Where was the word ‘orchestra’ originated form?

Answer:

Greek
The word orchestra comes from the actual space in which an orchestra plays; the Greek orkhestra means "a space where a chorus of dancers performs," from orkheisthai, "to dance."

Frequently Asked Questions

What key does an orchestra tune to?

Orchestras always tune to 'A', because every string instrument has an 'A' string. The standard pitch is A=440 Hertz (440 vibrations per second). Some orchestras favor a slightly higher pitch, like A=442 or higher, which some believe results in a brighter sound.

What do you call someone who plays in an orchestra?

The musician in charge of directing how an orchestra performs the music they play is called the conductor. 12. Isabelle Vane, Tutor. Answered 2 years ago.

What instrument family sits in front of the orchestra?

And when a classical orchestra gathers on stage, the strings are at the front, followed by woodwinds, brass, and then percussion.

What type of instrument is mostly used in a gamelan orchestra?

Gongs

What is a semi professional orchestra?

Semi-professional orchestras are a different matter. They are not full time jobs but will require a much higher level of skill and experience than amateur orchestras. You would need to have mastered your instrument and pass an audition when an opening is available.

20 Related Question Answers Found:

How do you get into the pit orchestra?

Subbing in is a common way for aspiring pit orchestra musicians to get their first experience on a big show. Deep instrumental proficiency. Multi-instrumentalism. Reading music notation. Wide repertoire. Collaboration. Reliability. Flexibility. Networking.

What are the four sections of a symphonic orchestra?

In the 18th century in Germany, Johann Stamitz and other composers in what is known as the Mannheim school established the basic composition of the modern symphony orchestra: four sections, consisting of woodwinds (flutes, oboes, and bassoons), brass (horns and trumpets), percussion (two timpani), and strings (first ...

When did national orchestra service end?

The National Orchestra was the parent of some smaller ensembles. The Concert Orchestra, intended to support opera and ballet, was disbanded in 1964 after only two years.

Are there trombones in an orchestra?

Trombone. The trombone is the only instrument in the brass family that uses a slide instead of valves to change pitch. ... There are usually 3 trombones in the orchestra and they play pitches in the same range as the cello and bassoon. The three trombones often play harmonies together.

What is the orchestra pit?

An orchestra pit is the area in a theater (usually located in a lowered area in front of the stage) in which musicians perform. Orchestral pits are utilized in forms of theatre that require music (such as opera and ballet) or in cases when incidental music is required.

Why is orchestra music important?

Classical music not only nurtures our soul but grows our mind in ways that have been substantiated by myriad of studies over recent years. Exposing the very young to classical music has been documented to help develop language skills, reasoning, and spatial intelligence.

How did Orchestra develop during the Baroque period?

Baroque orchestras originated in France where Jean-Baptiste Lully added the newly re-designed hautbois (oboe) and transverse flutes to his orchestra, Les Vingt-quatre Violons du Roi ("The Twenty-Four Violins of the King"). ... In the Baroque period, the size of an orchestra was not standardised.

What does section mean in orchestra?

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English orchestra section/seatsAmerican English the area of seats in a theatre close to and on the same level as the stage → orchestra.

How much do Philadelphia Orchestra musicians make?

The Philadelphia Orchestra's current musicians contract went into effect in September 2019, and called for base salaries of $137,800 per year to increase between 2% and 3% over the course of four years. This means that, after the new pay reduction, the new base pay through March 14 is about $106,000.

How many percussions are in the orchestra?

Put simply, percussion instruments are any instruments you strike, whether with sticks or with your hands. At least 500 instruments are considered percussion instruments – and new ones appear all the time!

Do most orchestras have pianos?

Many orchestras without full time seasons will often times utilize subs for these parts. ... More than that, nearly all the solo pieces for other instruments such as violin, flute, clarinet, or nearly any other instrument have accompanying piano parts; so the piano is an intrinsic part of playing with other instruments.

What is the first us sympony orchestra?

New York Philharmonic
New York Philharmonic, symphony orchestra based in New York, New York, the oldest major symphony orchestra in the United States in continual existence and one of the oldest in the world.

Who Organises an orchestra?

Orchestras are usually led by a conductor who directs the performance with movements of the hands and arms, often made easier for the musicians to see by use of a conductor's baton. The conductor unifies the orchestra, sets the tempo and shapes the sound of the ensemble.

Do you need a music degree to play in an orchestra?

The path to obtaining a job in an orchestra is somewhat straightforward. First, you nearly always have to attend a great music school, at least at the Master's degree level. It is true that some undergraduates can go straight into an orchestral position, but it is rare.