Arranging and Orchestration Concepts !! 113
Tambourine
!!Most Latin percussion-
ists do not read music and
are hired because of their
unique rhythmic feel. If
more than one player is
being hired, it is wise to hire
performers who have per-
formed together; they will
most likely play better as a
unit than hiring random
players.
Atambourineisasingle-ordouble-
headed drum with small metal cymbal-
like pieces surrounding the head. It is
played by shaking and striking the head,
usually with both hands. The tambourine
is widely used in popular music as well as
in Latin music.
Claves
The claves are two short thick pieces of
wood that are hit together creating a rhythm pattern. Claves are used in
Latin and popular music.
The String Section
The string section, consisting of violins, violas, celli, and basses, is the
backbone of a symphony orchestra. It is the most versatile section of the
orchestra. The performers are capable of playing rapid passages, all
dynamics frompianissimo(ppis the symbol to play very softly) tofortissimo
(ffis the symbol to play extremely loud), and can create myriad effects by
employing a multitude of bowing techniques. The beautiful blend of the
instruments makes the string section unique. The strings accomplish many
functions within an arrangement. Close harmonies, written in the middle
to lower registers, produce warm-sounding ‘‘beds’’ (sustained chords); high
unison violins can sail on top of the orchestra; and celli and violas,
!!Professional string
players can perform almost
any musical phrase that en-
ters a composer’s imagina-
tion. Write down all musical
ideas and then edit them if
needed. It is imperative that
arrangers understand the
fingering positions of string
instruments. This allows
them to take advantage of
the versatility of the instru-
ments.
playing unison lines, glide through the
baritone range, creating rich and full-
sounding inner parts. Almost any emo-
tion can be generated with a well-crafted
string arrangement. Solo instruments,
such as a solo violin or cello, can add con-
trast and beauty to the traditional sec-
tional sonorities.
Strings blend well with other instru-
ments. Some pleasing groupings are
French horns with violas, bassoons with
celli, tubas with basses, and flutes and
oboes with violins. Adventuresome
arrangers experiment with unusual com-
binations.