Yesterday, our first, second, fourth and fifth graders had an amazing opportunity to learn about string instruments during a special music class presentation! We welcomed four talented guests who shared their love of music and helped us discover the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Our visitors included Carla Geter, the mom of students in second grade and Early Learners, Riley Robison, the dad of a fifth grader, Torsten Taylor, the son of our music teacher Mrs. Taylor, and Violet, a fifth grader!
Each guest brought their unique talents to share. Carla, who is Violet’s violin teacher showed us both the violin and the viola. Carla and Violet performed a lovely duet on the violin. Torsten wowed us with a solo on the cello, and Riley played an impressive solo on the bass. Later, Riley and Torsten teamed up for an exciting duet. Students recognized many classical and modern melodies played by our guests including the music from Star Wars!
Students learned some fascinating facts about string instruments. Did you know that the violin is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the string family? It’s often used to play melodies. The viola looks similar to the violin but is slightly larger and plays lower, richer notes. They have three notes in common, with the viola having one string lower and the violin having one string higher. The cello is much bigger than the viola and violin and is played while sitting down. Students learned that it produces deep, warm tones and is often used to support the harmony in music. The largest of them all, the bass, has an even deeper sound and is often the backbone of a group’s rhythm.
Students also learned about how these instruments make sound. Did you know that when a bow is pulled across the strings, it causes them to vibrate and produce sound? Some players also pluck the strings to create a different effect, which our guests demonstrated beautifully. The bow is made of horse hair. We learned that black horse hair is used for the bass bow because it is more course and can handle the larger strings. White horse hair is used for other bows because it is a bit finer. Rosin helps tiny fibers on the hairs stand up which is what causes vibration against the strings.
We got to hear about how each musician started with their instrument, how often they practice, and how they use their skills now. Carla and Riley can both be seen in the Springfield Symphony, along with other symphonies in Arkansas and Oklahoma!
At the end of the presentation, students had the chance to hold and pluck each instrument with the guidance of our guests. They were so excited to try it themselves! We are so thankful to Carla, Riley, Torsten, and Violet for their time and talents, and our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Taylor for organizing this experience! Ask your child what they learned about string instruments yesterday—maybe they’ll even be inspired to try playing a string instrument!
