Pizzicato is a vital part of string playing, offering unique tone colors and expressive possibilities, yet it often receives far less attention than bow strokes in rehearsals. Many students and directors focus on bowing techniques, overlooking the subtle artistry required to produce clear, balanced, and musical pizzicato within an ensemble. Led by experienced professional performer-directors, this session spotlights the essential techniques behind great pizzicato playing for both upper and lower strings. We’ll share practical strategies for exploring different finger choices and contact points, and for creating a range of timbres and characters, using exercises and repertoire examples that can be adapted to any experience level. Join us (with or without your instruments) to discover actionable tips and techniques for elevating your orchestra’s plucked sound, strengthening section cohesion, and inspiring greater musicality in every player!