How the woodwind section is organised
The standard woodwind section is made up of flutes, oboes clarinets and bassoons.
The flutes and oboes usually sit in front of the clarinets and bassoons. Notice
that the double reeds, the oboes and bassoons are on the right hand side and
the clearer toned flutes and clarinets are on the left.
The diagram below shows how the first or 'principal' players of each instrument sit close together. This enables them to hear each other as clearly as possible.
The second players of each instrument sit beside the 1st players and are further from the centre of the section. If there are more woodwind instruments required they are seated further out from the middle.
Additional instruments in each woodwind family sit on the outer edges of the section. The example below shows how six additional instruments to the basic section would be seated.
- Next to the second flute is the piccolo and then the alto flute.
- Next to the second clarinet is the bass clarinet and then the saxophone.
- Beside the oboes and bassoons go the cor anglais and contra bassoon respectively.
In the photo below you can see the Philharmonia Orchestra woodwind section.
Can you tell which are the principal players of each instrument?*
A clue: The principal flute player is turning the page of his music!
MJ