New Students
Welcome to the vbo family!
How exciting that you will learn to play an Orchestra Instrument this year!
The first thing you will have to think about is .....what instrument will I play?
The GOOD news is that there is a right instrument and a right size for every person, and it might not be the instrument you think! Are you ready to explore your options?
HERE WE GO!
STEP 1: Learn about the four different instruments
- Double bass
The lowest sound in the Orchestra: The "Foundation"
Played sitting down.
Good for quick thinkers: this instrument learns advanced skills before the others.
A demonstration of the Double Bass by the Air Force Strings
The Double Bass can sound lyrical as it tells a gypsy story
It can play different styles of music, like jazz or movie music.
The Double Bass comes in a size right for you. Here is 8 year old Emily playing a kids' size Bass.
2. cello
The sound closest to the human voice; plays both low and high sounds.
Played sitting down.
Good for team players: this instrument can be either the melody or the harmony.
A demonstration of the Cello by the Air Force Strings
This piece by JS Bach is one of the most recognized Cello pieces. Kevin Olusola puts his own twist on it. Have you heard this music before?
Because it can play low and high sounds, these performers are able to play movie music on their cellos
19 year old cellist Sheku played beautiful music for the Royal Wedding of Harry and Megan in England.
3. viola
The middle voice of the orchestra: Responsible for the warm, "feeling" sounds.
Held on the shoulder and can be played sitting or standing.
Good for kids who like the middle of the Oreo: this instrument fills out the harmonies between the high and low sounds of the Orchestra.
A demonstration of the Viola by the Air Force Strings
The warm tone of the viola fills out the middle sounds of the Orchestra
Jeremy Green uses his Viola to show his feelings playing a popular song.
The viola plays the melody and harmony in this jazz duet. It is a great instrument to play with a friend.
4. violin
The highest sound in the orchestra.
Held on the shoulder and can be played sitting or standing.
Good for detail-oriented people: this instrument requires very precise technique
A demonstration of the Violin by the Air Force Strings
The Violin is the most well-known of the classical string instruments. Hilary Hahn is one of the most famous violinists alive today.
Did you recognize the violin playing when you first saw this movie?
There is also a perfect size of violin for you. Here is 12 year old superstar SoHyun Ko showing her skills on her kids' size violin.
STEP 2: Think about which instrument speaks to you
How to choose your instrument.mp4- Select the instruments that speak to your heart.
- Think outside the box - the instrument for you might be different than you might think.
- Keep an open mind - we need all instruments to make an Orchestra Family!
