Chapter 5 - Instruments of the Orchestra

The instruments of the orchestra are grouped in famines according to their timbre and means of tone production. Intersectional divisions occur in the woodwinds — because of three distinct timbre qualities: non-reeds, single reeds, and double reeds. The brass instruments form a single unit notwithstanding their somewhat dissimilar tonal characteristics. The family groupings have, in many instances, the advantage of interdivisions which permit four-part writing within a single timbre. Each grouping collectively has a tonal compass comparable to the four basic ranges of the human voice: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. The five sectional groupings for orchestration appear as follows: 

1. STRINGS (high to low) 

Violin, viola, violoncello, contrabass (double bass and/or bass) 

2. WOODWINDS (high to low) 

Non-reeds: Piccolo, flute, alto flute, bass flute 

Single Reeds: Clarinets — Eb, alto, bass 

Saxophones — soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass 

Double Reeds: Oboe, English horn, bassoon, contrabassoon 

3. BRASS 

Horn, trumpet, cornet, trombone, tuba 

4. TIMPANI and PERCUSSION 

5. SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT SECTIONAL DESIGNATION 

Harp, celesta, piano, organ