• Watch the videos below to hear what each of the instruments sound like and pick one or two that you like the sound of the best!  As soon as class starts in the fall you will get to try out all 4 instruments in Mrs. Duncan's room and decide which is just right for you.  
    The great thing about strings is that anyone can play any instrument because they come in all sizes!  There are no gender specific instruments either, plenty of boys excel on violin, and girls rock the bass - it's not as heavy as it looks!  Remember all instruments will learn a variety of styles - classical, fiddle, jazz, rock, and more!
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  • Violin

    The violin is the smallest, and has he highest and brightest sound of the string family.  The violin often plays the melody and is sometimes considered the 'leading instrument' of The violin is the most popular, and therefore the most competitive member of the orchestra.   

    Lindsey Stirling


    More violinists to listen to: Hilary Hann, Joshua Bell, Mark O'Connor

  • Viola

    The viola is slightly bigger, and therefore lower and more mellow sounding than the violin.  While it sometimes has the melody, it is known for adding rich harmonies to orchestral music.  Like the violin, it is played on the shoulder.  Since it's less competitive, more opportunities (like scholarships) exist for viola players. 

    Jeremy Green

  • Cello

     The cello is a bigger instrument that can play both higher and lower sounds.  It is said to be the instrument most similar to the human voice.  Cello is played sitting down.  Students selecting the cello can either rent an instrument from a local music store or pay the school an annual maintenance fee to use the school instrument during the week and check it out on the weekend for personal practice time.

    Cello Guys
    Other cello players to listen for: YoYo Ma, Piano Guys, Simply Three

  • Bass

    The bass, also referred to as double bass or contrabass, is the largest and lowest of the string instruments.  It is performed while standing or leaning against a stool.  Just like all the other instruments, it comes in different sizes!  It often plays the foundation of music, but can play melody and high notes as well.  This instrument is the least competitive of the four, and can therefore be easier to earn spots in honor orchestras as well as scholarships.   Don't worry about the size!  It is hollow, comes in different heights, and like the cello, most students pay a maintenance fee to the school to play a school bass during the week and check it out on the weekends for personal practice.

    Bass Quartet- Pink Panther