Orchestras of Ann Arbor Open School
In 5th Grade, students have the opportunity to try several instruments. The orchestra instruments they can choose from are violin, viola and cello. They all look relatively similar, though their size and sound are what distinguish them from each other.
The orchestra instruments
Violin
The violin is the smallest of the orchestra instruments and also the highest in pitch. It is held on the left shoulder while the bow for the instrument is held in the right hand. The sound is bright, brilliant and very pretty!
Viola
The viola is the middle instrument of the orchestra in regards to size and pitch. It is held the same as the violin, on the left shoulder with the bow in the right hand. Unlike the violin, the viola has a much darker, rich tone.
Cello
The cello is the largest instrument available to 5th graders in the orchestra. Because of it's size, the pitch is significantly lower than that of the violin or the viola. A cello is played sitting down with the cello between the player's legs and resting on the chest, the fingerboard going over their left shoulder. Like the violin and viola, the bow is held in the right hand. The cello has a very round and melodic tone.
