{"id":24156,"date":"2023-03-22T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T09:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=24156"},"modified":"2026-05-05T15:26:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T14:26:25","slug":"instruments-of-the-orchestra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/","title":{"rendered":"Instruments of the Orchestra\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Instrument_families\" >Instrument families\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#What_are_the_instruments_of_the_orchestra\" >What are the instruments of the orchestra?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Strings\" >Strings\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Woodwind\" >Woodwind\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Brass\" >Brass\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Percussion\" >Percussion\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#What_is_the_layout_of_the_orchestra\" >What is the layout of the orchestra?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#FAQs\" >FAQs\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#What_are_the_main_5_instruments\" >What are the main 5 instruments?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#How_many_instruments_are_in_an_orchestra\" >How many instruments are in an orchestra?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#What_is_the_order_of_instruments_in_an_orchestra\" >What is the order of instruments in an orchestra?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/instruments-of-the-orchestra\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many instruments in an orchestra which, when combined, can produce an almost infinite variety of sounds. Composers have used orchestras to make pieces of music for hundreds of years.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Large orchestras can have over 70 players across a range of at least 15 different instruments, although there are many less common instruments that are sometimes called for. So, what exactly are the\u00a0<strong>instruments of the orchestra<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Instrument families &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instrument_families\"><\/span><strong>Instrument families\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The instruments of the orchestra are split into four families:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:765,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:765,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwind<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:765,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brass<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:765,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These are grouped by sound and characteristics. Strings instruments are played by plucking and bowing strings. Woodwinds require you to blow through reeds to make sounds (the flute and piccolo are exceptions to this). Brass instruments, apart from the trombone, have long, coiled brass pipes with valves to alter the notes. Percussion is any instrument that involves hitting something.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What are the instruments of the orchestra?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_instruments_of_the_orchestra\"><\/span><strong>What are the instruments of the orchestra?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strings\"><\/span><strong>Strings\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24308 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Stentor Student 2 violin \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The string section is the biggest part of the orchestra. Large symphony orchestras can have over 40 players in their string sections! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally, apart from the harp, they\u2019re played with a bow, a technique known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">arco<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and sometimes they\u2019re plucked, known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pizzicato<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the string family, there are:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Violin<\/li>\n<li>Viola<\/li>\n<li>Cello<\/li>\n<li>Double bass<\/li>\n<li>Harp<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s go over some of these individual instruments in a bit more detail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Violin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The violin is the highest-pitched instrument in the string section. It\u2019s also the smallest string instrument. Violins have four strings, tuned G-D-A-E (from low to high). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violinists often play the lead melodies and upper notes in harmonies in pieces of music. There are so many of them that they&#8217;re split into two sections: first violins (violin 1) and second violins (violin 2). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A very famous violin piece is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UcL0IsklM3M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paganini\u2019s &#8220;Violin Caprice No. 24&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>, and if this inspires you and you fancy picking up the violin, <span data-contrast=\"auto\">check out the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Stentor-Student-2-Violin-Outfit-Full-Size\/UQD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stentor Student 2<\/a><\/strong>. Stentor are a very popular brand for great quality beginners\u2019 instruments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><strong>Viola<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The viola looks almost identical to the violin with the only differences being that it\u2019s slightly larger and has different strings. A viola\u2019s strings are C-G-D-A (from high to low). This is exactly one octave higher than a cello\u2019s strings.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Viola players often play the middle notes in harmonies or lower-pitched <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">alto <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">melodies. In fact, violas don\u2019t generally use the treble clef like violins, they use the alto clef. This clef better suits the range of the viola and is easier to read when playing the instrument.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A great piece that features the viola is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1ut2jbALbNc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handel\u2019s &#8220;Passacaglia in G minor&#8221;<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> arranged for violin and viola.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stentor also make violas! Their <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Stentor-Messina-Viola-155-Instrument-Only\/3IB2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Messina viola<\/a><\/strong> is a great instrument that features a handmade construction.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Cello<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24306 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"the body of a cello\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The cello, short for violoncello, is the first instrument in the string section to be played upright, rather than on the shoulder like the violin and viola. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellists sit on a chair with the cello sat in between their legs, and the strings are tuned to C-G-D-A &#8211; an octave lower than the viola.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellos tend to play in the upper bass range of music, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tenor. <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They also usually play in bass clef, but cellos have an impressive range which can go up into violin territory! One of the most famous cello pieces is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ml14kGHCBg0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bach\u2019s &#8220;1st Cello Suite&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to see a great quality cello then the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Eastman-Master-Cello-Outfit-with-Gold-Level-Set-Up\/1L49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastman Master<\/a><\/strong> is a brilliant example.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Double bass<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The double bass, often simply known as the bass, is the largest and deepest of the string family. It is played in an upright position much like the cello, but bassists will often stand or sit on a high stool. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A brilliant piece featuring the bass is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ug8hCAyBaqg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;The Elephant&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">from <em>Carnival of the Animals<\/em> by <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saint-Sa\u00ebns, and if this has inspired you, we<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sell <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Student-3-4-Double-Bass-by-Gear4music\/1O1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our own double bass<\/a><\/strong> that\u2019s ideal for students.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Harp<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The harp is a less common instrument in the orchestra but is still often called for. Concert harps are massive, with a huge number of strings and a complex series of pedals that allow the harpist to access any note they need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/string-instruments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">String instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Woodwind\"><\/span><strong>Woodwind\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24311 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Pearl 525E Quantz Flute\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Woodwind instruments get their name from their traditional wooden construction. Some instruments, such as clarinets and the occasional flute, are still constructed from wood. However, modern materials, such as brass, silver\/nickel, and even ABS plastic are more commonly used. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwind players can often play <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">other instruments that are sometimes needed, but not all the time. For example, flautists may also play the piccolo, clarinettists may double on the bass clarinet, oboe players may be proficient on the cor anglais, and bassoonists may be able to play the contrabassoon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the woodwind family, there are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flute<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piccolo<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarinet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass clarinet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saxophone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oboe<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cor anglais<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bassoon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contrabassoon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Flute and piccolo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first two instruments, which are slightly different to the rest, are the <\/span>flute <span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span> piccolo.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span>flute <span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a primarily melodic instrument in the woodwind family. It has a soft, airy sound and is played by blowing air across its mouthpiece. You then press down the keys to alter the pitches of notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous solo featuring the flute is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=k5Rl_poZ1aI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">opening to &#8220;Bolero&#8221; by Ravel<\/a><\/strong>, and the<span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Yamaha-YFL212-Student-Model-Flute\/1JD9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Yamaha YFL212<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is a great example of a typical orchestral flute.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span>piccolo is <span data-contrast=\"auto\">very similar to the flute,\u00a0 however, it\u2019s much smaller and plays an octave higher. Piccolos are usually called for very high passages of music.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond the flute and piccolo, the rest of the instruments are <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reed instruments<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hese can be split into <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">single reeds<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doubl<\/span><\/b><strong>e reeds<\/strong>, which are similar in <span data-contrast=\"auto\">that they both produce sound from the vibration of reeds.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Single reeds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24309 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><\/b>Single reed <span data-contrast=\"auto\">instruments have a mouthpiece to which a reed is attached. Air is then forced between the reed and the mouthpiece.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">clarinet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a popular instrument with one reed. It\u2019s played in a vertical position and you change notes by pressing keys down, like the flute. Clarinets are usually tuned to Bb but clarinets in A are also quite common in orchestral music. Mozart wrote a very famous <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YT_63UntRJE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">concerto featuring the clarinet<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Buffet is a very popular maker of clarinets. Their <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet\/1HG0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prodige Bb clarinet<\/a><\/strong> sits alongside the popular <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet\/1HG0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B12 clarinet<\/a> <\/strong>in their student range, which has been a staple of learner instruments for many years. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bass clarinet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is pretty much what you\u2019d expect from the name: a much deeper clarinet. It\u2019s an interesting shape as it\u2019s quite long and has a curved <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bell <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(where the sound comes out), similar to a saxophone. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/rP42C-4zL3w?t=87\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This section in the intro to Stravinsky\u2019s &#8220;Rite of Spring&#8221;<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> features some prominent bass clarinet parts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saxophones <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are a whole family of instruments in themselves. They\u2019re all fundamentally similar, though. Saxophones were traditionally not used in orchestral music due to misconceptions about them \u201cnot blending\u201d with the other instruments. However, modern compositions often include saxophones.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glazunov wrote a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=60rTUl9091E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">concerto for saxophone<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> which is a popular piece for saxophonists.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Double reeds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Double-reed <span data-contrast=\"auto\">instruments have two reeds attached together at the base. These reeds are placed into the mouth and blown through to produce sounds.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oboe <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is the highest-pitched double-reed instrument in the orchestra. The name derives from the French word, &#8220;hautbois&#8221;, meaning \u201chigh wood\u201d. It has a pure tone which carries very well, and so an oboe is often used to play an A when the orchestra is tuning. A famous use of the oboe is in <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cNQFB0TDfY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Swan Lake<\/em> by Tchaikovsky<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A similar instrument is the <strong>c<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or anglais<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">English horn, <\/span><\/b>which ironically is neither English nor a horn. <span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is a slightly larger instrument with a bulbous end that gives it its unique sound. A renowned cor anglais tune is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mJTIMlwQT_A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3rd section of the <em>William Tell<\/em> Overture by Rossini<\/a><\/strong>.<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The bass section of the double reeds is served by the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bassoon <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">contrabassoon<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They&#8217;re both very similar in construction and sound, but the contrabassoon is an octave lower than the bassoon. A famous example of the bassoon is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4nMUr8Rt2AI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;In the Hall of the Mountain King&#8221; by Grieg<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/woodwind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Woodwind instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Brass\"><\/span><strong>Brass\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24312 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Besson BE111 New Standard Bb Trumpet, Clear Lacquer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Brass instruments all have a similar construction. They consist of a pipe which you blow air through to make a sound. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A series of valves can then be pressed to alter the notes played, the only exception is the trombone, which uses a slide instead. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All brass instruments have a mouthpiece on which you make a raspberry-like sound with your lips. This is known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">buzzing.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the orchestral brass family, there are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trumpet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trombone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass trombone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">French horn<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tuba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Trumpet<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span>trumpet <span data-contrast=\"auto\">is probably the most well-known of the brass instruments. It\u2019s also one of the loudest instruments in an orchestra \u2013 a single trumpet player can be louder than an entire string section! Trumpets are well known for their fanfare-like sound and are used as a leading instrument with lots of melodic parts. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous excerpt for trumpets is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mVjHOp2SFfU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">opening to Mahler\u2019s 5th Symphony<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re interested in playing the trumpet then the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer\/1IGF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Besson BE111<\/a><\/strong> is a great instrument to start off with.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Trombone<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24314 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Bb\/F Tenor Trombone by Gear4music\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The t<\/span>rombone<span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also more specifically referred to as a <\/span>tenor trombone<span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is a lower-pitched brass instrument that uses a slide to get different notes. Trombones have a very powerful sound when played loudly, but also a very mellow sound when played softly. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music\/58I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our Bb\/F Tenor Trombone<\/a><\/strong> is a good example of a tenor trombone. It also has a trigger to change the instrument&#8217;s key, allowing you to access more notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bass trombone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a lower-pitched trombone that plays the bass lines of the brass section.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous orchestral excerpt for all the trombones is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6kZxhgO_ZmI?t=241\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the storm section from Rossini\u2019s <em>William Tell<\/em> Overture<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>French horn<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>French horns <span data-contrast=\"auto\">consist of a tightly coiled pipe that is extremely long, about 18 feet, making it one of the longest brass instruments in terms of pipe length! They have an extremely wide range, from quite a deep bass to high melodies. Horns are extremely popular in film music, especially for heroic melodies in their mid-range. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mahler uses the horns in <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/sA7BPdZgxGk?t=79\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the opening to his 3rd symphony<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, you can hear how his music has influenced film scores!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Hans-Hoyer-801A-1-0-Double-French-Horn-Detachable-Bell\/1M1U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hans Hoyer 801A 1-0<\/a><\/strong> is a great quality double horn that, like our Bb\/F trombone, has a lever which alters the key for access to more notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Tuba<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The tuba<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is the largest and deepest brass instrument. It fulfils the main bass role in the brass section and often plays similar parts to the double bass.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous example of a tuba part (with double bass) is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jPI420hngqw?t=404\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this section of Wagner\u2019s Overture to <em>Die Meistersinger von N\u00fcrnberg<\/em><\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/brass-instruments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brass instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Percussion\"><\/span><strong>Percussion\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion instruments are all the instruments that you hit! They can include <strong>unpitched <\/strong>percussion, such as most drums, and <strong>pitched<\/strong>, like the xylophone. The main difference is that you can play tunes or chords on a pitched percussion instrument, but you can\u2019t on unpitched percussion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within pitched percussion, there are keyboard instruments. These have a series of metal or wooden blocks laid out like a piano. Chords and melodies can be played on these using up to four mallets (two in either hand).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A larger orchestra usually has at least a couple of percussionists. One percussionist is always sat at the timpani and the rest are usually divided between the rest of the required percussion instruments. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24316 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Premier Concert 29&quot; Pedal Timpani Polished Copper \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the percussion family, the main instruments are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unpitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snare drum<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass drum<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gong<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cymbals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Triangle<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chimes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Xylophone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marimba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glockenspiel<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vibraphone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misc<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unpitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">snare drum <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provides a bit of noise and crunch to the percussion section. It\u2019s just like the snare you\u2019d hear in pop music or jazz. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Orchestral<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> bass drums<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are generally much larger than the bass drums you\u2019d see in a drum kit. They\u2019re often mounted on a metal frame and struck with a large soft mallet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gongs <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are what you stereotypically would hear to announce dinner. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tam-tams<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are large, suspended gongs that are commonly used in orchestras.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cymbals <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are similar to their counterparts in a drum kit. A percussionist will usually hold a cymbal in either hand and then crash them together. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24319 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"the Premier logo on the Concert Pedal Timpani\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">triangle <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is often used for its piercing sound which can carry surprisingly well for such a small instrument. It\u2019s often considered easy to play but many pieces for orchestra can be very complex. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also known as kettledrums or \u201ctimps\u201d, are large, pitched drums that are tuned to very deep notes. Most timpani have pedals that can be used to alter the pitch. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fun fact: &#8220;timpani&#8221; is actually the word for a set of timps. A single drum is called a &#8220;timpano&#8221;!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani can be very versatile when used well and can even play melodies! At the start of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3aXsQQ-ueBk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8220;Jupiter&#8221;<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> from Holst\u2019s <em>The Planets<\/em>, the timpani can be heard playing the introductory melody.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We sell timpani from Premier such as this <strong><a href=\"\/Drums-and-Percussion\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper\/3YRO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">29\u201d Concert timpano<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chimes<\/span><\/b>, <span data-contrast=\"auto\">also known as tubular bells, are a series of metal tubes that range in pitch and can be used to play melodies. A famous example of chimes is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BfWJqKIxyGc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tubular Bells<\/span><\/b><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">from the movie<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The Exorcist.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong>x<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ylophone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a keyboard percussion instrument that uses wooden blocks.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marimbas <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have wooden blocks like the xylophone, however, they&#8217;re usually deeper and have a drier sound. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">glockenspiel <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a keyboard percussion instrument with metal blocks for a high-pitched sound. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vibraphones <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are similar to a glockenspiel but they have a motor that spins disks on the resonators underneath the blocks to create a vibrato sound. They also can play extremely long sustained notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misc<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">piano <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is often hard to categorise in the orchestra, some say it lives in its own section. It&#8217;s most commonly regarded as being a percussion instrument due to the use of internal hammers that hit strings when keys are pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/percussion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Percussion instruments<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\/piano-types\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Piano<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What is the layout of the orchestra? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_layout_of_the_orchestra\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the layout of the orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The orchestra is usually laid out in relation to the conductor, who stands in the front centre. There are numerous layouts that an orchestra can have but we\u2019ll take you through the most seen layout. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In a nutshell, the strings are usually directly in front of the conductor with the woodwinds and brass just behind them. At the very back is the percussion section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">Let&#8217;s go into more detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first and second violins take up most of the left half of the string section, and on the right are the violas and cellos. Behind the cellos are the basses. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwinds are usually more centred, with the flutes and oboes in one row and the clarinets and bassoons behind. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The brass section is laid out behind the woodwinds. French horns are sat on the far left, with the trumpets next to them. Then we have the trombones, and on the far right are tubas. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion doesn\u2019t usually have a definite layout as the instruments are often set up to be most convenient to the percussionists. The only exception is with the timpani. Timpani are usually sat towards the left of the conductor, right at the back of the orchestra. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24299 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout.jpg\" alt=\"Orchestra layout\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout-480x480.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_main_5_instruments\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the main 5 instruments?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The five main groups of instruments are strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboards. However, percussion and keyboards are often grouped together as many keyboard instruments used in orchestras involve the striking of strings or bells with hammers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_instruments_are_in_an_orchestra\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How many instruments are in an orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A large orchestra can have 80 to 100 players, while smaller orchestras tend to have 40 to 50 musicians. These are split across at least 15 different instruments from all the families.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_order_of_instruments_in_an_orchestra\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the order of instruments in an orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The score order of an orchestra is grouped by family, starting with woodwind, then brass, percussion (keyboards too), and strings. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From the top, the individual instruments are:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flutes (and piccolos when needed)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oboes (and cor anglais when needed)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarinets (and bass clarinets)\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bassoons (with contrabassoons)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Horns<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trumpets<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trombones<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tuba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other instruments (usually harp then piano)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violins I + II<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violas<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellos<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Double basses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final thoughts\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hopefully, after reading this guide you&#8217;ve gained some knowledge of the <strong>instruments of the orchestra<\/strong>. We\u2019ve gone through the four instrument families, which instruments are in them, what these instruments do, and some examples of what&#8217;s available on our site.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We also have many more orchestral instruments if you want to have a look at others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/orchestral&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; 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custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/orchestral\/orchestral-learn\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;LEARN MORE&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The string section is the biggest part of the orchestra. Large symphony orchestras can have over 40 players in their string sections! Generally, apart from the harp, they\u2019re played with a bow, a technique known as arco, and sometimes they\u2019re plucked, known as pizzicato.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":24305,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many instruments in an orchestra which, when combined, can produce an almost infinite variety of sounds. Composers have used orchestras to make pieces of music for hundreds of years.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Large orchestras can have over 70 players across a range of at least 15 different instruments, although there are many less common instruments that are sometimes called for. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>What families of instruments are there?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The instruments of the orchestra are split into four families:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":765,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":765,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwind<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":765,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brass<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":765,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These are grouped by sound and characteristics. Strings instruments are played by plucking and bowing strings. Woodwinds require you to blow through reeds to make sounds (the flute and piccolo are exceptions to this). Brass instruments, apart from the trombone, have long, coiled brass pipes with valves to alter the notes. Percussion is any instrument that involves hitting something.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>What are the instruments of the orchestra?<\/strong><\/h3><h4><strong>Strings\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24308 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Stentor-Student-2-violin-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Stentor Student 2 violin \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The string section is the biggest part of the orchestra. Large symphony orchestras can have over 40 players in their string sections! <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally, apart from the harp, they\u2019re played with a bow, a technique known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">arco<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and sometimes they\u2019re plucked, known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pizzicato<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the string family, there are:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li>Violin<\/li><li>Viola<\/li><li>Cello<\/li><li>Double bass<\/li><li>Harp<\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s go over some of these individual instruments in a bit more detail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Violin<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong>violin<\/strong> is the highest-pitched instrument in the string section. It\u2019s also the smallest string instrument. Violins have four strings, tuned G-D-A-E (from low to high). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violinists often play the lead melodies and upper notes in harmonies in pieces of music. There are so many of them that they're split into two sections: first violins (violin 1) and second violins (violin 2). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A very famous violin piece is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UcL0IsklM3M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paganini\u2019s \"Violin Caprice No. 24\"<\/a><\/strong>, and if this inspires you and you fancy picking up the violin, <span data-contrast=\"auto\">check out the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Stentor-Student-2-Violin-Outfit-Full-Size\/UQD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stentor Student 2<\/a><\/strong>. Stentor are a very popular brand for great quality beginners\u2019 instruments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><strong>Viola<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong>viola<\/strong> looks almost identical to the violin with the only differences being that it\u2019s slightly larger and has different strings. A viola\u2019s strings are C-G-D-A (from high to low). This is exactly one octave higher than a cello\u2019s strings.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Viola players often play the middle notes in harmonies or lower-pitched <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">alto <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">melodies. In fact, violas don\u2019t generally use the treble clef like violins, they use the alto clef. This clef better suits the range of the viola and is easier to read when playing the instrument.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A great piece that features the viola is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1ut2jbALbNc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handel\u2019s \"Passacaglia in G minor\"<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> arranged for violin and viola.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stentor also make violas! Their <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Stentor-Messina-Viola-155-Instrument-Only\/3IB2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Messina viola<\/a><\/strong> is a great instrument that features a handmade construction.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Cello<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24306 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-body-of-a-cello-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"the body of a cello\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The <strong>cello<\/strong>, short for <strong>violoncello<\/strong>, is the first instrument in the string section to be played upright, rather than on the shoulder like the violin and viola. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellists sit on a chair with the cello sat in between their legs, and the strings are tuned to C-G-D-A - an octave lower than the viola.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellos tend to play in the upper bass range of music, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tenor. <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They also usually play in bass clef, but cellos have an impressive range which can go up into violin territory! One of the most famous cello pieces is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ml14kGHCBg0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bach\u2019s \"1st Cello Suite\"<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to see a great quality cello then the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Eastman-Master-Cello-Outfit-with-Gold-Level-Set-Up\/1L49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastman Master<\/a><\/strong> is a brilliant example.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Double bass<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong>double bass<\/strong>, often simply known as the <strong>bass<\/strong>, is the largest and deepest of the string family. It is played in an upright position much like the cello, but bassists will often stand or sit on a high stool. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A brilliant piece featuring the bass is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ug8hCAyBaqg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"The Elephant\"<\/a><\/strong> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">from <em>Carnival of the Animals<\/em> by <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saint-Sa\u00ebns, and if this has inspired you, we<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sell <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Student-3-4-Double-Bass-by-Gear4music\/1O1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our own double bass<\/a><\/strong> that\u2019s ideal for students.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Harp<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The harp is a less common instrument in the orchestra but is still often called for. Concert harps are massive, with a huge number of strings and a complex series of pedals that allow the harpist to access any note they need.<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/string-instruments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">String instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Woodwind\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24311 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Pearl 525E Quantz Flute\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Woodwind instruments get their name from their traditional wooden construction. Some instruments, such as clarinets and the occasional flute, are still constructed from wood. However, modern materials, such as brass, silver\/nickel, and even ABS plastic are more commonly used. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":1,\"335551620\":1,\"335559685\":0,\"335559737\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwind players can often play <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">other instruments that are sometimes needed, but not all the time. For example, flautists may also play the piccolo, clarinettists may double on the bass clarinet, oboe players may be proficient on the cor anglais, and bassoonists may be able to play the contrabassoon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the woodwind family, there are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flute<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piccolo<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarinet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass clarinet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saxophone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oboe<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cor anglais<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bassoon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contrabassoon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><p><strong>Flute and piccolo<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first two instruments, which are slightly different to the rest, are the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flute <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> piccolo. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flute <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a primarily melodic instrument in the woodwind family. It has a soft, airy sound and is played by blowing air across its mouthpiece. You then press down the keys to alter the pitches of notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous solo featuring the flute is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=k5Rl_poZ1aI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">opening to \"Bolero\" by Ravel<\/a><\/strong>, and the<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Pearl-525E-Quantz-Flute\/19TQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pearl 525E Quantz<\/a><\/strong> is a great example of a typical orchestral flute.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">piccolo is <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">very similar to the flute,\u00a0 however, it\u2019s much smaller and plays an octave higher. Piccolos are usually called for very high passages of music.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond the flute and piccolo, the rest of the instruments are <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reed instruments<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hese can be split into <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">single reeds<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doubl<\/span><\/b><strong>e reeds<\/strong>, which are similar in <span data-contrast=\"auto\">that they both produce sound from the vibration of reeds.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Single reeds<\/strong><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24309 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Single reed <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">instruments have a mouthpiece to which a reed is attached. Air is then forced between the reed and the mouthpiece.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">clarinet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a popular instrument with one reed. It\u2019s played in a vertical position and you change notes by pressing keys down, like the flute. Clarinets are usually tuned to Bb but clarinets in A are also quite common in orchestral music. Mozart wrote a very famous <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YT_63UntRJE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">concerto featuring the clarinet<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Buffet is a very popular maker of clarinets. Their <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Buffet-Prodige-Bb-Clarinet\/1HG0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prodige Bb clarinet<\/a><\/strong> replaces the popular B12 clarinet, which had been a staple of student instruments for many years. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bass clarinet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is pretty much what you\u2019d expect from the name: a much deeper clarinet. It\u2019s an interesting shape as it\u2019s quite long and has a curved <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bell <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(where the sound comes out), similar to a saxophone. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/rP42C-4zL3w?t=87\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This section in the intro to Stravinsky\u2019s \"Rite of Spring\"<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> features some prominent bass clarinet parts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saxophones <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are a whole family of instruments in themselves. They\u2019re all fundamentally similar, though. Saxophones were traditionally not used in orchestral music due to misconceptions about them \u201cnot blending\u201d with the other instruments. However, modern compositions often include saxophones.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glazunov wrote a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=60rTUl9091E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">concerto for saxophone<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> which is a popular piece for saxophonists.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Double reeds<\/strong><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Double-reed <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">instruments have two reeds attached together at the base. These reeds are placed into the mouth and blown through to produce sounds.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oboe <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is the highest-pitched double-reed instrument in the orchestra. The name derives from the French word, \"hautbois\", meaning \u201chigh wood\u201d. It has a pure tone which carries very well, and so an oboe is often used to play an A when the orchestra is tuning. A famous use of the oboe is in <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cNQFB0TDfY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Swan Lake<\/em> by Tchaikovsky<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A similar instrument is the <strong>c<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or anglais<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">English horn, <\/span><\/b>which ironically is neither English nor a horn. <span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is a slightly larger instrument with a bulbous end that gives it its unique sound. A renowned cor anglais tune is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mJTIMlwQT_A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3rd section of the <em>William Tell<\/em> Overture by Rossini<\/a><\/strong>.<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The bass section of the double reeds is served by the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bassoon <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">contrabassoon<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They're both very similar in construction and sound, but the contrabassoon is an octave lower than the bassoon. A famous example of the bassoon is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4nMUr8Rt2AI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"In the Hall of the Mountain King\" by Grieg<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/woodwind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Woodwind instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Brass\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24312 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Besson BE111 New Standard Bb Trumpet, Clear Lacquer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Brass instruments all have a similar construction. They consist of a pipe which you blow air through to make a sound. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A series of valves can then be pressed to alter the notes played, the only exception is the trombone, which uses a slide instead. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All brass instruments have a mouthpiece on which you make a raspberry-like sound with your lips. This is known as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">buzzing.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the orchestral brass family, there are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trumpet<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trombone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass trombone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">French horn<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tuba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><p><strong>Trumpet<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">trumpet <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is probably the most well-known of the brass instruments. It\u2019s also one of the loudest instruments in an orchestra \u2013 a single trumpet player can be louder than an entire string section! Trumpets are well known for their fanfare-like sound and are used as a leading instrument with lots of melodic parts. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous excerpt for trumpets is the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mVjHOp2SFfU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">opening to Mahler\u2019s 5th Symphony<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re interested in playing the trumpet then the <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Besson-BE111-New-Standard-Bb-Trumpet-Clear-Lacquer\/1IGF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Besson BE111<\/a><\/strong> is a great instrument to start off with.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Trombone<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24314 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Bb\/F Tenor Trombone by Gear4music\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The <strong>t<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rombone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also more specifically referred to as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tenor trombone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is a lower-pitched brass instrument that uses a slide to get different notes. Trombones have a very powerful sound when played loudly, but also a very mellow sound when played softly. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Bb-F-Tenor-Trombone-by-Gear4music\/58I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our Bb\/F Tenor Trombone<\/a><\/strong> is a good example of a tenor trombone. It also has a trigger to change the instrument's key, allowing you to access more notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The bass trombone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a lower-pitched trombone that plays the bass lines of the brass section.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous orchestral excerpt for all the trombones is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6kZxhgO_ZmI?t=241\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the storm section from Rossini\u2019s <em>William Tell<\/em> Overture<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>French horn<\/strong><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">French horns <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">consist of a tightly coiled pipe that is extremely long, about 18 feet, making it one of the longest brass instruments in terms of pipe length! They have an extremely wide range, from quite a deep bass to high melodies. Horns are extremely popular in film music, especially for heroic melodies in their mid-range. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mahler uses the horns in <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/sA7BPdZgxGk?t=79\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the opening to his 3rd symphony<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, you can hear how his music has influenced film scores!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong><a href=\"\/Woodwind-Brass-Strings\/Hans-Hoyer-801A-1-0-Double-French-Horn-Detachable-Bell\/1M1U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hans Hoyer 801A 1-0<\/a><\/strong> is a great quality double horn that, like our Bb\/F trombone, has a lever which alters the key for access to more notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Tuba<\/strong><\/p><p>The <strong>tuba<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is the largest and deepest brass instrument. It fulfils the main bass role in the brass section and often plays similar parts to the double bass.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A famous example of a tuba part (with double bass) is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jPI420hngqw?t=404\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this section of Wagner\u2019s Overture to <em>Die Meistersinger von N\u00fcrnberg<\/em><\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/brass-instruments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brass instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Percussion\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion instruments are all the instruments that you hit! They can include <strong>unpitched <\/strong>percussion, such as most drums, and <strong>pitched<\/strong>, like the xylophone. The main difference is that you can play tunes or chords on a pitched percussion instrument, but you can\u2019t on unpitched percussion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within pitched percussion, there are keyboard instruments. These have a series of metal or wooden blocks laid out like a piano. Chords and melodies can be played on these using up to four mallets (two in either hand).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A larger orchestra usually has at least a couple of percussionists. One percussionist is always sat at the timpani and the rest are usually divided between the rest of the required percussion instruments. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24316 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Premier Concert 29\" Pedal Timpani Polished Copper \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Within the percussion family, the main instruments are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unpitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snare drum<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bass drum<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gong<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cymbals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Triangle<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chimes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Xylophone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marimba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glockenspiel<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vibraphone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":1,\"335559684\":-2,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769226\":\"Symbol\",\"469769242\":[8226],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"\uf0b7\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misc<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unpitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">snare drum <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provides a bit of noise and crunch to the percussion section. It\u2019s just like the snare you\u2019d hear in pop music or jazz. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Orchestral<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> bass drums<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are generally much larger than the bass drums you\u2019d see in a drum kit. They\u2019re often mounted on a metal frame and struck with a large soft mallet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gongs <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are what you stereotypically would hear to announce dinner. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tam-tams<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are large, suspended gongs that are commonly used in orchestras.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cymbals <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are similar to their counterparts in a drum kit. A percussionist will usually hold a cymbal in either hand and then crash them together. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pitched<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24319 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/the-Premier-logo-on-the-Concert-Pedal-Timpani-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"the Premier logo on the Concert Pedal Timpani\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">triangle <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is often used for its piercing sound which can carry surprisingly well for such a small instrument. It\u2019s often considered easy to play but many pieces for orchestra can be very complex. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, also known as kettledrums or \u201ctimps\u201d, are large, pitched drums that are tuned to very deep notes. Most timpani have pedals that can be used to alter the pitch. Fun fact: \"timpani\" is actually the word for a set of timps. A single drum is called a \"timpano\"!<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani can be very versatile when used well and can even play melodies! At the start of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3aXsQQ-ueBk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\"Jupiter\"<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> from Holst\u2019s <em>The Planets<\/em>, the timpani can be heard playing the introductory melody.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We sell timpani from Premier such as this <strong><a href=\"\/Drums-and-Percussion\/Premier-Concert-29-Pedal-Timpani-Polished-Copper\/3YRO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">29\u201d Concert timpano<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chimes<\/span><\/b>, <span data-contrast=\"auto\">also known as tubular bells, are a series of metal tubes that range in pitch and can be used to play melodies. A famous example of chimes is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BfWJqKIxyGc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tubular Bells<\/span><\/b><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">from the movie,<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The Exorcist.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong>x<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ylophone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a keyboard percussion instrument that uses wooden blocks.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marimbas <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have wooden blocks like the xylophone, however, they're usually deeper and have a drier sound. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">glockenspiel <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a keyboard percussion instrument with metal blocks for a high-pitched sound. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vibraphones <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are similar to a glockenspiel but they have a motor that spins disks on the resonators underneath the blocks to create a vibrato sound. They also can play extremely long sustained notes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misc<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">piano <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is often hard to categorise in the orchestra, some say it lives in its own section. It's most commonly regarded as being a percussion instrument due to the use of internal hammers that hit strings when keys are pressed.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\/percussion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Percussion instruments<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\/piano-types\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Piano<\/a><\/strong><\/p><hr \/><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the layout of the orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The orchestra is usually laid out in relation to the conductor, who stands in the front centre. There are numerous layouts that an orchestra can have but we\u2019ll take you through the most seen layout. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In a nutshell, the strings are usually directly in front of the conductor with the woodwinds and brass just behind them. At the very back is the percussion section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">Let's go into more detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first and second violins take up most of the left half of the string section, and on the right are the violas and cellos. Behind the cellos are the basses. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Woodwinds are usually more centred, with the flutes and oboes in one row and the clarinets and bassoons behind. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The brass section is laid out behind the woodwinds. French horns are sat on the far left, with the trumpets next to them. Then we have the trombones, and on the far right are tubas. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion doesn\u2019t usually have a definite layout as the instruments are often set up to be most convenient to the percussionists. The only exception is with the timpani. Timpani are usually sat towards the left of the conductor, right at the back of the orchestra. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24299 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Orchestra-layout.jpg\" alt=\"Orchestra layout\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/><\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>FAQs\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3><h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the main 5 instruments?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The five main groups of instruments are strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboards. However, percussion and keyboards are often grouped together as many keyboard instruments used in orchestras involve the striking of strings or bells with hammers.<\/span><\/p><h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How many instruments are in an orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A large orchestra can have 80 to 100 players, while smaller orchestras tend to have 40 to 50 musicians. These are split across at least 15 different instruments from all the families.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the order of instruments in an orchestra?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The score order of an orchestra is grouped by family, starting with woodwind, then brass, percussion (keyboards too), and strings. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From the top, the individual instruments are:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flutes (and piccolos when needed)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oboes (and cor anglais when needed)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarinets (and bass clarinets)\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bassoons (with contrabassoons)<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Horns<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trumpets<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trombones<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tuba<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Timpani<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percussion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other instruments (usually harp then piano)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violins I + II<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Violas<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cellos<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Double basses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h3><strong>Final thoughts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hopefully, after reading this guide you've gained some knowledge of the <strong>instruments of the orchestra<\/strong>. We\u2019ve gone through the four instrument families, which instruments are in them, what these instruments do, and some examples of what's available on our site.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We also have many more orchestral instruments if you want to have a look at others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/orchestral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Orchestral instruments<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[251,154],"tags":[608,478,170,234,233,607],"class_list":["post-24156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orchestral-learn","category-orchestral","tag-brass","tag-learn","tag-orchestral","tag-strings","tag-violins","tag-woodwind"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Instruments of the Orchestra | Gear4music<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are the instruments of the orchestra? 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