Transposing Instrument Basics

Sam and Bethany are in a band. Sam, who plays the clarinet in B flat, plays the note F. What note do we actually hear when he plays?

• E flat

• E

• F

• G flat

• G

Answer explanation

The clarinet in B flat SOUNDS a tone (major 2nd) LOWER than what is written on the page.

Lula, Mira, and Sophia are in a music class. They are learning about different musical instruments. They noticed that the standard clarinet and trumpet have one thing in common. What is it?

• Both instruments have keys

• Both instruments have cylindrical bells

• Both instruments sound in the same key

• The modern version of both instruments appeared in the Classical period

• Both instruments are in concert pitch

Louis play the horn, a transposing instrument. When he plays a note on his horn, it sounds different from what appears on the sheet music. It sounds (a)  

Tara and Luca are members of Birdland Jazz Orchestra.

During a rehearsal, Mr Bourgault is reading his conductors score, which is written in F# minor.

What key will Tara & Luca's part be written in?

• G# minor

• F# minor

• G minor

• A major

• E minor

If this is what the audience hears, what will Bethany see on her part?

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Holly doesn't usually read bass clef when playing her viola.

Which version of this melody is correctly notated for Holly to read?

(note: it should be written as it would sound)

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During a music class, Mardi told everyone that the double bass is not a transposing instrument.

Is this statement true or false?

• True

• False

Lula (playing guitar) and Harper (playing flute) were reading from the same music written in the treble clef.

Did the two instruments sound at the same pitch?

• Yes

• No

Yuna was Mozart's Symphony in G minor in symphony orchestra.

Which score would she have been reading?

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Mrs Walker wanted the orchestra to tune using concert pitch A.

What note will the trumpets play?

• G

• A

• B flat

• B

• C