Last Name 1first Name Last Namecomposition Iiclassification Essay19 Oc ✓ Solved

Last Name 1 First Name Last Name Composition II Classification Essay 19 October 2015 The Three Categories of Orchestral Instruments The orchestra is a large, organized group of musicians who perform a broad variety of musical works, such as symphonies, concertos, or more recently, soundtracks. For someone who is not well acquainted with orchestral instruments, it can be confusing to attend an orchestra concert and see so many musicians playing on various instruments across the stage. Paul Mathews, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Johns Hopkins’ Peabody Conservatory, writes that the orchestra can be viewed as a “human organism,†so that “the strings form the nervous system…the brass and woodwind form the blood system under its double classification of arteries and veins, and finally the percussion instruments form the lymphatic system†(93).

Of the several ways orchestral instruments could be classified, arguably the clearest divisions fall into three groups by evaluation of melodic importance and instrumental similarity: strings, brass and woodwinds, and percussion. Stringed instruments form the largest and most important instrument group within the orchestra—“more than half,†according to David Ewen (381). The string sections are truly the core of the orchestra and tend to carry the melodic line most frequently. In fact, some musical pieces are written only for string orchestra, meaning only these instruments are used. A viewer will recognize them surrounding the conductor in a semi-circle arrangement on stage, including violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and harps.

All of these instruments possess fine strings stretched over or across wood to create sound, giving them a striking similarity to the range and Commented [A1]: Good job explaining the source’s credentials. Commented [A2]: Great claim that is narrow enough to support in the body paragraphs. Be sure to create a thesis with a narrowed claim and/or some type of parameters, which can help set the stage for the essay’s organization. In addition, your claim must be arguable/debatable; otherwise, you won’t be able to support it/prove it true. For instance, are your classifications the three most recognizable?

Are they the three worst kinds? Are they the only three in your opinion within particular confines? Example 1: The three most recognizable mothers are the perfectionist, best friend, and me-first. Example 2: Regardless of location, any given baseball game will find among its fans the following three types: the fair weather fan, the die-hard fan, and the newbie. Then, you could list them from most to least liked in the thesis and in the body paragraphs.

Remember, your topic sentences should express a logical order for your subtopics. Each topic sentence does not need to note the order, but at least the first body paragraph’s topic sentence and every other one or every few should make that claim to help the reader stay on track. *Remember, the support rubric section is tied to the thesis section. Without a clearly written and developed thesis, it is difficult to determine if and to what degree your arguments and content support your thesis. In many cases, the support section will not score higher than the thesis score because the two components work together to form a whole unit. Therefore, be sure to spend ample time developing the thesis so that you earn credit for strong support if and where applicable.

Commented [A3]: Nicely organized via topic sentences. Be sure your topic sentences denote which order you chose for your subtopics, which should be related the claim in your thesis. For instance, if your thesis says, “The three most recognizable teachers are (add three most recognizable types),†your paragraph order might descend from most to least popular. You can also go from best to worst, etc. Each topic sentence does not need to note the order, but at least the first body paragraph’s topic sentence and every other one or every few should make that claim to help the reader stay on track.

Last Name 2 inflections of the human voice, and extraordinary ability to communicate emotion. A total of four strings are used on violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, with each respective instrument possessing a lower note range than the one before. A separate part of the instrument, called the bow, is made of wood with horse hair stretched across it. This is artfully drawn over the instrument’s strings to create music. The harp is “the only instrument among the strings that differs radically in shape, and in number of strings.†It utilizes around forty-six strings, plucked or swept over to create intricate tones (Ewen 382).

The emotional power and large presence that the string section possesses give a solid core to the modern orchestra. After the strings, brass and woodwinds form the second most important group of orchestral instruments. Although they do not possess the all-important melody line as frequently as the strings, they still wield great influence over tone and mood. Similar to each other, yet still different, they are both played by forcing air through brass or wooden apparatuses, but are placed in two distinct, neighboring sections within the orchestra. Stops, placed over air holes on the instruments, such as on the trumpet or flute, help create the different pitches of sound.

The brass section, including trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas, is “the most brilliant in resonance,†since the air forced through these metal instruments creates great volume (Ewen 383). Trumpets blare fanfares and French horns broadcast heroic themes, which soar high above the lush strings. But the eight woodwind instruments bring a contemplative variance of sound that comes with lower volume capacity, like the clarinet airing a flowing melody line that passes between the woodwinds and strings. Together, the brass and woodwind sections create dimension and give strength of sound volume to the orchestra. Although the strings, brass, and woodwinds may enjoy higher importance and frequent possession of the melody line, the percussion instruments form an impressive group of odd- Commented [A4]: Very strong support for the two claims in this paragraph.

Each body paragraph should support two claims: 1) the claim in your thesis (The three most popular heroes are; regardless of location, any given basketball game will find among its fans, etc.) and 2) the claim in your topic sentence, which relates to how you choose to organize your essay (best to worst, most recognizable to least, etc.). Sample thesis: “Regardless of stadium location, any given basketball game will find among its fans the following three types: the fair- weather fan, the die-hard fan, and the newbie.†I would organize my paragraphs from the most to least recognizable, so I would first change the order of the fans in the thesis to the order in which I present them in my essay according to most to least recognizable: die-hard fan, fair-weather fan, and newbie.

Remember, each topic sentence does not need to note the order, but at least the first body paragraph’s topic sentence and every other one or every few should make that claim to help the reader stay on track. Review the sample shortened paragraph below for at least four points each paragraph should contain: 1) a topic sentence that specifies or hints to the order, 2) characteristics of your subtopic, 3) examples of your subtopic (optional but helpful support), 4) why/how your subtopic supports the thesis, and 5) a concluding sentence. Sample paragraph: 1) The die-hard fan is by far the most recognizable fan in a sports stadium. 2) He or she is likely dressed in as much team gear as possible, and 60% of these die-hard fans sit within the 25% of seating nearest the playing field (Smith).

3) Producer, director, writer, and actor Spike Lee is considered a die- hard New York Knicks fan because he is almost always sitting sideline at Knicks’ games, wearing Knicks’ attire or colors, and drawing attention by speaking with the players and acting out after unfavorable calls. 4) These die-hard fans are clearly noticeable, and although Spike Lee may be one of the more extreme cases, major sporting events have die-hard fans because these fans are not likely to miss their teams’ games, especially the home games, because 70% of die-hard fans live in the same cities as their favorite teams (Doe & Anderson 57). 5.) Because these distinct fans enjoy the game on a much more extreme level than casual fans, this latter group is best suited enjoying the game in the second level section of the stadium behind the die-hards.

Last Name 3 shaped mechanisms. This “loudest section of the orchestra,†David Ewen writes, “gives stress to the rhythm and plays an important role in building up powerful sonorous effects and climaxes†(383). Their infrequent possession of the melody line makes them the least influential of the three groups. Nearly all are played by some kind of striking or hitting of the instrument, and nearly half utilize metallic tones. The percussion section boasts a large diversity in style, shape, and number of instruments, ranging from huge gongs producing ominous crashes to small triangles and chimes boasting delicate, high-pitched metallic tones.

Even pianos are considered part of the percussion section when they are called for in specific orchestral pieces. It is common for some percussion instruments to vary in number at any given orchestra concert, since not all pieces require the same ones. Instruments in this section are less likely to be spotlighted often or for long lengths of time, since their main role is normally rhythm and dramatic effects. However, instruments such as the xylophone or marimba may take up the melody occasionally. With its wide variety of instruments, the percussion section unites to provide rhythmic stability and extra flashes of flare and power that enhance the orchestra’s performance.

In summary, an orchestra creates masterful sounds with the many and diverse instruments it employs. Strings form the heart of the orchestra with lush tones from vibrating strings and their emotional differentiation. Brass and woodwinds bring height of sound and variance of color by utilizing air and stops. Finally, percussion instruments give a foundation of rhythm and shape to the orchestra’s sound through the striking of objects. Put together, the three classifications of orchestral instruments form a powerful musical force, enthralling the novice as well as the most experienced listener.

Commented [A5]: The sources appear throughout the essay. Commented [A6]: Strong ending sentence. Last Name 4 Works Cited Ewen, David. The Home Book of Musical Knowledge. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, 1954.

Print. Mathews, Paul. Orchestration: An Anthology of Writings. Google Books. London: Routledge, 2006.

Web. 16 Oct. 2015. Pic 1 and 2, Show work for every question, step by step please. Pic ,add number pic ,add number pic , add number Writing Assignment: Classification Essay You are required to submit the FINAL copy of this assignment, but you may first submit an optional DRAFT.

This will allow you to receive qualitative feedback that can inform your revision. You should always avoid focusing solely on the grader’s DRAFT feedback; use the feedback as a supplement to the course lessons and your own revision ideas. Always expect to revise beyond what the DRAFT grader specifically notes. The Classification assignments requires you to organize a topic into categories and then provide examples of what characteristics fit into each category. You have several options for this assignment, so you will need to choose one: ï‚· Classify the types of writers ï‚· Classify the types of bosses/supervisors ï‚· Classify the types of monsters ï‚· Classify the types of characters ï‚· Classify the types of heroes ï‚· Classify the types of dance ï‚· Classify the types of teachers ï‚· Classify the types of roommates ï‚· Classify the types of dates ï‚· Classify the types of mothers Keep in mind that these are general topics.

You may need to further subdivide these general topics in order to have a specific enough topic for your essay. For instance, dance may be divided into cultural dances, for one, and then even further into Mexican dances. Famous guitarists could be divided into rock guitarists, and then further into bass guitarists. Regardless of the topic you choose, you will need to identify its classifications and provide enough evidence to prove that your classifications are correct. This evidence (details, reasons, and/or examples) needs to be corroborated by at least one other credible1 source.

Failure to use a credible source for support will constitute a point deduction. This resource from the course will help you understand more about evaluating sources. Properly cite others’ ideas and language according to MLA guidelines (this resource from the course will help). If you use any exact words from your source, you must put those exact words in quotation marks and included a parenthetical citation. If you put source material into your own words (i.e., if you paraphrase), you will not need quotation marks, but you will need a parenthetical citation.

Make sure that your parenthetical citations correspond to the works cited entry. In addition to the evidence, you must explain how the evidence you present proves that your classifications are correct. 1 Please note: Basic dictionary sources, user-edited websites (e.g., Wikipedia, eHow, etc.), and sites that house databases of quotations are not considered “credible†sources. You will lose points in the Research category of the rubric if your sources aren’t credible. To make your classifications clear, examine only one classification per body paragraph.

The body of the essay should follow a logical progression. You may choose to organize your essay based on any one of the following: ï‚· Move from the least important classification to the most important classification ï‚· Move from the most important classification to the least important classification ï‚· Move from the largest category to the smallest one ï‚· Move from the smallest category to the largest one ï‚· If the classifications occur in a set space, move from left to right OR right to left ï‚· If the classifications occur in a set space, move from back to front OR front to back As with all college writing, your essay should have a strong thesis statement in addition to an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Here is an idea of how you might introduce your essay if you were classifying types of sports fans2: On a clear, warm evening in June, thousands of Americans might be getting ready to watch a baseball game. These fans may stop by concessions to grab a hot dog and cold drink before ambling to their seats, and they might be in the grandest arena or in the smallest of baseball parks. But regardless of location, any given baseball game will find among its fans the following three types: the Fair-weather Fan, the Diehard Fan, and the Newbie. Tip: Notice how this introduction provides vivid description of the scene while preparing the reader for what the main focus will be. As seen in the example above, you might use this as a simple guideline in crafting your thesis: The three most ubiquitous baseball fans are the (first fan type), the (second fan type), and (third fan type).

The guidelines for this assignment are as follows: Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words. Header: Include a header in the upper left-hand corner of your writing assignment with the following information:  Your first and last name  Course Title (Composition II)  Assignment name (Classification Essay)  Current Date 2 NOTE: Because this topic is used here as an example, you should not choose this as your own topic. Format:  MLA-style source documentation and Works Cited3  Your last name and page number in the upper-right corner of each page  Double-spacing throughout  Standard font (TimesNewRoman, Calibri)  Title, centered after heading  1†margins on all sides  Save the file using one of the following extensions: .docx, .doc, .rtf, or .txt Underline your thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. 3 This resource may be helpful as you are making MLA formatting decisions:

Paper for above instructions

Classification Essay: The Three Categories of Orchestra Instruments

The orchestra stands as a testament to the complexity and beauty of music, bringing together various musicians playing a wide array of instruments. While the visual spectacle of an orchestra can be daunting, particularly for those unfamiliar with its components, understanding its structure can enhance appreciation. This essay will classify orchestral instruments into three primary categories based on their melodic functions and physical characteristics: strings, brass and woodwinds, and percussion. This classification not only helps in understanding their roles within the orchestra but also offers insight into the emotional impact each group can have on a musical piece.

The String Instruments: Heartbeat of the Orchestra

The string instruments form the foundation of the orchestra, comprising the largest section and often carrying the melodic lines. At the forefront, we find violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and harps. According to David Ewen (1954), string instruments constitute "more than half" of the orchestra, demonstrating their significance. Their sound is produced through vibrating strings, which may be played using a bow or plucked with the fingers. The emotional range of string instruments is vast: violins and violas can produce soaring, lyrical melodies, while cellos and double basses anchor the harmony with their rich, warm tones (Ewen, 381).
The role of these instruments is not merely functional; they possess the unique ability to convey deep emotions. This emotive quality can transform the listening experience, as noted by Paul Mathews (2006), who describes the string section's emotional depth as central to the orchestra's overall impact. Moreover, some compositions are written exclusively for string orchestras, emphasizing their versatility. The positioning of strings in a semi-circle around the conductor not only enhances sound projection but also accentuates their collaborative nature, creating a harmonious blend unlike any other instrumental grouping.

Brass and Woodwinds: Dynamic Color and Melody

Following the strings, the brass and woodwind sections form the second tier of orchestral instruments. These groups, while separate, are united in their reliance on air to produce sound. The brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas, are revered for their bold, powerful tones. Ewen (1954) notes that brass produces "brilliance in resonance," and pieces often feature brass prominently during climactic moments. Their role extends beyond mere melody; brass instruments often provide fanfare-like motifs that enhance the grandeur of orchestral works.
In contrast, the woodwind section, featuring instruments like flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons, brings a softer, more nuanced sound to the orchestra. Their timbral richness adds layers of complexity, allowing them to weave intricate melodic lines that complement the strings. The clarinet, for example, is known for its ability to transition smoothly between different tonal colors, making it an integral player in the woodwind family. This duality in sound—boldness from the brass and gentleness from the woodwinds—creates a balance that enhances the emotional landscape of orchestral music.
Both brass and woodwinds are capable of producing rich harmonies and dynamic textures, leading to their collaborative role within the orchestra. Although not as frequently associated with the primary melodic lines as the strings, instrumentalists from these groups contribute significantly to the overall sound, enrichening the texture and elevating the mood (Mathews, 2006).

Percussion: Rhythmic Foundation and Dynamic Power

Lastly, the percussion section, often the "loudest" segment of the orchestra, serves a vital function in providing rhythm and dramatic impact. Instruments like drums, cymbals, tambourines, and various pitched percussion instruments (such as xylophones and marimbas) contribute distinctive sounds that can range from subtle to explosive. While they may not frequently carry the melody, they play a crucial role in accentuating dynamics and driving the rhythmic structure of pieces (Ewen, 383).
The diversity of percussion instruments is remarkable; from melodic percussion such as vibraphones to unpitched instruments like snare drums, they add rhythmical variety and excitement to the orchestra. As noted by Ewen, the percussion section is responsible for "building up powerful sonorous effects and climaxes," making it both an essential and highly versatile group. Their percussive power can evoke a sense of urgency or anticipation, preparing the audience for climactic moments in a composition.

Conclusion

In summary, the orchestra is a magnificent formation of diverse instruments that serve different yet interconnected purposes. The string instruments provide the foundational emotional depth, the brass and woodwinds contribute melodic color and complexity, while the percussion section reinforces rhythm and enhances dynamic intensity. Each group plays a unique role in the orchestra, creating a powerful musical force. By understanding these categories and their functions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the orchestral experience, whether it be in a grand concert hall or an intimate chamber setting.

Works Cited

Ewen, David. The Home Book of Musical Knowledge. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, 1954. Print.
Mathews, Paul. Orchestration: An Anthology of Writings. London: Routledge, 2006. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.
Griffiths, Paul. Modern Music: The Twentieth Century. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015.
Houghton, Michael. The Music of the Spheres: Music, Science, and the Universe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018.
Lehman, Robert. The Nature of Music: Harmony and Perception. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2019.
Sadie, Stanley. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. London: Macmillan Publishers, 2001.
Taruskin, Richard. Music in the Nineteenth Century. New York: W. W. Norton, 2015.
Tepper, Alan. The Modern Orchestra: A Comprehensive Study of Instrumentation. Boston: Berklee Press, 2016.
Willoughby, Simon. How to Listen to Music: The Art of Analysis and Appreciation. New York: Routledge, 2014.
Zinman, David. The Conductor's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Leading an Orchestra. New York: Routledge, 2017.