Instrument Families

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.

 

 Link to Audio File Click here to listen to a violin.

 Link to Audio File Click here to listen to a viola.

 Link to Audio File Click here to listen to a cello.

 Link to Audio File Click here to listen to a double bass.

Violin.jpg

viola.jpg

cello.jpg

doublebass.jpg

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