BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Orchestration and Instrumentation Questions and Answers

Question 1

An orchestrator is writing a passage for harp that requires a fast, sweeping sound across a specific set of pitches not belonging to a single standard diatonic scale.
Which of the following is the most appropriate and idiomatic way to notate this effect?

Accepted Answer

Provide a pedal diagram or written pedal settings for the desired pitches and then use a standard glissando notation (wavy line) between the start and end notes.

Answer

Write a series of rapid 32nd notes spelling out the desired pitches.

Answer

Write the starting and ending notes of the sweep and mark it with 'arpeggiando'.

Answer

Use a standard glissando notation and write a text instruction above, such as 'Play only notes of the whole-tone scale.'

Question 2

A composer wants to create a special string effect characterized by a glassy, ethereal, and overtone-rich sound. The instruction is to bow the string very close to the bridge. What is the correct Italian term for this technique?

Accepted Answer

sul ponticello

Answer

col legno

Answer

sul tasto

Answer

pizzicato

Question 3

A concert band score has a part written for Alto Saxophone in E♭. If the written note in the saxophone part is a G4 (the G above middle C), what is the sounding concert pitch?

Accepted Answer

E♭3

Answer

B♭4

Answer

B♭3

Answer

E♭4

Question 4

In the context of orchestral percussion, which of the following pairs correctly categorizes one idiophone and one membranophone?

Accepted Answer

Marimba and Bass Drum

Answer

Timpani and Snare Drum

Answer

Xylophone and Cymbals

Answer

Triangle and Glockenspiel

Question 5

A composer doubles a flute melody with a clarinet in unison to achieve a new composite timbre. This is an example of what kind of orchestration technique?

Accepted Answer

Unlike Doubling

Answer

Cumulative Doubling

Answer

Like Doubling

Answer

Octave Doubling

Question 6

When arranging for a brass section, a composer wants the trumpet to produce a quiet, dark, and subdued tone, often described as 'covered.' Which mute would be the most appropriate choice to achieve this effect?

Accepted Answer

Bucket Mute

Answer

Straight Mute

Answer

Cup Mute

Answer

Harmon Mute

An orchestrator is writing a passage for harp that requires a fast, sweeping sound across a specific set of pitches not belonging to a single standard diatonic scale.Which of the following is the most appropriate and idiomatic way to notate this effect?

An orchestrator is writing a passage for harp that requires a fast, sweeping sound across a specific set of pitches not belonging to a single standard diatonic scale.
Which of the following is the most appropriate and idiomatic way to notate this effect?