Celestino V. Paderanga Jr.

II-A Our Lady of Consolation

Orchestra
An orchestra is a large instrument ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and
percussion instruments. The termorchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in
front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus. The orchestra grew by accretion
throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but changed very little in composition during the course of the
20th century.

Instruments for the Orchestra:

String Instruments - The string instrument family is perhaps the section of the orchestra that offers
the greatest range of expression, intensity, and nuance. It is in essence the foundation of the orchestra.

Percussion Instruments - Percussion instruments played by either being struck or shaken, include
members that are the oldest instruments in the world. Different types of drums, for example, have been
in existence for thousands of years.
Brass Instruments - The brass section of the orchestra is known for its brilliant and blazing sounds.
Brass instruments are usually made of metal tubes with a cylindrically shaped mouthpieces. The notes
that come out of the bell shaped end are produced when the air column within vibrates.

Woodwind Instruments - The woodwind family, much like the brass family, depends on the vibration
of air in a tube. The woodwinds, however, due things differently. While the flute is played by merely by
playing into the mouthpiece, other woodwind instruments like the oboe and the bassoon achieve their
sound with the help of a reed.