STRING INSTRUMENTS usually have the most players in an orchestra. It is important to have a lot of strings because they help create a fuller sound when played with the woodwinds, brass and percussion.
There are four kinds of stringed instruments in the orchestra: violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. All are made of wood and look similar, but their sizes are very different.
Each of these instruments has strings stretched over them. They are played with a bow which is a long stick that has horsehair attached to it. Usually the bow is pulled across the strings to make sound. Sometimes a musician strikes the strings with the bow or even plucks or strums them with their fingers.
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