What are the main features of an orchestra?

Answer:

The orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble and really one of the traditional forms of Western music. The traditional orchestra has five sections of instruments: the woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, and keyboards. The strings section is usually the largest and generally carries the melody.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do orchestras wear white tie?

The white bow tie with the black tuxedo usually indicates a highly formal event such as opening night for the season. When I had performed in pit orchestras years ago we wore black bow ties with black tuxedos.

Why are the percussion instruments at the back of the orchestra?

Percussion is, by its very nature, L O U D if you are close to it. Putting it at the back of an orchestra does two things. It allows a bit of space which mellows the sound, and second puts a lot of soft sound absorbers (other members of the orchestra) between the player and the audience.

How many families are in an orchestra and what are they name the families?

The symphony orchestra can be divided into five instrument families. Members of the families are related by the similar ways in which they produce sound. The five families are: the percussion family, the woodwinds the string family, the brass family and the keyboard family..

Who is the female singer in gamelan orchestra?

Pasindhèn

Where do viola players sit in a traditional symphony orchestra?

Desks and divisi In a typical stage set-up, the first and second violins, violas and cellos are seated by twos, a pair of performers sharing a stand being called a "desk", Each principal (or section leader) is usually on the "outside" of the first desk, that is, closest to the audience.

23 Related Question Answers Found:

What is Region Orchestra?

What is Region Orchestra? Region Orchestra is wonderful opportunity for students to perform with the finest student musicians in the midlands of South Carolina and to perform under the direction of a nationally/internationally renowned conductor.

Is double bass in orchestra?

The double bass is the largest string instrument in the orchestra and with its warm, deep tones it is often thought of as the supporting the rest of the orchestra.

When was national symphony orchestra - taiwan - created?

1986
Founded in 1986, the Taiwan Philharmonic, also known as the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at home, is hailed as one of the best orchestras in Asia and became the resident orchestra of the National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center in 2005.

Do you get paid in an orchestra?

Major orchestra salaries range by the orchestra from a little over $100,000 to a little over $150,000. Principals, the ranking member of each orchestra section, can make a great deal more, in some instances more than $400,000. And most major orchestras play for a season lasting only about nine- months a year.

Where do the different instruments sit in an orchestra?

The strings sit at the front of the stage in a fan-shape in front of the conductor. The first violins are on the conductor's left, then come the second violins, then the violas and then the cellos. The double basses are behind the cellos.

Who was the inventor of modern orchestra?

Claudio Monteverdi
The word derives from the ancient Greek part of a stage where instruments and the chorus combined music and drama to create theater. The first semblance of a modern orchestra came in the early 17th century when the Italian opera composer Claudio Monteverdi formally assigned specific instruments to perform his music.

What makes a good orchestral musician?

Excellent work ethics and attention to details Come prepared with music, pencil/eraser, stand (if necessary), tuner, relevant instrument equipment, back-up strings, water bottle, etc. Commit to your private practice. Over-practice difficult passages so you're "safe" if any unexpected tempo changes occur.

What is another name for timpani in an orchestra?

However, in English the term timpano is only widely in use by practitioners: several are more typically referred to collectively as kettledrums, timpani, temple drums, timp-toms, or timps. They are also often incorrectly termed timpanis.
...
Timpani.

A timpanist at work
Percussion instrument
Other namesKettledrums, Timps, Pauken

What movie is Electric Light Orchestra in?

Electric Light Orchestra's song "Livin' Thing" was set to be featured in Guardians of the Galaxy, but the scene it appeared in did not make the final cut of the film. It is featured in Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series.

What is the significance of the Cleveland Orchestra?

Innovative Programming. The Cleveland Orchestra was among the first American orchestras heard on a regular series of radio broadcasts, and its Severance Hall home was one of the first concert halls in the world built with recording and broadcasting capabilities.

How much does a member of an orchestra get paid?

Major orchestra salaries range by the orchestra from a little over $100,000 to a little over $150,000. Principals, the ranking member of each orchestra section, can make a great deal more, in some instances more than $400,000. And most major orchestras play for a season lasting only about nine- months a year.

Does Hamilton use an orchestra?

Does Hamilton have a live orchestra? yes! they live down in the magic music hole with Alex Lacamoire. the recording lyrics booklet (Act 1) lists the band, though the recording does feature a couple additional musicians that are not normally part of the show.

How many in a symphony orchestra?

A smaller-sized orchestra (forty to fifty musicians or fewer) is called a chamber orchestra. A full-size orchestra (eighty to one hundred musicians or more) may be called a symphony orchestra.