STRINGS FAMILY | INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA | LESSON #3 | LEARNING MUSIC HUB | ORCHESTRA

Summary

This video lesson introduces viewers to the string family of instruments in an orchestra. It covers the violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, and piano, explaining how each instrument is played and its role in the orchestra. The lesson highlights key characteristics like size, pitch, and playing techniques, such as arco and pizzicato. The video also discusses the positioning of each instrument within the orchestra and provides helpful tips for beginners, like finger placement for violinists and violists. It's an engaging way to learn about these essential orchestral instruments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The string family is the largest section in the orchestra, with many different instruments.
• 🎻 The violin is the smallest and highest-pitched string instrument, often used as a solo instrument.
• 🎶 The violin section in an orchestra is divided into first and second violins, with first violins playing the highest notes.
• 🎻 The viola is slightly larger than the violin and produces lower-pitched, darker sounds.
• 🎸 The cello is a larger instrument that plays one octave lower than the viola, with a wide range of expressive abilities.
• 🎵 The double bass is the largest string instrument, playing the lowest pitch, and is often positioned at the far right of the orchestra.
• 🎼 The harp is a unique string instrument, shaped like a tall triangle, played by plucking strings and using foot pedals to adjust pitch.
• 🎹 The piano is both a stringed and percussion instrument, played by pressing keys that strike strings with hammers.
• 🎻 String instruments can be played by bowing (arco) or plucking the strings (pizzicato).
• 🎶 The piano features 88 keys and is commonly categorized in the percussion family due to its playing technique.

Q & A

What is the string family in an orchestra?

The string family is the largest family of instruments in the orchestra, consisting of violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and the harp.

What is the difference between arco and pizzicato playing techniques?

Arco is when a bow is used to play the stringed instrument, while pizzicato involves plucking the string with the finger.

What is the role of the first and second violins in the orchestra?

The first violins play the highest notes, while the second violins play the next highest notes in the orchestra.

How is the violin played?

The violin is played by resting it on the left shoulder, holding it in place with the chin, and using the left hand for fingering the notes while the right hand moves the bow or plucks the strings.

What distinguishes the viola from the violin?

The viola is slightly larger than the violin and plays lower notes. It also has a darker, less brilliant tone compared to the violin.

Where is the viola located in the orchestra?

The viola typically plays in the middle part of the orchestra.

How is the cello played?

The cello is played while seated, with the instrument resting between the player's knees and an endpin supporting it on the floor. The cello can shift between bass and tenor roles in the orchestra.

What is unique about the double bass compared to other string instruments?

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument, an octave lower than the cello. It is played either standing or sitting on a tall stool due to its size.

How is the harp played in an orchestra?

The harp is played by plucking its vertical strings with the fingers, while foot pedals at the bottom of the harp adjust the pitch of the strings to produce additional notes.

What makes the piano a unique instrument in the string family?

The piano is unique because it functions as both a stringed and percussion instrument. Its strings are struck by hammers, and it is played by pressing keys, which is why it is classified as part of the percussion family.