Anatomy of the Beast: Parts of the instrument and bow.
You rub this sticky, tree-sap product on your bow hair so it actually makes a sound.
What is rosin?
This Italian word means to pluck the string with your finger instead of using the bow.
What is pizzicato?
In 4/4 time, this type of note gets exactly one beat.
What is a quarter note?
The composer behind the massive string and brass scores for Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park.
Who is John Williams?
This is the absolute first thing you should do when the conductor steps onto the podium.
What is stop talking (or put instruments in rest position)?
The curly, carved wooden design at the very top of your instrument's neck.
What is the scroll?
A symbol that looks like a bird’s eye, telling you to hold the note until the conductor cuts you off.
What is a fermata?
A dot placed right next to a note adds this much value to it.
What is half of the note's original value?
The iconic, terrifying two-note theme from Jaws is famously played by these two lowest string sections.
What are the cellos and basses?
The only person in the room who is allowed to touch your tuning pegs without asking.
Who is the director/teacher?
This small wooden dowel stands upright inside the instrument to transmit vibrations to the backplate. If it falls, you're in trouble.
What is the soundpost?
The symbol that looks like a "V" above the note tells you to move your bow in this direction.
What is an up-bow?
Two eighth notes tied together equal the exact same duration as this single note.
What is a quarter note?
The triumphant march from the end of Star Wars: A New Hope, often played at ceremonies and comic cons, is known by this royal title.
What is "The Throne Room"?
This middle-voiced string instrument reads alto clef and is often the target of affectionate orchestra jokes.
What is the viola?
The f-shaped holes on the front of your instrument serve this exact purpose.
What is to let the sound out / project the sound?
This dynamic marking means to play "moderately loud."
What is mezzo-forte (mf)?
The number of beats a whole note gets in 3/4 time.
Trick question! (It takes up the whole measure, which is 3 beats, or a dotted half note is used). Acceptable answer: 3 beats.
This popular Netflix series set in the Regency era is famous for featuring string quartets playing modern pop songs.
What is Bridgerton?
The string section that typically sits to the conductor's immediate left.
What are the 1st Violins?
The small piece of wood at the top of the fingerboard that the strings rest on before entering the pegbox.
What is the nut?
The musical term ritardando means your section needs to do this.
What is gradually slow down?
In 6/8 time, this type of note typically receives one beat.
What is an eighth note?
The composer who wrote the music for The Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman, known for his spooky string writing.
Who is Danny Elfman?
The title of the principal (first chair) first violinist, who is responsible for tuning the orchestra.
Who is the Concertmaster (or Concertmistress)?