Cellos

‘Cello’ is actually a nickname! This instrument’s full name is ‘violoncello’ - Italian for ‘small double bass’.

The cello has the widest range of any string instrument, able to play both high and low sounds, contributing richly to the overall sound of the orchestra.

The cello is played by drawing a bow across the strings to create a beautiful warm sound. It’s the only instrument in the orchestra that must be played sitting down. This is because the cello is too big to hold, but too small to play standing up.