Q: I would like to try my hand at writing some parts for instruments but don’t know the ranges. Help!
A: We are delighted that you want to add to your hymns by writing your own instrumental parts and descants. Here are some ranges of different instruments:
- Violin: G below middle C to G, two octaves and a fifth above middle C
- Viola: C below middle C to C, two octaves above middle C
- Cello: C, two octaves below middle C, to G, one octave and a fifth above middle C
- Bass: C, two octaves below middle C, to C, one octave above middle C
- Flute: middle C to G, two octaves and a fifth above middle C
- Oboe: B-flat below middle C to D, two octaves and a major second above middle C
- Clarinet: G below middle C to C, two octaves above middle C (Remember that the clarinet sounds a major second below what is written!)
- Trumpet: middle C to G, two octaves and a fifth above middle C (Remember that a Bb-trumpet sounds a major second below what is written!)
- Trombone: G, one octave and a fourth below middle C, to F above middle C
- Horn: G below middle C to G, one octave and a fifth above middle C (Remember that the horn sounds a fifth lower than written!)
- Tuba: C, two octaves below middle C, to middle C
