Surprising Musical Instruments That Aren’t Typically Found in an Orchestra

The Orchestra's Standard Instruments: What You Usually Expect

Okay, let’s start with the obvious – when you think of an orchestra, you probably imagine a sea of violins, cellos, flutes, and drums. Right? These instruments are the heart and soul of classical music. They're essential for creating that grand symphonic sound we all love.

In fact, I had a conversation with a buddy of mine last week, and we were discussing what makes an orchestra an orchestra. We both agreed – the core instruments like strings, woodwinds, and brass sections create the foundation. But honestly, I was wondering about those rare instruments that don’t make the cut. You know, the ones you never see taking the stage. Intrigued? Let’s dive in.

The Weird and Wonderful: Instruments You Won't Find in Most Orchestras

Electric Guitar: Out of Place in a Symphony?

I know, you’re probably thinking, "What? An electric guitar? No way!" But hear me out. While the electric guitar is a staple in rock bands and pop music, it’s not usually a part of a traditional orchestra. Sure, there are exceptions—like when orchestras do special performances for movie scores or certain crossover genres (hello, Metallica with an orchestra). But if we’re talking about your typical orchestra concert, the electric guitar isn’t invited. And honestly, this still blows my mind because imagine an electric guitar ripping through Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." It would be insane.

Piano: The Forgotten Instrument?

Hold on – isn’t the piano sometimes used in orchestral works? Yup, absolutely! But it’s not as common as you might think. Piano parts tend to show up in specific compositions (think Beethoven or Rachmaninoff), but unlike the string, brass, or woodwind sections, the piano doesn’t have a permanent seat in the orchestra. It’s often a solo instrument, popping in for specific pieces, but you rarely see it in every single orchestral piece. I was pretty surprised when I learned this, honestly. You’d think a grand piano would be a must-have, considering its sheer versatility!

Saxophone: A Surprisingly Rare Guest

Now, here’s a fun one. The saxophone is an amazing instrument, right? It’s full of character, with its rich, deep sound. But guess what? You won’t usually find it in a traditional orchestra. It’s more at home in jazz bands, marching bands, or brass bands. Despite its inclusion in certain modern orchestral pieces, it’s still considered a “guest star” at best. Actually, I was talking to a fellow musician who was ranting about this – why doesn’t the sax get more love in orchestras? It adds so much depth!

When These Instruments Are Welcome: Exceptions to the Rule

Actually, some orchestras do experiment with unconventional instruments. In the 20th century, composers like Stravinsky and even John Williams began to incorporate more modern and diverse instruments into their symphonic works. For example, the electric guitar and saxophone have been used in specific compositions like Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale. There’s a beauty in breaking tradition, I get that.

But still, it’s rare. These instruments are often added to spice things up, to create a particular effect or vibe for a specific piece, but they’re not staples in the orchestra's core lineup.

Why Are These Instruments Excluded?

Well, if you think about it, orchestras are built around a certain sound. There’s a reason why violins, cellos, and flutes create such a lush, balanced tone together. Adding something like the electric guitar or saxophone could throw that delicate balance off. And, of course, orchestral music has deep historical roots, and many composers stuck to using the instruments they had available in their time. This keeps the tradition alive, but also limits what’s brought onto the stage.

I had a moment of doubt when I first considered this – maybe the world is ready for a sax-heavy symphony? Who knows?

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Unconventional Sound

At the end of the day, orchestras are all about tradition, but that doesn’t mean they can’t surprise us once in a while. Some of the instruments that aren’t "normally" used can actually bring something incredible to the table. Imagine a jazz-inspired orchestra with a sax, or a modern orchestra playing alongside electric guitars. It might not be your typical night at the symphony, but it could be a performance to remember.

Do I still think the electric guitar has a place in a Tchaikovsky piece? Maybe not, but I wouldn't say no to a little experimental mash-up! What do you think? Would you want to hear a sax in your next orchestra performance?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.