Strings

Suggested

Ranges

About Our

Suggested

Ranges

String Section Members

The Basses

Any study of architecture will reveal that every structure is built upon a foundation that supports and anchors that structure. In music, that foundation is provided by the bass. An orchestra is fortunate enough to have several basses in its bass section - sometimes as many as eight. With orchestras as large as 90 or more players performing many different parts at the same time, the importance of a strong bass foundation can't be overlooked. A more complete analysis of the usage of the bass can be found in the Bass chapter.

The Cellos

The cellos are smaller in size than the basses and therefore have a higher pitched sound. There can be as many as ten cellos in the cello section. In addition to strengthening bass lines (by playing the same part with the basses, usually one octave higher), the cellos also perform interior harmony notes, counter lines and main melodies. Their rich, tenor like quality adds a distinctive sound to the string section. A more complete analysis of the usage of the cello can be found in the Cello chapter.