What Is an Orchestra?
An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play different instruments together. It is like a team sport for music! Each player has their own part, but together they create something much bigger and more beautiful than any one person could alone.
A full symphony orchestra can have between 70 and 100 musicians! All four instrument families are represented:
Strings: About 60 players! They are the biggest section. Violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
Woodwinds: About 10-15 players. Flutes, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons.
Brass: About 10-15 players. Trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas.
Percussion: About 3-5 players, but they might play many different instruments each! Timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, xylophone, triangle, and more.
The leader of the orchestra is called the conductor. They stand in front and wave a baton (a thin stick) to show everyone when to play, how fast, and how loud.