Concert Band Music

Cymbals fall under the percussion section. Percussion instruments are a category of musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping. Cymbals are typically made of metal and are played by striking them together or with drumsticks. They produce a sharp and metallic sound. Therefore, the correct answer is percussion.

The odd one out is "Violins" because it is the only option that does not belong to the category of instruments that produce sound through the use of air or vibrating membranes. Woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments all fall into this category, while violins are string instruments.

Players can make small adjustments to the pitch by varying the tension of their embouchure (the way they use their lips, facial muscles, and airflow to produce sound). Tightening the lips and increasing the airspeed can raise the pitch while loosening the lips and slowing the air can lower the pitch. This technique is typically used for fine-tuning and for achieving specific notes within the instrument's range.

The saxophones do not belong in the brass section because they are not made of brass. Saxophones are typically made of brass but are classified as woodwind instruments because they use a single reed mouthpiece, similar to clarinets. The other instruments listed, tubas, trombones, and cornets, are all made of brass and are commonly found in the brass section of an orchestra or band.

Concert bands typically play a variety of music genres, including pop, classical, and jazz. They are known for their versatility and ability to perform a wide range of musical styles. This allows them to cater to different audiences and showcase their musicianship in various genres. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument that is known for its unique double-reed mouthpiece. Unlike other instruments that use a single reed, the bassoon has two reeds that vibrate against each other to produce sound. This characteristic sets it apart from instruments that produce a high pitch or belong to the brass family. Therefore, the correct answer is "Double-reed."

The soprano saxophone produces the highest pitch among the given options. This type of saxophone is smaller in size and has a higher range compared to other saxophones. It is commonly used in classical music and jazz ensembles to play melodies and solos in the higher register. The soprano saxophone is known for its bright and piercing sound, making it ideal for producing high-pitched notes.

Percussion auxiliaries such as the triangle and cymbal are used to add color and sound effects to the music. They are not responsible for maintaining the balance of the band, keeping time, or playing the melody. Instead, they enhance the overall sound by introducing different textures and tones, creating a more dynamic and expressive musical experience.

The question asks for the instrument that is NOT a percussion mallet instrument. The options given are Marimba, Chimes, Glockenspiel, and None of the above. A percussion mallet instrument is played by striking it with a mallet or a stick. Marimba, Chimes, and Glockenspiel are all examples of percussion mallet instruments. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above" as all the options listed are indeed percussion mallet instruments.

The second highest sounding member of the brass family is the Horns. Horns are known for their mellow and rich tone, and they are often used in orchestras and concert bands. While trumpets are also part of the brass family, they produce higher pitches compared to horns. Euphoniums and trombones are lower in pitch than horns, making them not the second highest sounding members.

Oboes, bassoons, and clarinets are all woodwind instruments, meaning they produce sound by blowing air through a reed or over an edge. Flutes, on the other hand, are categorized as woodwind instruments due to historical reasons, but they are different in how they produce sound. Flutes create sound by blowing air across an edge, which makes them different from reed instruments like oboes, bassoons, and clarinets. So, "Flutes" are the odd one out in this group of instruments.

The valves of a trumpet allow the pitch of the sound produced to be lower. When the valves are pressed down, they change the length of the tubing, which in turn changes the pitch of the notes played on the instrument. By altering the length of the tubing, the player can produce a wider range of lower notes on the trumpet.

A concert band typically consists of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The positions of librarian, conductor, and concert master are commonly found in a concert band. However, the position of drum major is usually not found in a concert band. A drum major is typically associated with marching bands and is responsible for leading the band during performances on the field. In a concert band setting, the drum major's role is not necessary as the focus is on stationary performances.

Timpani are the drums among the options that have a definite pitch. Timpani, also known as kettle drums, have a set of tunable heads (usually made of calf or plastic) that can be adjusted to produce specific pitches. They are the only drums in the list with this characteristic. Snare drums, bass drums, and toms generally produce indefinite pitches, as they are not designed to be tuned to specific musical notes.