Explanation writing by Christine

This term our topic is ARTS and this week we are exploring different types of instruments. We also went to attend the orchestra concert at the AOTEA CENTRE which was cool. So our class decided to focus our writing on Explanation so we can explain the different families of the instruments that being played in the orchestra.

Why is the orchestra semblance that way?

An orchestra is a large group of musicians that play on a variety of instruments. The first semblance of a modern orchestra started in the 17th century by an Italian opera composer named Claudio Monteverdi. Within this explanation, I will be talking about the four families of instruments in an orchestra and describe how each family produced its sound and why they are seated that way. 

Firstly, the family of instruments and musicians that sit in the front of the orchestra is the string family, which includes the Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double basses and the Harp. For ceremonial purposes, the first violinists are seated to the left-hand side of the conductor, near the audience. Beside them sit the secondary violinists. The string instruments are played with a bow or pluck them with your fingers, such as the harp. The reason they are seated that way is that they are the quietest group and sitting in front gives the audience a chance to hear what they’re playing but traditionally it’s arranged by pitch. The Violins, Violas, and the Harp 

The Violins produce sounds that make you feel happy, it sounds as light as air and soft as a whisper, but the Violin can also give you the feeling of sadness. The Violas have a deeper tone than the violin so the Viola gives you the sound, reminding you of cloudy skies and the colour blue. The Cello sounds very elegant and formal, it kind of depends on what song the musician is playing or the type of note they’re playing. Sometimes it can sound a bit sad, meaning the Cello produces two types of feelings when being played. The double basses have a really deep tone so when you hear the sound of double bass, it’ll probably make you feel ominous. And finally the harp, the harp is a big instrument with several strings, it’s a big instrument but it can make very little sound. It’ll sound quiet, soothing and it’ll make you feel calm like you’re in a wonderful dream.

Secondly, the next family seated behind the string family is the woodwinds family. The instruments within the woodwinds family are Clarinets, Bassoons, Contrabassoons, Piccolo, Flutes and Oboes. The woodwinds instruments are made of a long hollow tube made of wood or metal. The woodwinds can be seen, seated in the middle of the orchestra from the conductor’s point of view. The woodwinds group is arranged to sit that way because of the tone of the instruments, which in the orchestra, gives the audience a sense of a new theme. The clarinets sound hollow since the instrument is made of a long hollow tube, it sounds really nice. 

Next up, the brass family and the instruments within it are Horns, Trumpets, Trombones and the Tuba. The brass group can be seen, seated towards the back just in front of the percussion from the conductor’s point of view. These instruments produce a direct sound that naturally projects meaning,  you can hear the instruments from anywhere, both on stage and from the audience. 

Last but not least, seated right at the back of the orchestra is the percussion family. The instruments used within the percussion are the Bass drums, Snare drums, Triangles, and Cymbals. The reason for their seating arrangement is because percussion produces a loud volume and it also allows a bit of space which mellows the sound. Mellow meaning, the sound is projected smoothly from the instruments. 

The brass group gives you a spooking feeling.

In conclusion, the orchestra is an interesting and beautiful event but I don’t recommend it for children or teenagers unless they are into classical music.