String Family

The string family is the largest section of the orchestra. The instruments in this family produce sound by vibrating strings using a bow or plucking with fingers.

Violin

Timbre: Bright, vibrant, and expressive

Range: G3 to A7

Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch).

Clef: Treble clef

Viola

Timbre: Warm, mellow, and slightly nasal

Range: C3 to E6

Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)

Clef: Primarily alto clef, sometimes treble clef

Cello

Timbre: Rich, deep, and resonant

Range: C2 to A5

Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)

Clef: Bass clef, sometimes tenor and treble clef

Double Bass

Timbre: Deep, powerful, and robust

Range: E1 to C5

Transposition: Sounds an octave lower than written

Clef: Bass clef, sometimes tenor clef

Harp

Timbre: Ethereal, shimmering, and resonant

Range: C1 to G7

Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)

Clef: Grand staff (treble and bass clef)