Order of Orchestral Instruments

An orchestra is typically structured into four instrument groups: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. These groups and the instruments within them are usually presented in an orchestral score from highest to lowest sounding. However, it’s important to note that it’s not impossible to find contemporary orchestral scores that deviate from this traditional layout. This is a testament to the innovative spirit of modern artists, who have a long history of pushing the boundaries of convention in their artistic exploration. 

The following list of instruments presented in this orchestral score example includes bold and italicized instruments, which are less commonly found in orchestral scores. Still, when they appear, they appear in the order in the example below.

The percussion section is not usually written for individual instruments; each instrument usually does not get a player. Generally, the percussion section will be written for several percussionists in charge of playing several instruments. While the Timpani usually has a specialized player, other percussionists play many instruments, such as shakers, rails, and any other percussive instrument they are in charge of. 

Writing for percussion can be tricky as you must account for the number of percussionists, their skills, and how fast they can change from one instrument to another. The following is the order of orchestral instruments found in a conductor’s score.

Woodwinds:

1. Piccolo
2. Flute 1,2 
3. Alto flute
4. Oboe 1,2
5. English Horn (cor Anglais)
6. Clarinet in Eb 
7. Clarinet in A
8. Clarinet in Bb 1,2
9. Bass Clarinet 
10. Alto Sax in Eb
11. Bassoon 1,2
12. Contrabassoon

Brass:

1. French Horn in F 1,2
2. French Horn in F 3,4
3. Trumpet in Bb 1,2
4. Trumpet in Bb 3
5. Trombone 1,2
6. Trombone 3
7. Euphonium
8. Tuba

Percussion:

1. Timpani 
2. Triangle 
3. Agogo Bells
4. Tam-Tam
5. Glockenspiel
6. Xylophone
7. Vibraphone
8. Tubular Bells
9. Tenor Drum
10. Bass Drum
11. Xylophone
12. Triangle
13. Snare
14. Harp
15. Piano

Other Instruments:

1. Place other instruments here
2. Choir

Stings:

1. Violins 1
2. Violins 2
3. Viola
4. Violoncello
5. Double Bass

If you’re interested in learning to write for the orchestra. It’s worth studying each of the four sections independently before writing for the entire orchestra. Many resources are available online for learning how to make orchestral mockups. I can help you with this, along with piano and theory. 

Keep this order of orchestral instruments handy for your next project to make things easier to play in your score. Happy composing.