What is the range of a vibraphone?

Prepare for the National Board Music Test. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each query has detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

The range of a vibraphone extends from F3 to F6, making this choice accurate. This range covers three octaves and is characteristic of the instrument's design, allowing it to produce a warm, resonant sound across its notes. The lower limit, F3, functions well for lower melodic lines and harmonic support, while the upper limit, F6, facilitates high, bright passages that are often utilized in solo performances and melodic interpretations.

Other options do not correctly reflect the instrument's full span. For example, the range C4-C7 is broader than what the vibraphone can achieve; it includes notes that exceed the instrument's capabilities. Similarly, A3-B8 and E2-E5 also extend beyond the defined parameters of the vibraphone's available pitches, confirming that its true range is indeed from F3 to F6. Understanding this range is essential for performers and composers when writing music for the vibraphone, as it informs what notes are possible and how pieces can be effectively arranged for the instrument.

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