Orchestras of Ann Arbor Open School
Reading the Music
The Bass reads music in bass clef, the same clef used for cello music. For students who played cello in 5th grade, reading the notes will all be the same when switching to bass, though the fingerings on the strings will be different. Otherwise, all of the rhythms we've been learning are exactly the same as they are on every other instrument!
The Sound
Without a doubt, the best part about playing bass is the sound. Not only can it go lower in pitch than the cello, but it's rich, dark tone is completely different and absolutely wonderful. When I play the bass, I love the feel of the vibrations in my hand as well as the super low pitch!
Strings
The names and order of the strings on a bass are the complete opposite from violin. While violin, from highest to lowest, goes E A D G, bass goes G D A E. The low E string on a bass is one of my favorite sounds - something every student should experience playing at least once!
The Bass
The largest instrument in the orchestra string family is the double bass, often just called the bass. Without it, an orchestra is missing it's key foundation of sound! In 6th Grade Orchestra class, students will have the opportunity to try bass for the very first time.