How Many Instruments Are There in an Orchestra?

Odds

Orchestras vary in size, according to the piece of music they're playing. But in general, a modern orchestra has about 100 instruments, divided into four sections.

The string section includes 34 violins, 12 violas, ten cellos, eight double basses, and two harps — for a total of 66 instruments.

The woodwind section includes three flutes, three clarinets, three oboes, three bassoons, one double bassoon, one piccolo, one English horn, and one bass clarinet — for a total of 16 instruments.

The brass section includes four trumpets, six French horns, three trombones, and one tuba — for a total of 14 instruments.

The percussion section contains a variety of instruments, including four kettledrums, and such instruments as the chimes, xylophone, triangle, and cymbals.

The largest orchestra ever to play together was assembled in Oslo, Norway, in 1964 — 20,000 pieces!