Orchestral String Program
For the third year, the CCS Music Conservatory is offering instruction on string instruments found in the orchestra. In 2014-2015, there were six students playing the violin. In 2015-2016, it looks there were ten students playing violin or viola. It would be great if we could expand interest in the string program to include cellos and string (double) basses as well.
Unlike band instruments, string instruments come in different sizes. That is true for all four of the primary instruments in a string orchestra: violin, viola, cello and bass. That way, a younger student may enjoy performing on an instrument rather than having to grow into an instrument if the student is smaller than a normal size instrument. Conestoga Christian is like most schools in that string instrument instruction begins in third grade.
String players will have the opportunity to be a part of the CCS Concert Band. This group performs music especially written and arranged for groups with unique instrumentation. In 2014-2015, one violinist was a part of this group. In 2015-2016, five violinists were be added to the band. So in essence, the group is becoming what some people call a "bandchestra" or a band with string instruments added.
It is hoped that some type of performing "string only" ensemble may be added to the music program this school year. We will keep you posted on this!
A brief description describing the instrument and its role in the string orchestra accompanies each picture. In most cases, parents and guardians of a string student will need to purchase or lease/purchase an instrument from a music store. If you obtain a string instrument from a store, your child will be able to move up to a bigger size instrument with no problem. Many third graders need to begin on a half size violin and progress to a full size instrument sometime in middle school.
Unlike band instruments, string instruments come in different sizes. That is true for all four of the primary instruments in a string orchestra: violin, viola, cello and bass. That way, a younger student may enjoy performing on an instrument rather than having to grow into an instrument if the student is smaller than a normal size instrument. Conestoga Christian is like most schools in that string instrument instruction begins in third grade.
String players will have the opportunity to be a part of the CCS Concert Band. This group performs music especially written and arranged for groups with unique instrumentation. In 2014-2015, one violinist was a part of this group. In 2015-2016, five violinists were be added to the band. So in essence, the group is becoming what some people call a "bandchestra" or a band with string instruments added.
It is hoped that some type of performing "string only" ensemble may be added to the music program this school year. We will keep you posted on this!
A brief description describing the instrument and its role in the string orchestra accompanies each picture. In most cases, parents and guardians of a string student will need to purchase or lease/purchase an instrument from a music store. If you obtain a string instrument from a store, your child will be able to move up to a bigger size instrument with no problem. Many third graders need to begin on a half size violin and progress to a full size instrument sometime in middle school.
What instrument should I play?
The most popular string instrument in the orchestra is the violin, however, it would be great over the next several years if new students would begin playing the viola, cello or bass. As students progress on the instrument, they will be incorporated into the current band program that began in the fall of 2010. This is possible since most of the band music that is used at Conestoga is arranged to include string instruments as well.
Violin
The largest section of the string orchestra is the violin section. Sounds on this instrument are produced by four vibrating strings that are set in motion by pulling a bow across them. Sometimes the strings are plucked with the fingers: this produces a completely different sound. Often described as the instrument that sounds most like the human voice, it is capable of producing a wide variety of expressive qualities. This instrument is often called upon to play the lead, or melody in most songs. Some people refer to this instrument as a fiddle. Despite the usual difficulties experienced by young string players, violinists usually become the best instrumentalists in most performing groups. The violin is among the oldest instruments: it has been used by various cultures around the world for centuries!
Viola
The viola is similar to a violin. At first glance, there appears to be no significant difference, however, it is slightly larger with thicker strings and a heavier bow. Consequently, it plays a lower pitch with a richer, fuller sound than the violin. There should be one viola for every two or three violins is an orchestra is to have a balanced instrumentation. The viola is a very important melodic and harmonic instrument because without it, an orchestra has no middle voice. Like the violin, the viola is among the oldest of all instruments: it has been used by various cultures around the world for centuries!
Cello or Violoncello
The cello is often described as a very large violin, however, it is held between the knees when played. A peg comes out of the bottom of the instrument so the height may be adjusted to fit the player. The bow used to play this instrument is shorter and heavier than a viola's, however, the strings are thicker and longer. Therefore, it produces a lower tone that "sings" through the orchestra as it plays beautiful countermelodies. The cello is sometimes referred to as the tenor or baritone of the orchestra. The cello is sometimes called upon to support the low sounding foundation of the orchestra by doubling the parts of the string bass. There should be approximately the same number of violas and cellos in a balanced orchestra. In 2014, two young cellists reached the finals of "America's Got Talent" playing duets on an electronic version of this instrument.
String Bass or Double Bass
Standing taller than any other string instrument, the string or double bass is the largest member of the viol family. The instrument must rest on the floor because the player must stand or sit on a stool in order to play it. Like all string instruments, sounds on the string bass are produced by four vibrating stings that are set in motion by a bow or a plucking of fingers. The sound produced by the bass produces the strong harmonic foundation upon which all other instruments rely. In most balanced orchestras, there is one bass for every cello.
Members of the Viol Family
Pictured on the left are the four primary members of the viol instrument family in use today. From smallest to largest, they are the violin, viola, cello and bass.
Below are pictures of someone playing the violin or viola, the cello and the string bass.
Below are pictures of someone playing the violin or viola, the cello and the string bass.