Ensembles

Performing Ensembles

One of the most exciting parts of learning a new instrument is having the opportunity to join a performing group, or ensemble. An ensemble is a group of musicians that plays music together. Ensembles practices together and perform together. Elementary musicians play in either a string orchestra or concert band. After studying an instrument in elementary school, additional ensemble opportunities are available to middle and high schools students such as pit orchestras, symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, marching bands, and jazz ensembles.

Practicing and playing an instrument on your own is fun and rewarding, but the real fun starts once you get together with other young musicians to make beautiful music together! Being part of an ensemble is a responsibility, just like being a part of a sports team. Practicing your music and being prepared for rehearsals and concerts is extremely important. Ensembles function at their best when every member is well-prepared and well-rehearsed. Below, you will see and hear just how exciting playing in an ensemble can be!

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Here is an all-brass group from Austria called Mnozil Brass. Not only are they master musicians, but they are all hysterically funny! In this clip you will see and hear the musicians play trumpets, trombones, and tuba.

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Next we have a short clip of the Philadelphia Orchestra performing the Fifth Symphony by composer Gustav Mahler. Listen to the wonderfully rich and emotional sound the strings produce. This clips features the string instruments in the orchestra (violin, viola, cello, and string bass).

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A marching band is a group of brass, woodwind, and percussion students who perform a choreographed show while performing. Look at the cool formations the group makes while playing their instruments!

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A woodwind quintet is made of up four woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon) and one French horn. Even though the French horn is a brass instruments, it blends very well with the other woodwind instrument so it is always added. In this clip, the quintet performs Korobeiniki, commonly known as the "Tetris" theme.

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The Turtle Island String Quartet is one of the world's most popular small string ensembles. The quartet is made up of two violins, one viola, and a cello. All four members are master classical and jazz musicians. Listen as the put a slightly jazzy twist on some Bach music. Listen to the way the four string instruments interact with one another!

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The Brahms Horn Trio is a famous piece written for French horn, violin, and piano. In this video, pianist Patrick Merril performs with French horn player and violinist. Listen to the interplay amongst these three master musicians!