Thread: Forming semi-classical band

Hi, I am forming a semi-classical 4/6 piece band. What instruments do you suggest me to include? (I play the oboe)
Thanks for your time and help.

What exactly do you mean by "semi classical?" Do you mean you'll be playing Jazz as well? Or will you be playing soundtrack stuff too or new age? Or all three?

Yes we'll be varying to soundtrack/pop music

Originally Posted by leanne

Yes we'll be varying to soundtrack/pop music

Well that sorta depends too. A lot of soundtrack don't really require that wide variety of instruments other than classical. If you're going for Jazz however I would definitely suggest the saxophone and clarinet. Both are pretty good selections for Jazz and pop music.

Again, it all depends on your definition of pop. Soundtracks like Star trek or some war movie or something wouldn't be that far of a cry from the typical classical instruments (Actually Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije was written as incidental music hehe).

But really, I'd say try to find a sax and clarinet.

Maybe a bandmaster somewhere here can correct me if I'm wrong on any aspects.

Thank you so much for your opinion! I was thinking of including a keyboard, clarinet, violin and drums.

Wish to have more opinions please

Won't instrumentation depend on your repertoire? Or are you planning do do all arranging yourself?