orchestra vocab
4/4 Time Signature
4 Beats in each measure
Flat
Lowers note half a step
quarter note
1 beat of sound
sharp
makes note 1 half step higher.
Low 2(vn/va) or 2nd finger (c/b) on the D string
F natural or F
slur
smoothly connects notes.
repeat sign
Go back and play again
half note
2 beats of sound
pizzicato
pluck the strings
Low 2(vn/va) or 2nd finger(c/b) on A string
C natural or C
arco
with bow
piano
play soft
4 beats of sound
forte
play louder
High 3 (vn/va) or extended 4th finger (cello) on the D string
G#
ritardando
pianissimo
very soft
whole rest
4 beats of silence
fortissimo
very loud
Low 1 (all instruments) on the D string.
E Flat or D#
adagio
slow tempo
allegro
fast tempo
dotted quarter note
1 and 1/2 beats of sound
Fermata
To hold the note longer OR until the director cuts off the orchestra
Low 2(vn/va) or 2nd finger(c/b) on the G string
B flat or A#