The orchestra, or symphony orchestra, is generally defined as an ensemble mainly composing of bowed stringed instruments, percussion, wind and brass instruments. Often, the orchestra is composed of 100 musicians and may be accompanied by a chorus or be purely instrumental.
Also, the string section usually has the most notes and highest percentage of melody, so it would make sense to put them in front, where they are visible–both to the audience and to each other–and have the best chance of being heard. ... Absil, so for the most precise ensemble playing, the strings need to be in the front.
But “conducting is more difficult than playing a single instrument,” claims Boulez. “You have to know the culture, to know the score, and to project what you want to hear.” A great conductor might have peerless musical instincts and intuition, but innate musicality will get them only so far.
The University Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble comprised of both undergraduate and graduate students that performs at least 2-3 concerts per semester. It is open to any student at the university by audition.
The percussion section is one of the main divisions of the orchestra and the concert band. It includes most percussion instruments and all unpitched instruments. The percussion section is itself divided into three subsections: ... Auxiliary percussion, consisting of all unpitched instruments such as snare drum and cymbals.
Conductors need, at the minimum, a bachelor's degree in arts (BA), although many professional positions require a master's (MA). Fortunately, there are a variety of music majors and minors to choose from, including conducting, in a number of universities.
Double bass
1881
February 11, 1916
When we think of the 'traditional' layout of an orchestra, we think of the violins directly to the left of the conductor and the violas in the centre, with the woodwind and then the percussion behind them.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra Founded 1920, Location Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Concert hall, Francis Winspear Centre for Music.
Usually everyone gets paid the same rate by instrument, but principals (or solo orchestral instruments, like harp or piano) often have a higher pay rate, and the concertmaster higher still. ... This means they only get paid for the rehearsals and concerts they are present for.
Cadenza: A point near the end of a movement in a work such as a concerto where the orchestra will stop playing and the soloist will perform an elaborate passage showing his or her virtuosity on the instrument.
Principal conductor
Conductor, in music, a person who conducts an orchestra, chorus, opera company, ballet, or other musical group in the performance and interpretation of ensemble works.
Sir Mark Elder CBE