String Section

The string section is the largest body of a single instrument category in the standard Classical orchestra. It normally consists of the first violins, the second violins, the violas, the cellos, and the double basses (or basses).

Cello

The body of the cello is made of wood, usually maple or spruce. At the top of the cello there is a scroll and 4 pegs. The 4 pegs hold in place the 4 metal strings. A, D, G, C. These 4 strings are drawn down the cello and over the wooden bridge and then into the tailpiece at the end. To make a sound you can do 2 things, plucking (using the finger) or the bow. The bow is made out of wood on the top and on the bottom, horse hair. We you play with the bow, you set of a series of vibrations. The vibrations make the sound and comes out of the 'f' hole. You will be able to see the cellists playing on the right hand side of the orchestra, closest to the conductor.

Violin

The violin is the highest sounding string instrument and fills up 2 sections of the orchestra. At the front of the orchestra is a violin player called the concert master. Their job is to help the conductor to keep the ensemble together and to help communicate the character of the music. The sound of the violin is created by making its 4 strings vibrate. The four strings tuned G, D, A, E, are stretched across the bridge and tuned with help of pegs at the top and sometimes fine tuners on the tailpieces. The sound then resonates through the violin with the help of a small piece of wood inside called the sound post. You will be able to see the violinists playing on the left hand side of the orchestra, closest to the conductor and they also play directly in front of the conductor as well because they don't all fit on one side of the stage!

Double Bass (Bass)

The double bass is the largest and lowest of all the string family. It is made of wood and (normally) has 4 strings. E, A, D, G. Basses are different shapes, sizes and number of strings. You can also get different types of bows. Unlike the other string instruments, the double bass in tuned in intervals of 4ths not 5ths. There is an extension up the top of the double bass so they can go down to a low C, 1 octave below a cello's C. Some basses, instead of an extension, have a low 5th string to reach the bottom notes.

Viola

The viola looks very much similar to the violin but it is a little bit longer which creates a lower sound. The violas and the violins share 3 strings A, D, G. The violins have an E string but the violas don't and the violas have a low C, one octave below a middle C. The violas sit in the middle of the orchestra in terms of range between the violins and the basses. Normally the violas play with their bows, but they can also pluck their strings with their fingers. This is called pizzicato.