Classification Sample

8/17/2019 Classification Sample

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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

Commented [A2]: Great claim that is narrow enoug

in the body paragraphs.

Be sure to create a thesis with a narrowed claim and/or

of parameters, which can help set the stage for the ess

organization. In addition, your claim must be arguable/

otherwise, you won’t be able to support it/prove it true

instance, are your classifications the three most recogn

they the three worst kinds? Are they the only three in y

within particular confines? Example 1: The three most

mothers are the perfectionist, best friend, and me-first

Regardless of location, any given baseball game will fin

fans the following three types: the fair weather fan, the

fan, and the newbie.

Then, you could list them from most to least liked in the

in the body paragraphs. Remember, your topic sentencexpress a logical order for your subtopics. Each topic se

not need to note the order, but at least the first body p

topic sentence and every other one or every few should

claim to help the reader stay on track.

*Remember, the support rubric section is tied to the th

Without a clearly written and developed thesis, it is diff

determine if and to what degree your arguments and co

support your thesis. In many cases, the support section

score higher than the thesis score because the two com

work together to form a whole unit. Therefore, be sure

ample time developing the thesis so that you earn cred

support if and where applicable.

Commented [A3]: Nicely organized via topic senten

Be sure your topic sentences denote which order you c

your subtopics, which should be related the claim in yo

instance, if your thesis says, “The three most recogniza

are (add three most recognizable types),” your paragra

might descend from most to least popular. You can alsobest to worst, etc. Each topic sentence does not need to

order, but at least the first body paragraph’s topic sent

every other one or every few should make that claim to

reader stay on track.


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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 paragraph.

Each body paragraph should support two claims: 1) the

your thesis (The three most popular heroes are; regard

location, any given basketball game will find among its

and 2) the claim in your topic sentence, which relates to

choose to organize your essay (best to worst, most reco

least, etc.).

Sample thesis: “Regardless of stadium location, any giv

game will find among its fans the following three types

weather fan, the die-hard fan, and the newbie.” I would

my paragraphs from the most to least recognizable, so

change the order of the fans in the thesis to the order in

present them in my essay according to most to least rec

die-hard fan, fair-weather fan, and newbie. Remember,

sentence does not need to note the order, but at least

body paragraph’s topic sentence and every other one o

should make that claim to help the reader stay on track

sample shortened paragraph below for at least four po

paragraph should contain: 1) a topic sentence that specto the order, 2) characteristics of your subtopic, 3) exam

subtopic (optional but helpful support), 4) why/how yo

supports the thesis, and 5) a concluding sentence.

Sample paragraph: 1) The die-hard fan is by far the mos

recognizable fan in a sports stadium. 2) He or she is like

as much team gear as possible, and 60% of these die-h

within the 25% of seating nearest the playing field (Smi

Producer, director, writer, and actor Spike Lee is consid

hard New York Knicks fan because he is almost always s

sideline at Knicks’ games, wearing Knicks’ attire or colo

drawing attention by speaking with the players and act

unfavorable calls. 4) These die-hard fans are clearly not

although Spike Lee may be one of the more extreme ca

sporting events have die-hard fans because these fans a

to miss their teams’ games, especially the home games

70% of die-hard fans live in the same cities as their favo

(Doe & Anderson 57). 5.) Because these distinct fans en

game on a much more extreme level than casual fans, t

group is best suited enjoying the game in the second le

of the stadium behind the die-hards.


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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

Commented [A6]: Strong ending sentence.


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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.

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Classification Sample