitar, click on the following songs:
Guitar Concerto in D Major- Vivaldi
Concierto de Aranjuez - Roderigo
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Acoustic guitars, like classical guitars, have a hollow wooden body and a neck with a fret board, however the strings are made of steel, giving it a much brighter tone. This type of guitar is used more often in folk, pop and country music.
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To see and hear the acoustic guitar, click on the following songs:
Blackbird - Lennon and McCartney
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Electric guitars have a solid body and must be plugged into an amplifier. They are often used in rock and pop music.
To see and hear an electric guitar, click on the following song:
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Sweet Home Alabama (guitar solo) - Lynyrd Skynyrd
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Activities
colouring and activity sheets
To download sheets, click on the following:
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colouring sheet
activity sheet
listen and draw
Listen again to one of the songs on this page. Draw a picture of what you imagine as you listen.
write
Write a few sentences about your favourite string instrument. Why is it your favourite? Does it remind you of an animal or another sound? What have you learned about this instrument? What else would you like to know about this instrument?