Understanding the Horn

Mary Beth Or, third horn in the Grand Rapids Symphony, introduces the horn, a brass family instrument. She explains its unique features, such as the hand position that shapes sound and allows pitch control. The horn can produce a variety of sounds, including a stop sound that makes it seem distant. Its wide range allows it to play different moods and melodies, from heroic to romantic. The horn's sound is likened to a cinnamon roll, sweet and warm. The video concludes with a recap of the horn's capabilities, emphasizing its versatility in the orchestra.

What family of instruments does the horn belong to?

• String

• Woodwind

• Brass

• Percussion

What food does the shape of the horn remind Mary Beth Or of?

• Bagel

• Cinnamon roll

• Pretzel

• Donut

What is the purpose of placing the hand in the bell of the horn?

• To hold the instrument steady

• To change the color of the sound

• To mute the sound

• To adjust the pitch and shape the sound

What is the effect called when the hand completely closes over the bell?

• Muted sound

• Echo sound

• Stop sound

• Distant sound

How does the horn's sound compare to a cinnamon roll?

• It is crunchy

• It is spicy

• It is sweet and warm

• It is sour

Which famous piece features a heroic and high call played on the horn?

• Mozart's Horn Concerto

• Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture

• Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

• Wagner's Siegfried

Which composition is known for its beautiful romantic melody played on the horn?

• Mahler's Symphony No. 1

• Brahms' Symphony No. 1

• Dvorak's New World Symphony

• Stravinsky's Firebird

What type of melodies can the horn play due to its wide range?

• Only medium range

• Only high and fast

• Only low and slow

• Both high and low, fast and slow

What is one of the things Mary Beth Or loves most about the horn?

• Its weight

• Its beautiful warm sweet sound

• Its size

• Its color

What is the role of the hand in the bell according to the recap?

• To decorate the horn

• To hold the horn

• To shape the sound and adjust pitch

• To clean the horn