Candidates responded poorly to this question.  They did not demonstrate an understanding of the position of the violin in an orchestra.  Some candidates wrongfully identified violin as a Bass instrument.  This is an indication that candidates lack an understanding of the range, tuning, character, physical structure and harmonic section of the instruments of the string family.  These made them to lose ample marks, since they were expected to respond to the question in the following manner:

(a)        -     used as solo instrument in the orchestra;
            -     used for special effects such as tremolo, pizzicato, trills, scales, ornaments;
            -     plays the topmost part of the music;
            -     can function as accompaniment.

(b)        Its small size gives it the ability of producing very bright sound and
            high pitched tones.

(c)        -    the violin is smaller in size than the violoncello;

• the violin plays higher notes than the violoncello;
• music is written for the violin on the treble stave while it is written on the bass stave for violoncello.
• violin is held between the shoulder and the chin when playing whereas violoncello is placed between the legs in a sitting position.

(d)       Flute (Melodic Range) \ Trumpet (Intervallic Range)