One of the most challenging aspects of learning to play the lute is understanding what are the sections of a symphony orchestra. It is one of the hardest musical instruments to master and sometimes can be hard to hear when you first start. Understanding the sections is key to becoming a good lute player. This article will go over each section and what it does.
The Wind Section-The wind is responsible for all the melodic elements in a piece of music. The conductor is the man in charge of directing the wind. The wind is subdivided into five parts, and these are the bass drum, the treble drum, the bass strings, the treble strings, and the head stock. In most symphonies the bass drum is the most prominent in the section. When it appears in the score as a mark or an icon, it is usually played by the left hand.
The Treble Drum-The treble drum makes a low-blowing sound. This sound is made by the lips of the conductor. It also produces a type of chime with the bow. The conductor normally has two sets of drums; one for the bass and one for the treble. Other instruments such as the bass clarinet, tenor flute, recorder, steel guitar, upright bass, marimbas, and bassoons may be used in this section. The head stock is usually notated as a vertical line.
The Bassstrings-These are the smallest of the four strings on a bass instrument. The basses are what make a bass drum sound. The basses are subdivided into five parts, and these are the thong, the bass guitar, the bass drum, the electric bass, and the bass clarinet. Other instruments such as the upright bass, the tympani, and the tuba can be used in the bass section.
The Trumpets-The trumpets are also divided into five sections. The three nearest to the front are known as the flutes, the saxophone, and the baritone. Other wind instruments that are often found in the trumpet sections include the tuba, tubas, flugelhorn, and the trumpet clef. Other instruments not associated with the wind instruments may be found in the horn section.
The Percussion-This is the main percussion instrument in a symphony orchestra. Its duty is to hit the cymbals, tambourines, bells, and other permissions needed to create music. This section includes the head, arm, and shoulder percussion instruments. Other instruments found in the percussion section include the bell, the snare drum, tympani, and the bottom.
The Clarinet and Violin-These two instruments make up the first section of a symphony orchestra. The role of the clarinet is mainly to support the rhythm section as it plays the bass notes. The role of the violin is to provide the melody.
The Second Section-The second section of a symphony orchestra is comprised of the full size horns. They play the high notes and are utilized to accompany the lead lines in a symphony. The exception to this is when the full size horns are used for the same notes as the lead lines. Most horn players will hold down their horns while playing the notes of a symphony. Be sure to check out our site for more information on the full size horns!
The Cellos-The second most important section of a symphonic band is the cello. Cellos are typically tuned as the last piece of an orchestra as well as an accompaniment instrument. The cellos are mainly used to accompany the main theme or remain stationary. The instruments found in this section are the lute, the bass cello, the congas, and the tympanis.
The Horns/Horns-These are the main characteristic sound of a symphony orchestra. The principal role of these horns is to provide the melody. The horn sections are the trumpet (for the main theme), the baritone (for the low notes), the trombone (for the high notes), and the mandore. Be sure to check out our site for more information on the different types of horns and the sections of a symphony.
What are the sections of a symphony? They’re as important as the notes themselves! These instruments make the symphony beautiful and the music meaningful. Take the time to listen and learn.