<P> The string section is the largest body of a single instrument category in the standard Classical orchestra . It normally consists of the first violins , the second violins , the violas , the cellos , and the double basses ( or basses ) . The first and second violinists play the same types of instruments ; the difference between the two sections is in the types of musical lines that are typically given to each section . The first violins are generally given the melody or higher - pitch musical lines , whereas the second violins generally play a part that is lower in pitch than the first violins . The second violins may play a harmony part , a countermelody or an accompaniment passage . In discussions of the instrumentation of a musical work , the phrase `` the strings '' or `` and strings '' is used to indicate a string section as just defined . An orchestra consisting solely of a string section is called a string orchestra . Smaller string sections are used in jazz , pop and rock music arrangements and in musical theatre pit orchestras . </P>
<P> The string section is the largest body of a single instrument category in the standard Classical orchestra . It normally consists of the first violins , the second violins , the violas , the cellos , and the double basses ( or basses ) . The first and second violinists play the same types of instruments ; the difference between the two sections is in the types of musical lines that are typically given to each section . The first violins are generally given the melody or higher - pitch musical lines , whereas the second violins generally play a part that is lower in pitch than the first violins . The second violins may play a harmony part , a countermelody or an accompaniment passage . In discussions of the instrumentation of a musical work , the phrase `` the strings '' or `` and strings '' is used to indicate a string section as just defined . An orchestra consisting solely of a string section is called a string orchestra . Smaller string sections are used in jazz , pop and rock music arrangements and in musical theatre pit orchestras . </P>
where does a cello sit in an orchestra
where does a cello sit in an orchestra
The string section
The string section