Instrumentation

Philosophy

We understand that not all pieces can include all of our instrumentation. However, Intermission is a place for people to have fun playing music, so do try your best to include all the instruments we have (hopefully without long rests) without undermining the taste of the piece you are arranging. A good way to be more inclusive is to have different instruments double or play harmony; the Arranging Guide goes into more detail on this.

If there are a lot of rests or very few instruments, you might want to consider going for an ensemble piece instead.

Instrument Ordering

Sibelius Orchestra’s suggested ordering should be fine. You may need to do some moving around if you use Musescore. Omit any instruments listed below that are not in your arrangement.

Woodwinds

1. Ethnic Flutes (e.g. Shakuhachi, Shinobue)

2. Piccolo

3. Flute I

4. (Flute II)

5. Oboe

6. Clarinets I in Bb

7. (Clarinets II in Bb)

8. Bass Clarinet

9. Soprano Saxophone

10. Alto Saxophone I

11. (Alto Saxophone II)

12. Tenor Saxophone

13. Baritone Saxophone

Brass

1. Horns in F

2. (Horns II in F)

3. Trumpets in Bb

4. (Trumpets II in Bb)

5. Trombone

6. (Trombone II)

7. Euphonium

8. Tuba

Guitars

1. Acoustic Guitar

2. Acoustic Guitar (Tabs)

3. Electric Guitar

4. Electric Guitar (Tabs)

5. Electric Bass

6. Electric Bass (Tabs)

Percussion

1. Drum Set

2. Other Percussion (Cajon, Bongos, Triangle, Tambourine, etc.)

Keys

1. Keyboard/Synthesizer

2. Piano

Voices

1. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, etc.

2. Lead, Harmony, Backing Vocals/Choir, etc.

Strings

1. Violin I

2. Violin II

3. Viola

4. Violoncello

5. Double Bass/Contrabass