Cello


 * Cello**

The cello is the largest and lowest member of the string family available to fourth grade students. Because it is so large, the cello is played sitting down. Like other string instruments, the cello is fingered with the left hand and bowed (or plucked) with the right. It is still hollow and the sound resonates inside of the instrument's body when the strings vibrate. The cello is a very versatile instrument that can play the melody or accompaniment in the orchestra.

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Here is a video of famous cello soloist Yo Yo Ma performing a piece called Slavonic Dances with violinist Itzhak Perlman. You may have heard and seen these two musicians perform at President Obama's inauguration this year. Listen to the difference in sound between the violin and the cello! The cello plays the melody first and the violin plays second.

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 * Some famous cello players are Yo Yo Ma and Mstislav Rostropovich
 * If you like the sound of the cello but think you might enjoy a higher-sounding instrument, you might enjoy the violin or viola.
 * If you are interested in learning the string bass in 5th or 6th grade, it might be beneficial to start with the cello in 4th grade.