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What is an orchestra? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
Do you enjoy music? Maybe you love listening to your favorite songs, or perhaps you even play a musical instrument! When different instruments play together, they form an orchestra. An orchestra is a musical group that often includes string instruments, such as cellos, violins, violas and basses; brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, French horns and tubas; wind instruments, such as oboes, flutes, bassoons and clarinets; as well as percussion instruments like the snare drum, cymbals and timpani.
An orchestra is led by a conductor, who guides the musicians as they play pieces written for the group. The result: beautiful music for an audience to enjoy!
A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra—some can have around 100 players! A chamber orchestra has fewer musicians, such as 40 or less, which means fewer instruments. Chamber orchestras may play in smaller theaters so audience members are closer to the music!
An orchestra is led by a conductor, who guides the musicians as they play pieces written for the group. The result: beautiful music for an audience to enjoy!
A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra—some can have around 100 players! A chamber orchestra has fewer musicians, such as 40 or less, which means fewer instruments. Chamber orchestras may play in smaller theaters so audience members are closer to the music!
- “About the Orchestra.” Community Arts Music Association. Santa Barbara Foundation. 17 Dec. 2010.
- “Instruments of the Orchestra.” sfskids.org. 2010. San Francisco Symphony. 17 Dec. 2010.
- "orchestra." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 17 Dec. 2010.
- “What Is a Chamber Orchestra?” chamberorchestra.org. 2010. The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. 17 Dec. 2010.