About Orchestra
The string orchestra family consists of violins, violas, cellos and the contrabass (usually called the string bass or just "bass").
The #1 concern of most students and parents is: Does my child have to be a certain size or height to play a particular instrument? The answer is a resounding NO! Students of any size can play any string instrument. Some of my shortest students have been my best bass players and some of my tallest students have been my best violinists. Height and size have nothing to do with your aptitude on an instrument. The students should choose the instrument that "speaks" to them, they are far more likely to stick with an instrument THEY choose, versus one chosen for them. Resist the urge to slap a "family owned" instrument into their hands and call it good. String instruments are available in many different sizes to accommodate students of all heights and arm lengths.
Students will hear a demonstration in March and can choose which instrument they want at any point between then and the first week of school. Some students know right away, others need time to decide.
Students who know they want to play a string instrument but are still unsure of which one to choose will have the opportunity to hear them again the first week of school!
At the bottom of the page you can find short descriptions of the instruments and their "jobs" in the orchestra. If you have more detailed questions or concerns please feel free to email me at stepwuch@hssdschools.org
Students in the 5th grade use the "Sound Innovations" Book 1 for their instrument. It is available for purchase at any major music store or can be purchased online. Visit the Home Page for specific information on supplies and what you'll need for the fall.
I do NOT recommend purchasing an instrument in 5th grade. If you do decide to do so, please visit my page explaining the best way to go about purchasing, and what to avoid! PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE INSTRUMENTS OFF OF AMAZON OR EBAY CALLED "CECILIO" OR "MENDINI". THEY ARE TERRIBLY MADE, SOUND AWFUL AND ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO PLAY OR KEEP IN TUNE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SET UP CORRECTLY. THE ONLY USE FOR ONE OF THESE INSTRUMENTS IS WOOD FOR YOUR CAMP FIRE.
Average Rental Costs per month:(based on type of rental plan)
Violin/Viola $17-$23
Cello $31-46
Bass $55
Violin• Highest pitched instrument in the violin family
• Smallest instrument in the violin family • Violins are usually split into two groups, one playing the melodies, one playing the harmonies of the piece. Here's a fun violin video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igIWNc8dYUI |
Viola• The middle pitched instrument of the violin family, the viola has a much lower and mellower sound then the violin.
• Viola is shaped, held and played just like a violin, but is usually larger in size. • The viola nearly always plays the harmonies, filling out all the notes the violins don't have. |
Cello• The cello has the largest range of any of the string instruments as well as it's own unique timbre. The cellos sound resembles the human voice more then any other instrument.
• Cello must be played sitting down with it's endpin extended. • The cello is most versatile of the string instruments and is called on to perform many different jobs: melody, harmony and bass line. Here's a fun cello video! www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgAlQuqzl8o |
Bass• The lowest instrument in the violin family it is called the contrabass, the double bass, the string bass and sometimes the bass violin. They all mean the same instrument!
• The bass is played standing up or while sitting on a tall stool. • It is maybe the most important instrument in the orchestra, as it's primary job is to keep the beat and play the bass lines that keep the orchestra together. • You need not be tall to play the bass! There are small basses! |
