Learn About Orchestration Menu — Timbre and Orchestration Resource

Orchestration involves the skillful selection, combination, and juxtaposition of instruments at different pitches and dynamics to achieve a particular sonic goal. Click on the menu items below to learn more.

LEARN ABOUT ORCHESTRATION

Explore resources to deepen your understanding of orchestration, from techniques to expressive possibilities.

ORCHESTRAL RECORDINGS (ODESSA)

Multitrack recordings of orchestral excerpts, analyzing the effects of instrumental distribution on sound, space, and acoustics.

RESEARCH ENSEMBLES (CORE)

A collaborative initiative where student composers and performers explore orchestration through research-creation projects.

ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS

Learn more about the instruments of the Western orchestra.

INSTRUMENTS OF THE CHINESE ORCHESTRA

Learn more about the instruments of the Chinese orchestra.