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Orchestra

An orchestra is a group of musicians playing together under the direction

of a conductor. The musicians perform music specially composed for

specific instruments in an orchestral performance. They play as soloists,

in small groups, and all together, which creates a tremendous sound.

HOW MANY MUSICIANS PLAY IN AN ORCHESTRA?

A full-scale orchestra playing a symphony includes at

least 90 musicians, while a smaller orchestra playing a

chamber piece ranges from 15 to 45. Sections of the

orchestra can perform separately – a string orchestra,

for example, includes about 60 musicians.

WHAT DOES A CONDUCTOR DO?

A conductor’s job is to make sure that the musicians

play perfectly together. A conductor keeps time using

a baton (stick) to clearly count out each individual

beat in the tempo (speed) the music is to be played.

HOW ARE THE MUSICIANS ARRANGED?

The musicians are arranged into four sections. The

strings – such as violins and cellos – sit at the front.

The woodwind – such as oboes, clarinets, and

bassoons – and brass – such as trumpets and French

horns – sit in the middle. Percussion – such as

kettledrums and a xylophone – sit at the back.

Percussion,

including loud

drums

Woodwind

1 GAMELAN PERCUSSION ORCHESTRA
The gamelan orchestras of Bali in Indonesia use a wide range of
percussion instruments, such as gongs, chimes, marimbas, and drums, as
well as strings and woodwind. They create an amazing rhythm-driven
sound totally unlike that achieved by Western symphony orchestras.

1 ORCHESTRA
An orchestra with every musician
playing together is one of the
greatest sounds in classical music.

1 SIR SIMON RATTLE

The conductor of the Berlin

Philharmonic Orchestra uses hand

gestures and facial expressions to

show how music should be played.

TWO BEATS

FOUR BEATS FIVE BEATS

THREE BEATS

FIND OUT MORE. Composition 333 • Musical Instruments 332 • Opera 338

Brass

Conductor

stands on a raised

platform

String section

1 BEAT PATTERNS

The conductor uses baton

patterns to count out beats.

orchestra