Question 1: Describe the typical instrumentation of a classical string quartet. Which instruments are involved and what is their usual arrangement?

Answer: A string quartet usually consists of two violins, one viola, and one cello. The first violin often plays the melody, the second violin and viola provide harmony, while the cello supports the bass line.

Question 2: Listen carefully to a piece performed by a jazz big band. Identify at least three different types of instruments you might hear and their roles within the ensemble.

Answer: Typical instruments include brass instruments like trumpets and trombones (playing melodies or harmonies), woodwind instruments like saxophones (playing solos or harmonies), and rhythm section instruments such as drums and double bass (providing rhythm and bass line).

Question 3: Explain the main difference in texture you would expect between a solo vocal performance and a full choir singing in harmony.

Answer: A solo vocal performance has a monophonic or homophonic texture focusing on one voice or melody, while a full choir singing in harmony creates a polyphonic or homophonic texture with multiple voices singing different or similar parts simultaneously.

Question 4: Identify the typical roles of instruments in a rock band ensemble. Name at least four different instruments and their functions.

Answer: Instruments include electric guitar (playing riffs and melodies), bass guitar (providing harmonic foundation and rhythm), drums (keeping the beat), and vocals (lead or backing singing).

Question 5: Describe the difference in ensemble size and instrumentation between a small jazz combo and a symphony orchestra.

Answer: A small jazz combo typically includes 3-7 musicians with instruments like saxophone, piano, bass, and drums, focusing on improvisation. A symphony orchestra is much larger, often over 70 musicians, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, performing composed classical works.

Question 6: Sketch a diagram showing the typical seating arrangement of a standard symphony orchestra. Include at least four sections and their general placement.

Answer: A correct sketch would show strings at the front (violins on the left, violas and cellos in the center, basses at the back), woodwinds behind the strings, brass further back, and percussion at the rear. The diagram should be roughly arranged in a semi-circular or rectangular formation.

Question 7: Listen to a choir singing in four-part harmony. Identify the four vocal parts and describe their typical ranges and functions.

Answer: The four parts are soprano (highest, melody and harmony), alto (lower female voice, harmony), tenor (higher male voice, harmony), and bass (lowest male voice, bass line).

Question 8: Explain how the role of percussion instruments varies between a marching band and a classical orchestra.

Answer: In a marching band, percussion instruments like snare drums, bass drums, and cymbals provide rhythmic drive and signal changes, often with a marching pattern. In a classical orchestra, percussion instruments are used for effects, accents, and adding color, with a variety of instruments like timpani, cymbals, and mallet instruments.

Question 9: Draw a simple diagram illustrating a typical vocal ensemble with three singers. Label each part as soprano, alto, and tenor, indicating who sings the melody and harmony.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the soprano singing the highest part at the top, the alto below her, and the tenor at the bottom or slightly to one side, with the soprano and alto generally singing harmony and the tenor supporting the melody or harmony.

Question 10: Describe the difference between a homophonic and a polyphonic texture, giving an example of each from ensemble music.

Answer: Homophonic texture features a clear melody with accompanying harmony, such as a choir singing in harmony with the same rhythm. Polyphonic texture involves two or more independent melodies played simultaneously, such as a fugue or a round.

Question 11: Identify the typical instruments in a traditional folk band from the UK and describe one role for each instrument.

Answer: Instruments include the tin whistle (melody and ornamentation), concertina or accordion (harmonic accompaniment), acoustic guitar (rhythm and chords), and fiddle (melody and improvisation).