Musical Combinations

The number and variety of instruments or voices that are involved in a music performance will greatly affect the quality of the recital.

Solo: One instrument or voice alone is a special and unique circumstance. More than one performer is another matter entirely.

Duo or Duet: two performers

Trio: three performers with resultant triangulation

Quartet: four performers. Vocal quartet. String quartet (2 violins, viola, and cello), SATB Quintet: five performers. Piano quintet (piano and string quartet), woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn) brass quintet (2 trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba)

Sextet: six performers

Septet: seven performers

Octet: eight performers

Nonet: nine performers

Ensemble: a group of people who perform together

Band: woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Marching Band: plays very loud in association with football games

Rock band: guitars, keyboards, bass guitar, drums

Jazz Big Band: 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums

Orchestra: a large ensemble of strings, woodwinds,, brass, and percussion

String orchestra: violins, violas, cellos, and basses

Vocal ensemble: small group of singers (2 or 3 on a part)

Chorus: a large group of singers

Choir: a chorus associated with a religious organization