SYMPHONY BAND
A symphony band is a large musical ensemble consisting primarily of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and typically lacks a dedicated string section (though it may occasionally use a double bass or harp). The term is often used interchangeably with concert band, wind band, or wind ensemble.
Key Characteristics:
- Instrumentation: The core difference from a symphony orchestra is the absence of violins, violas, and cellos, which form the largest section of an orchestra. Instead, the symphonic band features an expanded woodwind and brass section, with instruments such as:
- Woodwinds: Flutes (including piccolo), oboes (including English horn), clarinets (in various sizes like E-flat, B-flat, bass, etc., which often form the "heart" of the band), bassoons (including contrabassoon), and saxophones (alto, tenor, and baritone).
- Brass: Trumpets (including cornets or flugelhorns), French horns, trombones (including bass trombone), euphoniums (often taking the cello's role), and tubas.
- Percussion: A large and diverse section that may include timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, xylophone, marimba, and a variety of other instruments.
- Occasional Strings: A double bass or harp may be included for specific pieces of music.
- Repertoire: Symphonic bands perform a wide range of music, including original compositions written specifically for wind ensembles, arrangements or transcriptions of orchestral works (such as symphonies), film scores, and popular music.
- Function and Context:
- The term "concert band" distinguishes the ensemble as a stationary performing group, as opposed to a marching band.
- In some educational settings (like high schools or universities), "symphonic band" may denote a more advanced, selective ensemble that plays more difficult music than a "concert band".
- Professional symphonic bands, often called wind ensembles, typically have a high level of musicianship and a one-player-per-part instrumentation model, similar to chamber music.