Musical Ensembles: Types, Performers and Music
Musical ensembles are a group of people that come together to play music. They can be large or small, and may specialize in different types of music. There is a big difference between an orchestra and a jazz band for example. In this blog, we will explore different musical ensembles including what they are, the members that make them up, and what they typically play.
Ensemble members - What do ensemble members do ?
Musicians and percussionists are the most common type of ensemble members. They often play wind instruments or percussion to accompany melodies being played by other instrumentalists in the group, such as violins, horns or flutes.
What is meant by wind ensembles?
A wind ensemble is a musical group of between about 12 and 100 musicians that play woodwinds, brass instruments, percussionists or any combination thereof. Wind ensembles are typically large enough to produce the sonorities of orchestral music with one player per part. An example wind ensemble would be a symphony orchestra, but may also include jazz ensembles or military bands.
What is an ensemble repertoire?
Members of a musical ensemble may play the same music at different times, but they all agree on what repertoire to perform. Musical ensembles can specialize in playing specific pieces or types of music and often have a set list that is performed during each performance. An example would be a baroque ensemble that specializes in playing music from the Baroque era.
What are ensemble performers?
Musical ensembles typically have singers, players of musical instruments, or both. Musical performers who are not singing might play a variety of different percussion and wind instruments but usually only one type at any given time.
Where can I see an ensemble performance?
Musical performances are often done in the same place and at the same time every week. Musical ensembles typically have a set location for regular performances, such as concert halls or clubs, where they will perform weekly to an audience of devoted fans.
Who is Steve Reich in relation to musical ensembles?
Steve Reich is a Musical composer who has written many pieces that are often performed by musical ensembles.
What is one of Steve Reich's most famous works ?
Steve Reich's most famous work is Different Trains, a Musical composition written for an orchestra and recorded in a Recording studio.
Are percussion instruments used in ensembles?
Musical ensembles that require percussion instruments may use them in their performances. An example percussion instrument would be a timpani.
Is a band an ensemble?
Musical groups are typically smaller than musical ensembles, usually consisting of four to five players. Musical group members often come from many genres and may perform a variety of different instruments in their ensemble performances.