THE SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS OF ACOUSTICS - H. H. Arnold ...

18.14 The Orchestra and the Band 563may require fewer players, and in some situations, a limited-size orchestra canachieve a dramatic effect through the use of sound reinforcement systems. Figure18.40(a) shows a plan view of the arrangement of the instruments of a symphonyorchestra and the placement of its conductor. Figure 18.40(b) illustrates the layoutof a smaller orchestra, and 18.40(c) that of a small dance band. An orchestra forperformances of popular and dance music may number anywhere from 5 to 25.A band consists of musicians playing wind and percussion instruments. Theyare generally more suited for outdoor performances, since the main body of thetone is produced by the brass and woodwind sections, both of which can produceconsiderable acoustic power in free space. Bands help to sustain unison in marchinggroups and can whip up enthusiasm at athletic meets. A standard band generallyfeatures a complete range of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Thenumber of performers can vary from 25 to 50 or even more. The military bandresembles the standard band except that it may include a fife, drum, or bugle corps.A concert band may include contrabasses, timpani, harps, and other instrumentsthat lack the portability for marching. There is virtually no difference between thedance band and the dance orchestra. Table 18.4 shows the components of a typicalsymphony orchestra and those of a standard band.Table 18.4. The Elements of a Typical Orchestra and of a Typical Band.Orchestra aStandard Band bInstruments Number of Players Instruments Number of PlayersFirst violins 10 to 20 Flutes 4Second violins 14 to 18 Piccolo 1Violas 10 to 14 Clarinets 14Violoncellos 8 to 12 Oboes 2Contrabasses 8 to 10 Bassoons 2Flutes 2 to 3 Sarrusophones 2Piccolos 1 to 2 Saxophones 4Oboes 3 Cornets 4English horn 1 Trumpets 2Bassoon 3 French horns 4Contra bassoon 1 Trombones 4Clarinets 3 Tubas 6Bass Clarinet 1 Snare drum 1Trumpets 4 Bass drum 1Trombones 4 Percussion 1 to 5French horns 4 to 12Tuba 1Timpani 1Harp 1Percussion 1 to 5a In addition, other instruments such as a piano or an organ may be included. Percussionincludes bass, snare and military drums, gongs, cymbals, tambourines, celestas,glockenspiels, tubular chimes, xylophones, castanets, and triangles.b Percussion includes triangles, bells, cymbals, castanets, and xylophones.