Instrument Exploration: Cello

INTRODUCE the cello

“Have you ever heard of an instrument called the cello? Whisper to a neighbor what you think the cello looks like and which instrument family it belongs in. If you don’t know, make a prediction!”

EXPLORE the sound of the cello

1. “The cello is a member of the string family. Instruments in the string family make their sound when a string is plucked or pulled by a bow. The cello is much larger than the violin and can make really low sounds.”

2. Listen to Mikey from Heliopsis describe their instrument.

3. Listen to composer and musician Zoe Keating describe and play her original piece for cello, Escape Artist.

4. Use the following questions to guide discussion or journaling.

   • In the beginning of the video, the composer explains the title. Can you think of a time you wanted to escape something?

   • Zoe mentions moving between a city and a forest. Where do you want to live? What does it sound like there?

   • Did it surprise you that one person could create so many layers of sound? Can you guess how she does it?

EXTEND learning about the cello

Choose one or more of the following activities to extend learning.

1. Enjoy this light-hearted video featuring 2CELLOS playing Pirates of the Caribbean.

2. Ask students to move gracefully in a circle, like swans gliding around a pond while listening to “The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals.

3. Continue learning about the cello by watching Class Notes: Technique, Virtuosity, and Soul featuring cellist Nygel Witherspoon.

4. Learn more about composer and musician Zoe Keating.