Symphony Strings Review Worksheet
Beginning Orchestra 45-Minute Review
Symphony Strings Review
Pitch & Rhythm Focus
Page 1 of 2
Name:
Date:
Period:
Score: / 50
My Instrument: Violin Viola Cello Bass
1
Pitch & Clef Mastery
16 Points
A. Open Strings: Write the 4 open strings for your instrument from lowest to highest pitch:
1 (Lowest)
2nd String
3rd String
4 (Highest)
B. Note Reading: Find the staff for your instrument's clef. Write the letter name (A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G) on the line directly below each note head.
Treble Violin D & A String Notes
𝄞 ♯
Alto Viola Middle C = 3rd line
𝄜 ♯
Bass Cello & Bass Dots border F line (4th line)
𝄢 ♯
2
Rhythm & Meter Workshop
14 Points
A. Draw the Rhythm & Count Beats: In each box, draw the note or rest symbol, then write how many beats it receives in 4/4 meter:
Whole Note Draw Symbol:
beats
Half Note Draw Symbol:
beats
Quarter Note Draw Symbol:
beat
2 Eighth Notes Draw (Beamed):
beats
Quarter Rest Draw Symbol:
beat
Rhythm Math (Write total beats in the box):
𝅗𝅥 (Half) + 𝅘𝅥 (Quarter) =
𝅘𝅥 (Quarter) + 𝅘𝅥𝅮𝅘𝅥𝅮 (2 Eighths) =
𝅗 (Whole) − 𝅗𝅥 (Half) =
Barlines Challenge (4/4 Meter):
Draw barlines (|) so every measure has 4 beats, plus a double bar at the end:
4/4 𝅘𝅥 𝅘𝅥 𝅗𝅥 𝅘𝅥 𝅘𝅥𝅮𝅘𝅥𝅮 𝅗𝅥 𝅗𝅥 𝅗𝅥 𝅗
Count: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 4 Measures Total
Symphony Strings Beginning Orchestra Review • Turn page over for Bowing, Articulations & Dynamics
Part 2
Expression, Bowing & Score Study
Page 2 of 2
3
Bowing & Articulation Symbols
10 Points
A. The Two Bow Directions:
⊓
Down Bow Starts: Frog
Moves towards:
V
Up Bow Starts: Tip
Moves towards:
B. Articulation Meanings (Write letter):
1. Staccato (•)
A. Connected in 1 bow
2. Accent (>)
B. Short, stopped stroke
3. Slur (⌒)
C. Full note value
4. Tenuto (—)
D. Heavy attack / bite
4
Dynamics & Volume Decoder
10 Points
A. Dynamic Order & Italian Names: Number from 1 (Softest) to 6 (Loudest), then write each full Italian term in the wide answer box:
Symbol Order (1–6) Italian Term Name
pp
p
mp
Symbol Order (1–6) Italian Term Name
mf
f
ff
B. Dynamic Hairpins (Write Italian term):
< (Gradually louder)
> (Gradually softer)
C. Orchestra Tone Production:
To change sound from piano (p) to forte (f), check the correct technique:
Less bow speed, play over the fingerboard
More bow speed & arm weight near the bridge
5
The Maestro's Score Study
10 Points (Score Analysis)
Carefully examine the 2-measure orchestra melody below, then write your answers in the large response boxes below:
Allegro (Fast & Lively tempo) Measure 1 – 2
𝄞 4 4 ⊓ > ♯ mf f
1. What bowing direction begins Measure 1?
2. What articulation symbol is on beat 2?
3. How many bow strokes play beats 3 & 4 (the slur)?
4. What dynamic / volume change happens in Measure 2?
Completed in 45-Minute Orchestra Lab
Director / Peer Check:
