Question 1: Listen carefully to a piece performed by a small group of musicians. Identify whether the ensemble is a solo, a duo, or a small group (up to five players). Justify your answer based on the number of instruments and sound balance.

Answer: The ensemble is a [solo/duo/quintet] because there are [number] instruments playing, and the sound is [describe how the instruments are balanced].

Question 2: Describe the typical roles of instruments in a jazz band ensemble, including at least four different instruments and their functions.

Answer: In a jazz band, the trumpet often plays the melody or improvises solos; the saxophone can also improvise or provide harmony; the piano offers harmonic support and rhythm; the double bass provides bassline and rhythm; the drums keep time and add dynamic accents.

Question 3: Listen to a passage where a choir sings with a clear melody and harmony. How many vocal parts can you hear? Name the typical vocal parts in a choir.

Answer: There are [number] vocal parts. The typical vocal parts in a choir are soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.

Question 4: Imagine you are conducting an orchestra performing a symphony. Sketch a simple diagram showing the typical seating arrangement of the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections in an orchestra. Label each section.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the strings (violins, violas, cellos, basses) at the front, woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons) behind them, brass (trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas) further back, and percussion instruments at the rear. Sections should be labeled clearly.

Question 5: Identify the main difference between a wind ensemble and a brass band based on their typical instrumentation and sound.

Answer: A wind ensemble includes a wider variety of woodwind and brass instruments, creating a balanced and lighter sound, whereas a brass band mainly features brass instruments and percussion, producing a more powerful and bold sound.

Question 6: Listen to a piece performed by a string quartet. What four instruments make up the ensemble? Describe the role of each instrument in the group.

Answer: The string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello. The first violin typically carries the melody, the second violin provides harmony, the viola adds middle-range harmonies, and the cello offers bass support.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram showing how a typical rock band is arranged on stage. Include at least four instruments and their placement.

Answer: A correct diagram would show the electric guitar and bass guitar on either side, with the drum kit at the center back, and the vocalist at the front. Labels should identify each instrument.

Question 8: Explain what is meant by 'ensemble texture' in music, and give an example of a piece where a small ensemble plays with a homophonic texture.

Answer: Ensemble texture refers to how different musical lines or parts are combined. Homophonic texture involves a primary melody supported by accompanying harmony. An example is a piano trio where the piano plays the melody with chords, and the other instruments provide harmony.

Question 9: Listen to a performance by a choir where the voices blend smoothly. What techniques might the singers use to achieve this blend?

Answer: Singers may use matching vowel sounds, consistent dynamics, and good tuning to blend their voices smoothly.

Question 10: Describe the differences in sound and function between a brass quintet and a woodwind quintet.

Answer: A brass quintet uses brass instruments like trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba, producing a bright, powerful sound, often used in fanfares. A woodwind quintet features flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and sometimes a piccolo, producing a lighter, more varied tone suitable for chamber music.