Chapter 11: Musical Ensembles
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A fairly large body of singers who perform together is called a(n):
a. orchestra. c. chorus.
b. chamber ensemble. d. band.
2. The term a cappella refers to choral music performed:
a. with organ accompaniment. c. with piano accompaniment.
b. with orchestral accompaniment. d. without any accompaniment.
3. What distinguishes chamber music from orchestral music?
a. the forms of the movements
b. the number of players on each part
c. the room in which the music is being performed
d. the number of movements in a work
4. What is the name for a Balinese or Javanese orchestra made up largely of gongs, drums, and
xylophone-like instruments?
a. gagaku c. sitar
b. koto d. gamelan
5. Approximately two-thirds of a symphony orchestra consists of:
a. woodwinds. c. brass.
b. strings. d. percussion.
6. Which instruments are traditionally arranged at the front of the orchestra?
a. strings c. brass
b. woodwinds d. percussion
7. The term band refers to:
a. a rock group. c. a marching ensemble.
b. a jazz group. d. all of the answers shown here
8. John Philip Sousa composed _____ for his wind band, which propelled him to worldwide fame.
a. symphonies c. piano trios
b. string quartets d. marches
9. A jazz band usually includes:
a. woodwind instruments. c. percussion instruments.
b. brass instruments. d. all of the answers shown here
10. Which of the following meters is conducted in a down-right-up pattern?
a. duple c. quadruple
b. triple d. sextuple
11. What does Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra illustrate?
a. the timbre of each instrument
b. only the percussion
c. only the unique characteristics of the woodwinds
d. the importance of the string section
12. The most well-known chamber music ensemble is probably:
a. the string quartet. c. the gamelan.
b. the orchestra. d. the brass quintet.
13. Many conductors use a thin stick known as:
a. an instrument. c. a bat.
b. a baton. d. a branch.
TRUE/FALSE
1. Specialized choirs that perform with organ are called a cappella ensembles.
2. Chamber music is intended for a small group of performers, with one player to a part.
3. The standard instrumentation of a string quartet is two violins, viola, and cello.
4. A piano trio is an ensemble of three pianos.
5. The term orchestra can be applied to various musical ensembles around the world.
6. The modern orchestra is typically made up of thirty to forty players.
7. The earliest wind and percussion groups were created for military purposes.
8. Large ensembles, such as an orchestra, concert band, or chorus, generally need a conductor in
order to perform together.
9. The upbeat is the strongest beat in any meter.
10. The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, by Benjamin Britten, is based on a dance tune by
Beethoven.
ESSAY
1. Describe the principal types of musical ensembles (vocal and instrumental) and state how they
differ from one another.
ANS:
Answers will vary.
PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: Essentials: pp. 47–52
TOP: Musical Ensembles MSC: Applied
2. Describe the role of conductors, mentioning the elements of music for which they are responsible.
ANS:
Answers will vary.
PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: Essentials: p. 50
TOP: Musical Ensembles MSC: Applied