Cello Worksheet for 11-Year-Olds — History, Composers, Famous Cellists & Wednesday TV

Instructions

Read the information and answer the questions below to test your knowledge about the amazing cello!

Part 1: The Cello's Story

The cello is a beautiful instrument from the string family, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. It first appeared in the early 1500s in Italy. Its full name is actually "violoncello," which means "little big viol" in Italian! Early cellos were slightly different from the ones we see today and were often used to play along with choirs in churches. The instrument we know and love, with its four strings (tuned C-G-D-A), became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fill in the blanks using the text above.

1. The cello belongs to the _______________ family of instruments.
2. It was first developed in the country of _______________.
3. The cello's full name is ________________________.

Part 2: Music Masters & Masterpieces

Many famous composers have written incredible music for the cello. Perhaps the most famous pieces are the Six Cello Suites by Johann Sebastian Bach. Every serious cello student learns to play them! Another very powerful and emotional piece is the Cello Concerto in E minor by the English composer Edward Elgar. It was made world-famous by the cellist Jacqueline du Pré.

Circle the correct answer for each question.

1. Who composed the famous Six Cello Suites?
   • a) Edward Elgar
   • b) Ludwig van Beethoven
   • c) Johann Sebastian Bach
2. Which composer wrote the famous Cello Concerto in E minor?
   • a) Edward Elgar
   • b) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
   • c) J.S. Bach

Part 3: Cello Superstars!

The cello has been played by some of the most talented musicians in history. Match the famous cellist to their description.

Cellists:

1. Yo-Yo Ma
2. Sheku Kanneh-Mason
3. Jacqueline du Pré

Descriptions:

• A) A young British cellist who became a global star after performing at the Royal Wedding in 2018.
• B) A legendary British cellist known for her passionate performances, especially of the Elgar Cello Concerto.
• C) One of the most famous cellists alive today, known for his incredible skill and for playing many different styles of music all over the world.

Write your answers here:

1. _______

2. _______

3. _______

Part 4: The Cello on Screen

The cello's deep, expressive sound makes it a popular choice for movie and TV soundtracks. Sometimes, the instrument even gets a starring role! In the popular TV series Wednesday, the main character, Wednesday Addams, is a talented cellist. In one famous scene, she stands on her balcony and plays a thrilling version of a rock song on her black cello.

Answer the following questions.

1. In the TV series Wednesday, what instrument does the main character play?
   _________________________________________________________________


2. Challenge Question: The song Wednesday plays is "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones. Why do you think the show's creators chose a rock song for her to play on a classical instrument like the cello?
   _________________________________________________________________
   _________________________________________________________________

Part 5: Cello Word Jumble

Unscramble these cello-related words!

1. L L E O C _________________________
2. G R S N I T S _________________________
3. H C A B _________________________
4. W B O _________________________
5. D S Y W E A D E N _________________________

Answer Key

Part 1: The Cello's Story

1. string
2. Italy
3. violoncello

Part 2: Music Masters & Masterpieces

1. c) Johann Sebastian Bach
2. a) Edward Elgar

Part 3: Cello Superstars!

1. C
2. A
3. B

Part 4: The Cello on Screen

1. The cello.
2. (Answers will vary) A good answer might include that it shows her unique, rebellious, and modern personality while still being connected to her classical, sophisticated side. It's unexpected and cool.

Part 5: Cello Word Jumble

1. CELLO
2. STRINGS
3. BACH
4. BOW
5. WEDNESDAY