Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Orchestra

2009-01-09T20:23:24Z

MBBurke:

[[Image:Orch.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The Western Illinois University Symphony Orchestra.]]
An '''orchestra''' is an ensemble of musicians, led by a director. Orchestras are used frequently in [[classical music]] and often have the [[instrument]]s divided into sections. The traditional European orchestra is made up of four groups of instruments - strings, woodwind, brass and percussion.

==Strings==

The string section consists of violins, divided into first and seconds, violas, violoncellos and double basses. Four-part harmony is frequently used in the scoring notation for the string section. The string section can produce the most expressive medium in the whole orchestra - any point of nuance or subtlety is possible, from the softest pianissimo to the most solid forte. Contrasts of tone are also available by mechanical means, such as -

# the plucking of the strings (known as ''[[pizzicato]]'').
# the ''ponticello'' [[tremolo]] (bowing the strings nearer to the [[bridge (musical instrument)|bridge]] of the instrument).
# the user of the [[mute]] (''consordino''), a small clamp fitted over the bridge.
# ''col legno'' (strings are struck with the back of the bow).
# ''[[double stop]]ping'' (bowing two strings at a time).
# ''[[harmonics]]''

The strings form the backbone of the orchestra - great masterpieces have been written for soloists and for the [[string quartet]] (first violin, second violin, viola and violincello). In an orchestral piece, the strings are used almost continuously. In general, the first and second violins play in close harmony, the violas play a similar part in a lower range to strengthen the harmonic texture. The cellos and double basses share a bass part which provides a rhythmic foundation.

==Violin==

''Main article: [[Violin]]''

The violin is the most important instrument of the orchestra. The leader of the first violins is called the leader of the orchestra and ranks next in importance to the conductor.

==Woodwinds==

Woodwind instruments typically play counterpoint to string melodys, and add expression of their own. A typical modern orchestra will have a piccolo, several flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons, as well as an english horn, a bass clarinet and a contra bassoon. Woodwind instruments provide a warmer sound to the orchestra.

==Brass==

The brass section of a modern orchestra is composed of horns, trumpets, trombones, and tubas. The brass section provides much louder, clearer notes and is often used in fanfares and other triumphant portions of compositions.

==Percussion==

The percussion section of the orchestra is the most varied, consisting of instruments such as snare and bass drums, timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangles, and other percussion instruments tailored to the specific orchestral piece being performed.

[[Category:Musical terms]]

Bow (music)

2009-01-09T19:54:15Z

MBBurke: New page: The '''Bow''' used in music moves across a stringed instrument, creating sound. Bows are typically used on stringed instruments such as the violin. ==History== The stringed inst...

The '''Bow''' used in music moves across a stringed instrument, creating sound. Bows are typically used on [[stringed instruments]] such as the [[violin]].

==History==

The stringed instrument developed before the bow. Before the bow was developed, all string instruments were plucked. There is no clear evidence of exactly where and when the bow was converted into a musical apperateous, but records suggest the first bows where used approximately 1000 years ago in central Asia by nomadic tribes. All elements existed to develop the bow; the warriors already used bow and arrows, which could have been converted to musical bows. Horsehair and rosen were plenty, and the tribes where known to play music. However the bow developed, it quickly spread across Asia and Europe.

Modern bows were first develop in the 1800s by Francois Tourte in France. Tourte bows are often called the Stradivari of bows.

==Construction==

Bows consist of a stick with a number of hairs streched between the top and bottom. Bows are made of a variety of material; the best bows are made of pernambuco wood and strung with horsehair. Other types of wood can be used, and modern synthetic bows made from [[carbon fiber]] or fiberglass also exist. While fiberglass bows are considered to be lower quality, carbon fiber bows have recently gained a reputation for quality. The frog, which adjusts and hold the bow hairs, is typically made of ebony, but other materials can be used. Bows are different size for each stringed instrument; a violin bow is smaller than a viola bow, which is smaller than a cello bow.

Bows have also been known as '''fiddlesticks'''

Spiccato

2009-01-09T19:38:27Z

MBBurke: New page: '''Spiccato''' is a technique for bowed string instruments where the bow bounces lightly on the string. ==History== The word spiccato comes from an Italian verb which means "to seperat...

'''Spiccato''' is a technique for bowed string instruments where the bow bounces lightly on the string.

==History==

The word spiccato comes from an Italian verb which means "to seperate". Before the mid-1700s, the terms spiccato and [[staccato]] where used interchangably to mean notes that where seperated. After the mid-1700s, the spiccato technique of bouncing the bow on the strings developed, and has been used since, especially in the 20th century.

==Technique==

Holding the bow a short distance above the string, the player bounces the bow, creating very short notes. Using spiccato technique allows for a passage of distinct notes that are clearly seperate.

Talk:Atheism and beliefs

2009-01-07T22:36:12Z

MBBurke:

I'm not touching this, though I do think panspermia needs to be added under Origins of Life. [[User:JLauttamus|Jeffrey W. Lauttamus]][[User_talk:JLauttamus|Discussion]] 16:30, 7 January 2009 (EST)
:That's a rarely held view (I think), but it may merit inclusion if common. [[User:RodWeathers|- Rod Weathers]] 16:52, 7 January 2009 (EST)
::So is limited speech, but panspermia is still a view held by some atheists. [[User:JLauttamus|Jeffrey W. Lauttamus]][[User_talk:JLauttamus|Discussion]] 16:54, 7 January 2009 (EST)
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought weak atheists denied they had a belief system and strong atheists acknowledge they hold beliefs. I don't want to change anything without being sure. Can anyone clarify?[[User:MBBurke|MBBurke]] 17:36, 7 January 2009 (EST)

Talk:Atheism and beliefs

2009-01-07T22:35:54Z

MBBurke:

Essay:Differences Between Homeschoolers and Public Schoolers

2009-01-07T20:05:00Z

MBBurke:

There are some fundamental differences of significance between [[homeschoolers]] and [[public schoolers]]:

#[[Homeschoolers]] do not stop learning upon receipt of a diploma; most [[public schoolers]] do not try to learn outside of school
#[[Homeschoolers]] vote at three times the rate of [[public schoolers]], when they become of voting age
#[[Homeschoolers]] engage in less [[deceit]] than [[public schoolers]], and are less easily amused by it
#[[Homeschoolers]] form fewer cliques and gangs than [[public schoolers]]
#[[Homeschoolers]] are less amused by profanity, and rarely have the [[obsessive profanity]] common to [[public schoolers]]
#[[Homeschoolers]] are more able to be self-employed or self-disciplined without requiring constant supervision.
#[[Homeschoolers]] are more likely to embrace faith and have a close relationship with God.
#[[Homeschoolers]] pray more often than students in public school, were prayer is censored.

(a start; please improve)
[[Category:Essays]]

Pizzicato

2009-01-07T19:20:52Z

MBBurke: New page: '''Pizzicato''' refers to a playing technique of plucking the strings on a stringed instrument. Different techniques are used on different instruments, such as the violin or the [[gui...

'''Pizzicato''' refers to a playing technique of plucking the strings on a stringed instrument. Different techniques are used on different instruments, such as the [[violin]] or the [[guitar]].

==History==

The pizzicato technique first saw use in Claudio Monteverdi's Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, which was performed in the mid 1600's, sometime around 1638. Various other pieces of music use pizzicato; specific instructions are provided to performers when to use pizzicato.

Pizzicato is also popular in [[jazz]] and [[blues]] music, particularly with the [[double bass]]. Double bass parts in these styles are almost exclusively plucked, as opposed to being played with a bow.

==Technique==

Bowed string instruments will typically play pizzicato passages with the right hand, while notes are fingered with the left. For short passages, the bow is held in the left hand while the strings are plucked with the index finger. During longer passages, the bow will be put down while plucking the strings. Other techniques exist, such as plucking the strings with the left hand, but are rarely used.

Other string instruments can be played pizzicato, but are done so rarely. The strings of a [[piano]] can be plucked directly, and the [[guitar]] can be plucked as well.

Double bass

2009-01-07T17:22:08Z

MBBurke: article upgrade

The '''double bass''' or '''contrabass''' is the lowest-pitched of the bowed string family of instruments. It usually has four or five strings and is tuned an octave lower than the [[cello]].

Although it is an integral part of the modern [[orchestra]] (a large [[symphony]] orchestra will normally have six to eight) there are no well-known works for it in the classical repertoire. It gives weight, and power and occasional rhythm.

==History==

It developed from the early [[baroque]] “violone”, and by early classical times was more numerous than cellos in orchestral ensembles. Boccherini wrote various quintets with double bass instead of two ‘cellos. It is also included in [[Schubert]]’s “Trout” Quintet, his Octet and Dvorak’s String Quintet.

The double bass's origins are still disputed. While generally considered a memeber of the [[violin]]amily, the double bass features several notable differences. Included among these differences is a slimmer design on the top of the instrument, deeper dimensions front to back, and tuning in fourths instead of fifths. Each of these charecteristics is more typical of the [[viol]] family rather than the violin. However, many still believe that the double bass was an original member of the violin family.

The double bass – called here “the bass” - has come into its own as the rhythm section in many modern bands as plucked instrument. Common styles featuring the bass (also known as an upright bass) include [[jazz]] and [[blues]], as well as some rock music.

==Playing the Double Bass==

The double bass is unique in the violin family that the instrument is played standing (though it can be played seated, it rarely is). The double bass is also different from the other string instruments in that the instrument is frequently plucked, rather than bowed. Orchestra music is most often bowed, but styles such as jazz and blues are almost exclusively plucked.

Playing the double bass can be very demanding due to the distance the player must move their hands along the instrument. The larger the string instrument, the larger the spacing between the notes. On a double bass, the spacings can be quite large, requiring the player to move their hands along the neck a great deal.

----

For the electric instrument, see [[Bass Guitar]]

[[Category:String Instruments]]

Cello

2009-01-07T16:30:50Z

MBBurke: article upgrade

[[Image:Cellotuning.PNG|thumb|right|Cello standard tunings]]
The '''cello''' (short for its formal name, ''violoncello''<ref>'''Not''' "viol'''i'''ncello;" the fifth letter is an o, not an i</ref>) is a low-pitched [[String Instruments|string instrument]] of the violin family. It often shares the melody, and sometimes harmonizes with, the [[Violin]] in a western [[orchestra]]. Its pitch range is similar to that of the human voice, giving it a warm and emotional quality.

==History==

The cello grew out of a member of the string family called the ‘viole de bracchio’ in the early 16th century, as a 3 stringed instrument. By the late 1600s the tuning of the modern cello, i.e. with four strings tuned an octave lower than the viola, had been adopted. Its size, which had fluctuated, was standardized by “Stradavari” in about 1710; and it was becoming an intrinsic part of the standard orchestra by that time. The spike that supports the instrument on the floor was introduced in the late 18th century but was not universally used until the late 19th.

In the modern cello’s repertoire, the first great work is the series of partitas for solo cello by J. S. Bach (though their greatness was not realised until Pablo Casals’ recordings in the 1930s.) In the post-baroque 18th century, a number of virtuoso players – foremost amongst them Boccherini - brought the instrument out of its normal support role in chamber music to be an equal in the string ensemble. Boccherini, Haydn and Mozart used it as the bass in their string quartets, and (usually) doubled up with it in quintets. It arrived as a concerto instrument with the three concertos by Haydn.

During the 19th century Beethoven wrote his five cello sonatas - the first serious music of their kind - and a concerto for piano, violin, cello and orchestra. Important sonatas were written by Mendelssohn (2), Chopin (1) and Brahms (3). Schumann and Dvorak’s concertos are firm favorites.

The 20th century has enjoyed important works for cello and orchestra by Elgar, Prokofiev, Shostakovich (2) and Britten; with those by Barber and Walton finding favour in concert halls. The solo repertoire has seen works by Reger and Kodaly.

With Casals, the most important exponent of the instrument in modern times has been Mstislav Rostropovich, who died in April 2007.

In popular music, the cello was used to good effect in the [[Beatles]]' songs ''Eleanor Rigby'' and ''I am the Walrus''- and has also recently crossed over into a more modern genre with the appearance of the band Apocalyptica in Finland and has come to international acclaim. Apocalyptica initially started off playing [[Metallica]] music on four cellos but have recently branched out into original pieces.

==Playing the Cello==

The cello difers from the violin and the [[viola]] in that the cello is usually played sitting down with the instrument supported on the ground by the endpin, rather than rested on the player's shoulder. The cello rests between the player's legs, with the neck rising above the left shoulder. The bow is drawn horizontally across the strings, but the terms "upbow" and "downbow" are still used. Many of the playing techniques from the violin, such as vibrato and the use of harmonics apply to the cello as well.

==Notable Works for the Cello==

* Bach - Suites for solo Cello
* Beethoven - Cello Sonatas; Variations on "''See the Conquering Hero''" in G
* Brahms - Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102; Cello Sonatas, opp. 38 and 99
* Chopin - Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65; Introduction and Polonaise for Cello in C
* Dvorak - Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
* ELgar - Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
* Haydn - Cello Concerto No.2 in D major, Hob. VIIb/2 Op. 101
* Schubert - Arpeggione Sonata
* Schumann - Cello Concerto in A minor
* Shostakovich - Cello Sonata Op. 40: Cello Concerto No.1, Op. 107
* Tchaikovsky - Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra
* Walton - Cello Concerto

==Notes and references==
<references/>

[[Category:String Instruments]]

Viola

2009-01-07T15:51:18Z

MBBurke: Significant article upgrade

The '''viola''' is one of the four main [[String Instruments]] that comprise a string [[orchestra]]. It serves as the alto voice of the violin family.

Though similar in shape to a [[violin]], the viola is slightly larger and lower in pitch by a perfect fifth. It is usually tuned from high to low, A D G C, an octave higher than the violoncello. The tone of the viola also sets it apart from the [[violin]], being less brilliant and warmer.

The viola has been the subject of many jokes because of its lesser role in orchestral music, implying that one does not require as much talent to play it. However, many musicians claim that the viola is actually more difficult to play and it has its own rewards.

==History==

The modern viola was developed around the same time as the violin, in the mid-fifteenth century. Originally thought to have been developed by Gaspara da Salo, earlier violas have been found proving this theory untrue. During the classical period of music, composers viewed the viola as a lesser instrument, writing music only out of a sense of tradition. It was not until the eighteen and nineteen hundreds that composers started to write better parts for violas, realizing the instrument could provide interesting music of its own.

==Viola Music==

Reading viola music can be difficult at first, even for experienced musicians, due to the fact that most viola music is written in alto clef (which is rarely used), rather than trebel or base clef. The different clef is difficult for musicians to transpose without practise.

The viola is typically assigned secondary parts in music, often harmonies without significant melodies assigned to the instrument. Chamber music, especially of the 1800s, is one notable exception, where the viola is often assigned significant parts. Even with extensive existing music, few modern composers write viola music.

==Playing the Viola==

The biggest differences between the viola and the smaller violin come primarily from the viola's larger size. Many techniques trasfer over from the violin to the viola with small adjustments for the larger size. The fingers are more widely spaced on the bridge, and the bow is slightly larger.

==Famous Viola Players==

*[[William Primrose]]
*[[Paul Hindemith]](who also composed for the instrument)
*[[Yuri Bashmet]]
*[[Nobuko Imay]]
*[[John Cale]]
*[[Whit Schroder]]
*[[Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown]](also a Texas [[blues]] violist and [[guitarist]]

Many famous violinists also play, or have played, the viola as a secondary instrument, such as
*[[Itzhak Perlman]]
*[[David Gilmour]]
*Sir Yehudi Menuhin.

==Notable Works for the Viola==
Some famous works for the viola include viola sonatas by Brahms, (Brahms' own transcriptions of his clarinet sonatas, op.120) and the works of English composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, (who studied the instrument)Benjamin Britten, Frank Bridge, Rebecca Clarke, and Arnold Bax, who used the unique tone of the instrument in their compositions.

Two major compositions for the instrument with orchestra that are regularly played are Berlioz's "Harold in Italy", a musical invocation of a part of Byron's epic "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage"; and William Walton's Viola Concerto, one of the great string concertos of the 20th century.

The viola was W. A. Mozart's instrument of choice when playing chamber music with his friends. His "Kegelstatt" Trio for piano, viola and clarinet is a rare example of this combination.

Dmitri Shostakovich's last work is his Viola Sonata.

* Hindemith - Viola Concerto "''Der Schwanendreher''" (1935)
* Walton - Concerto in A minor (1929)

[[Category:String Instruments]]

Violin

2009-01-07T15:25:10Z

MBBurke: Significant article upgrade

[[Image:Violinrange.PNG|thumb|right|Violin standard tuning]]
The '''violin''' is the smallest and highest pitched [[String Instruments|stringed instrument]] used in [[western orchestra|western orchestras]]. It has four strings, pitched G-D-A-E (from lowest to highest), which is an arrangement of the Circle of Fifths. The 'A' is pitched to Concert A at 440 Hz. Typically, a bow (''arco'') is drawn across the strings to produce a sound on the instrument, and a wide variety of bowing techniques can provide unique sounds, such as the bouncing ''spiccato'' or the broad ''legato''. The strings may also be plucked, similar to a [[mandolin]] or [[guitar]] (''pizzicato''), but only by the flesh of the finger (not with the aid of a plectrum).

An orchestra will typically contain two violin sections - a First and Second. Today the First Violins are usually situated at the front of the orchestra, immediately to the [[conductor]]'s left. The Second Violin section will be located adjacent to the Firsts. While there is no specific purpose for each section, the First Violin section will generally be given the [[melody]] in a musical work, and will generally play in a higher [[octave]] than the Seconds. The Seconds will either double the melody in a lower register, [[harmony|harmonize]] the melody, or contribute an effect to layer the orchestral sound.

==History==

The instrument developed in its current form the mid 1500s in Italy. Before the mid-fifteenth century, violins typically had three strings and had been used is in China, India, and the Middle East. The first four string violin was made by [[Andrea Amati]]. The most famous makers of violins include G.P. Maggini (1580-1632), the Amati family of Cremona (1500-1740), the Guarneri del Gesù family of Venice (1626-1744), Jacob Stainer of the Austrian Tyrol and, above all, Antonio Stradivari. The violins by those makers are very highly regarded and still used by the greatest players. Almost all new violins are made to follow the patterns of these old masters, although some adaptations have been made to support the metal strings and higher pitches of modern performance, most significantly lengthening the neck of the violin.
Famous violinists include Niccolò Paganini, Joseph Joachim, Jascha Heifetz, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Joshua Bell, Nigel Kennedy, Hilary Hahn, and Igor Oistrakh.

The violin is also used in folk and popular music and is traditionally called a [[fiddle]]. It is just as valid a name as "violin"; in fact both words have a common origin: both derived from the Latin ''vitula,'' by separate paths.<ref>[http://www.cello.org/Newsletter/Articles/celloetymology.htm The Etymology of the Words Violin and Cello]</ref> Because it is often used to accompany dance, it gained the nickname 'the devil's instrument'. In fact, the violin has always been used for both sacred and secular music. It has spread throughout the world and everywhere it goes it is adapted to the local musical styles.

==Strings==

Before the widespread use of synthetic materials, violins used strings made of a fibrous material called ''catgut''. Catgut is derived from the intestines of sheep - not cats, as implied by the name. In modern times, most violinists prefer metal strings, typically a nickel core wrapped with an alloy to prevent corrosion and to achieve a desired tension; it's also not uncommon for a violinist to use a gold-plated or gold-cored E-string to provide a richer tone in the highest registers of the instrument. A small group of violinists, particularly those involved with recreating and reviving traditional [[Baroque]] sounds, will opt to play with the older catgut strings. While it is regarded as the smallest of the string family, there are even smaller versions intended for instruction for children.

==Playing the Violin==

The standard violin is played holding the instrument under the chin and drawing the bow across the strings with the right hand. The left hand manipulates the fingerboard, producing different notes. Some notable techniques for the violin include:

'''Vibrato'''

Vibrato is a technique were the violinist creates a pulsing rhthym with the left hand. By moving the parts of the left hand and arm the pitch of the note varies slightly. Vibrato is often added to violin parts for different effects. Earlier music, most notably in the [[Baroque]] period, used very little vibrato, while most modern music uses vibrato extensively.

'''Double Stops'''

A double stop involves playing two strings simultaneously, producing notes of a [[chord]]. Three and four strings may also be played, producing triple and quadruple stops, respectively.

'''Harmonics'''

Harmonics are produced by lightly touching a harmonic node with the left finger. This creates a higher pitch sound than would normally be produced on the string. Harmonics are found at even intervals along the string; the second harmonic is at the halfway point on the string, the third harmonic is at 1/3rd intervals, and so on.

==Bowing Techniques==

In addition to playing techniques achieved mostly with the left hand, there exist several different bowing techniques that can be achieved with the right, bowing hand.

'''Pizzicato'''

[[Pizzicato]] refers to plucking an open string with the right hand, rather than drawing the bow across the string. This is often marked in music by the word ''pizz''. Some string instruments, such as the [[harp]] are played exclusively by pizzicato.

'''Spiccato'''

Spiccato is a bowing technique where the bow is bounced lightly on the string. The bow is held above the string, and the resulting bouncing produces short, distinct notes. Spiccato is often used in fast passages so individual notes can be heard distinctly.

==Notable works for violin==

* [[Bach]] - Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041; Concerto in E major, BWV 1042; Concerto in D minor (2 violins), BWV 1043; 6 Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
* [[Barber]] - Concerto, op. 14
* [[Bartok]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2
* [[Beethoven]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61; Romances for violin and orchestra; 10 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Brahms]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77; 3 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Bruch]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; Concerto No. 3
* [[Mendelssohn]] - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
* [[Mozart]] - Violin Concertos 1-5; 14 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Prokofiev]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; 2 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Stravinsky]] - Violin Concerto in D
* [[Tchaikovsky]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35

==See also==
*[[Fiddle]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:String Instruments]]

Tax cuts

2009-01-07T14:58:56Z

MBBurke:

'''Tax cuts''' provide a stimulus to the economy, because they reduce the cost of doing business and allow ordinary citizens to spend or save or invest more of their own money. Often cutting a tax rate will, paradoxically, result in a net increase of [[tax revenue]]. The best example is the tax on [[capital gains]]. This phenomenon is described by the [[Laffer curve]], which states there exists a point when increasing taxes actually decreases tax revenue.
[[Category:Economics]]
[[Category:Department of the Treasury]]

Musical instrument

2009-01-06T22:48:56Z

MBBurke: /* Strings */

A '''musical instrument''' is a (typically) [[man-made]] device for the creation and propagation of sound waves that are deemed to be pleasant in some way. People use musical instruments to play [[music]] alone, or in groups, for their own pleasure or for [[audience]]s.

Musical instruments are many and varied. The ones used in classical music are divided into four broad categories - the [[Reed instruments|woodwind]]s, [[String instruments|strings]], [[Brass instruments|brass]] and [[Percussion instruments|percussion]]. Folk music has its own broad range of instruments, including such well known ones as the banjo. Modern popular music often includes amplified ("electric") instruments such as the electric guitar, bass and keyboards, and even the use of record playing turntables as instruments in themselves.

The earliest musical instruments were likely to have been natural objects that resonated in some way when struck or beaten.

There is still a category of instruments which are essentially objects designed for other purposes but used this way, sometimes with humorous intent - these include the washboard, the pocket comb with tissue paper, and the spoons.

The following is a list, which may never be complete, of musical instruments. It is divided into "acoustic" and "electric" sections.

==Acoustic Instruments==
===Strings===
*[[Banjo]]
*[[Bass]]
*[[Cello]]
*[[Guitar]]
*[[Viola]]
*[[Violin]]

===Brass===
*[[French Horn]] (also simply Horn)
*[[Trombone]]
*[[Trumpet]]
*[[Tuba]]

===Woodwinds===
*[[Bassoon]]
*[[Clarinet]]
*[[Flageolet]]
*[[Flute]]
*[[Great Highland Bagpipe]]
*[[Harmonica]]
*[[Oboe]]
*[[Pan Pipes]]
*[[Recorder]]
*[[Saxophone]]
*[[Uillean Pipes]]
*[[Ocarina]]

===Percussion===
*[[Drums]]
*[[Glockenspiel]]
*[[Harpsichord]]
*[[Piano]]
*[[Pipe organ]]
*[[Tambourine]]
*[[Tin Whistle]]
*[[Vibraphone]] ("Vibes")

==Electric Instruments==

*[[Bass Guitar|Bass]]
*[[Guitar]]
*Various [[keyboard]] instruments
*[[Synthesizer]]
*Some would consider the [[tape recorder]] to be an instrument.
*[[Theremin]]
*[[Turntable]]

Note that in addition to these, many of the acoustic instruments above can be fitted with various forms of pickups, essentially making them electric instruments, as their sound is then very different from what a microphone would record.

== See also ==

*[[Classical music]]
*[[Maurice Ravel]]

[[category:Musical Instruments]]
[[category:Technology]]

Vibraphone

2009-01-06T22:44:49Z

MBBurke: New page: The '''Vibraphone''', sometimes just called the '''vibes''' is a mallet instrument in the percussion family, commonly used in Jazz music. Vibraphones look similar to a xylophone or marimb...

The '''Vibraphone''', sometimes just called the '''vibes''' is a mallet instrument in the percussion family, commonly used in Jazz music. Vibraphones look similar to a xylophone or marimba, but have aluminum bars and uses a sustain pedal to achieve different harmonic affects.

The first vibraphone was developed in 1921 in the United States. The design was changed significantly from 1921 until it was more or less finalized in 1928.

Typical vibraphones have a range of three octaves, begining from the F below middle C, though other sizes are available.

==Notable Vibraphone Performers==
Peter Appleyard

Tito Puente

Gloria Parker

Terry Gibbs

Talk:Friendly dictator

2009-01-06T22:32:47Z

MBBurke: /* Moral Relativity */

==Moral Relativity==

I'm wondering if the following section that was recently added would be a case of [[Moral relativity]] whether one holds a conservative or liberal point of view:

:''"In debates over American foreign policy, liberals and conservatives differed over whether it was better to withdraw support for their regimes (on human rights grounds) or to support them as the lesser of two evils."''
It seems that if a conservative can accept a friendly dictator as the lesser of two evils (especially when the alternatives are '''far''' worse), then this is a refutation of these statements in the CP article on [[Moral relativity]]:

*"Moral relativity is the wrongheaded idea that there is no absolute Right or Wrong, and that anyone can freely use his own conscience to decide what is moral."
*"Unsurprisingly, moral relativity is exclusively a liberal belief, as conservatives believe that God is the ultimate arbiter of Good and Evil"

I'm bringing this up because I think that the comments regarding the lesser of two evils in this article are correct, and that a revision to the article on [[Moral relativity]] is required instead. Morality goes hand-in-hand with the use of reason, and it is the responsibility of each of us to determine what the most moral course of action is when the available choices are not simple, black/white or good/evil ones. For example, if a person took the time to carefully study and consider the history of Iran and the Middle East, he might conclude that supporting the Shah was the the better moral option than allowing a radical fundamentalist government to replace him, despite the known problems with the Shah. Supporting a man who controlled an abusive secret police force is not an absolute 'right' position, so supporting the Shah over Khomeini is by definition a practical compromise with the intent of making the most moral decision possible given the options available.

I wanted to bring this point up here instead of on the [[Moral relativity]] page because of the context, and based on the feedback here suggest changes to that article on its Talk page. Thanks. --[[User:DinsdaleP|DinsdaleP]] 17:16, 6 January 2009 (EST)
:Neither page needs to be revised. Absolute morals do exist, and are decided by God, not people. Dealing with the Shah was right, because the alternative was wrong.[[User:MBBurke|MBBurke]] 17:32, 6 January 2009 (EST)

Rudiments

2009-01-06T18:38:36Z

MBBurke:

'''Rudiments''' are the basic techniques and sticking patterns used in [[snare drum]] playing. Originally they included 13 "essential" rudiments, but have since been added to. 13 rudiments were added, then an additional 14 to complete the 40 rudiments. They include:

1. Single stroke roll

2. Single stroke four

3. Single stroke seven

4. Multiple bounce roll

5. Triple stroke roll

6. Double stroke open roll

7. Five stroke roll RRLLR or LLRRL

8. Six stroke roll

9. Seven stroke roll

10. Nine stroke roll : RRLLRRLLR or LLRRLLRRL

11. Ten stroke roll

12. Eleven stroke roll

13. Thirteen stroke roll

14. Fifteen stroke roll

15. Seventeed stroke roll

16. Single paradiddle : RLRR or LRLL

17. Double paradiddle : RLRLRR or LRLRLL

18. Triple paradiddle

19. Paradiddle-Diddle

20. Flam : LR or RL

21. Flam accent

22. Flam tap

23. Flamacue

24. Flam paradiddle

25. Single flammed mill

26. Flam Paradiddle-diddle

27. Pataflafla

28. Swiss army triplet

29. Inverted flam tap

30. Flam drag

31. Drag

32. Single drag tap

33. Double drag tap

34. Lesson 25

35. Single dragadiddle

36. Drag paradiddle #1

37. Drag paradiddle #2

38. Single ratamacue

39. Double ratamacue

40. Triple ratamacue

[[category:musical terms]]

Flat (music)

2009-01-06T17:23:32Z

MBBurke:

In music, '''flat''' means that a given tone should be one [[semitone]] lower than usual. Thus, D-flat is one semitone below D. On a piano the flat is one key lower than the base note. A B-flat is the black key below B.

In many cases, a flat note will be the same tone as the [[Sharp (music)|sharp]] note of the note below. For example, D-flat is the same tone as C-sharp. It is important to distinguish between them, however, since they will have different positions in the [[harmonic structure]] of the music.

In some rare cases, one will see a '''double flat'''. This means that the tone must be lowered by two semitones, or one full tone.

In [[musical notation]], flat is indicated by the symbol '♭', and double flat by '♭♭'.

[[category:musical terms]]

Sharp (music)

2009-01-06T17:22:07Z

MBBurke:

In music, '''sharp''' means that a given tone should be one [[semitone]] higher than usual. Thus, C-sharp is one semitone above C. Sharp keys on a piano will be one key higer than the base note; C-sharp is the black key above C, while E-sharp is actually F.

In many cases, a sharp note will be the same tone as the [[Flat (music)|flat]] note of the note above. For example, C-sharp is the same tone as D-flat. It is important to distinguish between them, however, since they will have different positions in the [[harmonic structure]] of the music.

In some rare cases, one will see a '''double sharp'''. This means that the tone must be raised by two semitones, or one full tone.

In [[musical notation]], sharp is indicated by the symbol '♯', and double sharp by 'x'.

[[category:musical terms]]

Cadenza

2009-01-06T17:18:39Z

MBBurke:

A '''Cadenza''' is a parenthetic flourish in a solo piece commonly just before a final or other important [[cadence]]. In a concerto, a cadenza will often have the orchestra stop playing while the soloist performs alone. While cadenzas were originally improvised, modern music typically writes out the cadenza portion.

'''Notable Cadenzas'''

Beethoven's "Emporor" Concerto

Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto

Tartini's "Devil's Trill" Sonata
[[Category:Musical terms]]

Cadenza

2009-01-06T17:18:00Z

MBBurke:

A '''Cadenza''' is a parenthetic flourish in a solo piece commonly just before a final or other important [[cadence]]. In a concerto, a cadenza will often have the orchestra stop playing while the soloist performs alone. While cadenzas were originally improvised, modern music typically writes out the cadenza portion.

'''Notable Cadenzas'''

Beethoven's "Emporor" Concerto
Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto
Tartini's "Devil's Trill" Sonata
[[Category:Musical terms]]

Arpeggio

2009-01-06T17:05:03Z

MBBurke:

An '''arpeggio''' is also known as a broken chord, with notes being played in sequence rather than together. The word arpeggio means "In the manner of the harp". For example, a tonic C arpeggio could be played with the first, third and fifth notes of a chord. In this example, the arpeggio could be played C, E, G, C.[[Image:Bach Arpeggio.PNG|thumbnail|632px|194px|'''Arpeggio''' from one of [[Bach]]'s compositions]]

[[Category:Musical terms]]

User:MBBurke

2009-01-06T16:50:38Z

MBBurke: New page: Hi, I'm new to Conservapedia. I'm a stock broker from Chicago, and my main hobby is playing violin for my church choir. I look forward to improving this encyclopedia.

Hi, I'm new to Conservapedia. I'm a stock broker from Chicago, and my main hobby is playing violin for my church choir. I look forward to improving this encyclopedia.