About the Orchestra

#Who sits where?

Orchestras sit in sections based on types of instruments.

There are four main sections in a symphony orchestra:

• Strings
• Woodwinds
• Brass
• Percussion

Here is another view of our Orchestra:

Each section is wearing a different colour. Can you tell who is wearing each?

• Blue and Purple
• Red
• Yellow and Orange
• Green

Bonus – What instruments are the musicians in yellow and purple playing?

#The Sections:

Strings

String instruments produce sound by bowing or plucking stretched strings.

• First and Second Violins
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Harp

Woodwind

Wind instruments produce sound by being blown into.

• Flute / Piccolo
• Clarinet / Bass Clarinet
• Oboe / Cor Anglais
• Bassoon / Contrabassoon

Brass

Brass players create sound by vibrating their lips. When this vibration is pushed through large brass tubes, it can create powerful noise.

• French Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone / Bass Trombone
• Tuba

Percussion

These instruments create sound by being struck. Some instruments just make a sound; others can play particular notes.

Timpani, Bass Drum, Bongo Drums, Cymbals (China Cymbals, Small Cymbals, Large Cymbals, Sizzle Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal), Sandpaper Blocks, Snare Drum, Steel Spring, Tam Tam, Vibraphone, Vibraslap, Xylophone.

Keyboard

Keyboard instruments are played by pressing keys. Keyboard instruments are not always present in orchestra. QSO is lucky to perform in QPAC's Concert Hall where the Klais Grand Organ lives. This organ has 6,500 pipes!

• Piano
• Celesta
• Organ
• Harpsichord

#Discover

For those beginning their musical journey.