How does the Viola contribute to a band or orchestra?
The rich, alto voice of the viola plays a very important role in orchestras to balance the violins and the cellos. They often double the second violins. In general, concert bands don’t have stringed instruments like violas. The parts of a Viola The pieces of string instruments are virtually the same on all of them. The only difference between violins and violas is the size of the instrument. • The chin rest is designed to fit under your chin so you can play comfortably. • The bridge supports the strings and transmits their vibrations to the body of the viola. • The f-hole, shaped like a cursive “f”, lets the sound get out… just like the bell of a trumpet. It also helps amplify the sound. • The vibrations from the strings create different pitches, depending on the player’s position on the fingerboard. • The fine tuners and tuning pegs make the strings longer or shorter to help tune the viola. • The bow has horsehair stretched over the top and is used to play the viola. Tips Be sure to
