The Symphony Orchestra consists of brass instruments and strings, which are combined to play a beautiful melody. When you think of strings, you usually associate them with the orchestra. But do you truly know what string instruments are? Do you know how the musicians behind them prepare for the big moment? Do you know their thoughts on whether their instruments are truly underrated compared to woodwind, brass, and vocalists?

Violin Soloist

“Being a violin soloist is a very exciting and cool opportunity to have and play with my fellow peers one more time before I graduate,” said Eric Funk. “I am soloing on the violin concerto since that is the piece I played for the concerto competition that the Center of the Arts does and I won with the piece.”

Funk explained that the piece is an obscure, weird piece that he loves playing, although audiences may be confused about what is going on musically the first time they hear it. When Funk is performing his solo, he makes sure to listen to the band. After all, the Symphonic Orchestra is a group effort. They rely heavily on balance to make it successful and enjoyable for the audience.

Violin

“A violin is a visual art that is beautiful to hear and look at, but the challenges involve blending and supporting one another as a group while as a soloist it is challenging for expression and accuracy,” said first violin player Meadow Santiago.

Santiago said she finds both comfort and joy when playing the violin, and she explained it further by saying it’s very special for her to show off her love for the violin.

“The violin is a high-voiced instrument that has a pretty sound that compliments the hard music that is played with the violin,” second violinist Seth Deming said. “As a violinist, it is expected to play very well and technically in pieces, and can be hard at times to blend well as a section.”

Deming said the violin is a cool instrument that he enjoys playing with others at different levels and figuring out the balance. He describes the violin to be a different band instrument that adds a lot of depth to the ensemble.

Cello

“A cello is the closest instrument to the human voice where the voice quality is beautiful and I take a lot of pride and joy into being a cellist,” first cello player Aurelia Meyer said. “The challenging aspect for me is the intonation of the instrument and making sure that it is in tune and figuring out the musicality aspects to the cello.”

Meyer called the feeling of the cello very euphoric yet frustrating, just like any sport or hobby, you have your on and off days.

“A cello is a voice instrument that creates a very beautiful and emotional sound, but the biggest challenge is bridging the gap between the bass and vocal lines,” second cello player Emma Dutcher said. “It can be challenging transitioning back and forth between the navigation of thumb positions, but it helps the player become well rounded.” Dutcher feels both frustration and a form of self-expression where it feels like the instrument is singing out in a song-like way.

Bass

“A bass is an instrument that provides a big voice that is very present and makes you feel like you are one with the bass,” bassist Jack Egnew said. “It provides a dark tone, but it is different depending on what the musician plays.”

Egnew described that a bass in orchestra is an extra lower voice for more “flavor and depth” in pieces. Whereas in jazz the bass is part of the rhythm section and gives a foundation for chord structures. But, the bass gives him a powerful feeling when performing, no matter the setting.

Egnew described the challenge of being a bassist as being heard and doing what the cellos do, all while having to shift faster and a greater distance within the music.

Viola

“A viola looks like a violin but has the strings of a cello that creates a warm and beautiful sound,” first violinist Angel Altoro said. “The challenging aspect of being a violist is that we get hate for no reason and there are jokes made that are targeted, but I don’t get affected by them since I love being a violist.”

Altoro described how proud she is to be a part of the viola section since it is a fun group. The standards of a violist are the same as those of violinists, even though they don’t have as tough a repertoire as the violin.

“A viola is held like a violin and plays an octave higher than the cello, a good viola sound is similar to a cello, but a bad viola sound is similar to a bad violin,” said third violist Oliver Busse.

Since Busse is not a music major, the symphony orchestra allows him a break in the day where he can enjoy and play orchestral music while being away from the stress of homework.

Generations of Strings

“Some people may think [strings are] simple instruments or that they could play something ‘cooler’ but there is overall a bigger promotion towards woodwind, brass, and vocal than the strings,” Altoro said.

Busse said the underestimation of strings comes from the appeal of the music, the affordability of a string instrument and its maintenance.

“Strings could have the narrative of being in an older generation since this generation seems to be focused on band instruments and singing,” Deming said. “Strings aren’t used in the mainstream media as often.”

“Band has an advantage over modern forms, strings are usually tied to baroque or classical music,” Dutcher said.

She added that strings are starting to be cut from school districts, but argued that strings are more than able to play with the band instruments.

“Band is more founded and well known even though the strings were around a lot longer than some of the band instruments,” Santiago said.

The symphony orchestra performed a two song concert March 18. “Rienzi Overture” by R. Wagner, which is an aria of an opera. The second piece was “Violin Concerto No.2” by Bartok.

The orchestra is filled with talented musicians who have worked hard to make performances like theirs on March 18 to sound good. The musicians who fall in love with performing the tunes hope that audiences will fall in love with the music too.