Brass section explained

The brass section of the orchestra, concert band, and jazz ensemble consist of brass instruments, and is one of the main sections in all three ensembles. The British-style brass band contains only brass and percussion instruments.

They contain instruments given Hornbostel-Sachs classification 423 (brass instruments).

Orchestra

The typical brass section of a modern orchestra is as follows:^{[1] [2]}

• 4 French horns
• 2–3 Trumpets
• 2 Tenor trombones
• 1 Bass trombone
• 1 Tuba

Concert band

The brass section of the concert band is generally larger and more diverse than the brass section of the orchestra.

The typical brass section of a concert band is as follows:

• 4–6 Trumpets and/or cornets
• 4 French horns
• 2–3 Tenor trombones
• 1 Bass trombone
• 2 Euphoniums and/or baritone horns
• 2 Tubas

The brass instruments that are sometimes, but very rarely, used in the concert band:

• Flugelhorn
• Tenor (alto) Horn
• Piccolo trumpet
• Bass trumpet
• Wagner tuba
  • Alto trombone Contrabass trombone

Brass band

• 1 soprano cornet
• 10 cornets
• 1 flugelhorn
• 3 tenor (alto) horns
• 2 baritone horns
• 2 tenor trombones
• 1 bass trombone
• 2 euphoniums
• 2 E tubas
• 2 B tubas

Jazz ensemble

The brass section of jazz ensembles usually include:

• 4 trumpets
• 3 Tenor trombones
• 1 Bass trombone

See also

• Woodwind section
• String section
• Percussion section
• Keyboard section

Notes and References

1. Web site: Instruments of the Orchestra: The Brass Family . Orsymphony.org . 2014-05-21.
2. Web site: Instrument Lab | ArtsAlive.ca Music . Artsalive.ca . 2014-05-21.