Instructions
Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Let's explore the wonderful world of the cello!
Part 1: The Cello's Story
The cello is a beautiful instrument that is part of the string family, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. It first appeared in the early 1500s in Italy. Famous instrument-making families, like the Amati family, helped create the shape we know today. For a long time, cellos didn't have an endpin (the spike at the bottom). Musicians had to hold the large instrument between their knees! The endpin was added in the 1800s to help support the cello's weight and make it easier to play.
- The cello is a member of which instrument family?
- True or False: Cellos have always had an endpin to help them stand up.
True False - Fill in the blank: The cello first appeared in the country of _______________ in the 1500s.
- The four strings on a cello are tuned to C, G, D, and A. Which of these notes is the lowest-pitched string? (Hint: It's the thickest one!)
A D G C
Part 2: Maestro's Corner
Many famous composers have written incredible music especially for the cello. Match the composer on the left with their famous cello piece on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank.
|
Composer 1. Johann Sebastian Bach _____ 2. Camille Saint-Saëns _____ 3. Antonín Dvořák _____ |
Famous Piece A. "The Swan" from The Carnival of the Animals B. Cello Concerto in B minor C. Six Cello Suites |
Part 3: Cello Superstars
There have been many amazing cellists throughout history. Find the names of the four famous cellists hidden in the word search below. The names can be found forwards, downwards, or diagonally.
Clues: YO-YO MA, DU PRE, ROSTROPOVICH, 2CELLOS
Z D U P R E B T J L R E W D
Y O H M K F M A R A N D E F
Y T L C E Q Z K S V I T G H
O I J K B D W L D P S U I J
Y M N L L H S F P O U V K L
O L P Q O O I E Q L L W M N
M P R S S S G H R I E X O P
A A B C V T H G S A B Y Z Q
C D E F E U I O T N C D E R
2 C E L L O S U F G H E F S
Part 4: Cello on Screen
The cello's moody and versatile sound makes it perfect for movies and TV shows! Test your knowledge of the cello in popular culture.
- In the popular Netflix series Wednesday, what instrument does Wednesday Addams play passionately on her balcony?
Violin Piano Cello Harp - Unscramble the title of this movie, where the main character is a gifted young cellist who has to make a life-changing decision:
FI I YAST
- The exciting and adventurous theme music for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies features a powerful solo instrument. What is it?
A flute An electric cello A trumpet
Answer Key
Part 1: The Cello's Story
- String family
- False
- Italy
- C
Part 2: Maestro's Corner
- C
- A
- B
Part 3: Cello Superstars
The completed word search should have the following names found:
Z D U P R E B T J L R E W D
Y O H M K F M A R A N D E F
Y T L C E Q Z K S V I T G H
O I J K B D W L D P S U I J
Y M N L L H S F P O U V K L
O L P Q O O I E Q L L W M N
M P R S S S G H R I E X O P
A A B C V T H G S A B Y Z Q
C D E F E U I O T N C D E R
2 C E L L O S U F G H E F S
- ROSTROPOVICH (Across, Row 1)
- DU PRE (Across, Row 2)
- YO-YO MA (Down, Column 1)
- 2CELLOS (Across, Row 11)
Part 4: Cello on Screen
- Cello
- IF I STAY
- An electric cello