Concert Band vs Symphonic Band
Concert band and symphonic band are two terms that refer to a group of musicians performing together in Western music. Generally, these two names have the same meaning, and there is no difference between them. Both describe an ensemble playing woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments. This type of group is also known as a wind symphony, wind band, or wind orchestra.
Key Takeaways
- Concert band and symphonic band are synonyms, both referring to ensembles playing woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments.
- In some institutions, the term “symphonic” may be used for a more advanced band, while “concert” refers to the regular band.
- These ensembles are also known as wind symphonies, wind bands, wind orchestras, and wind ensembles.
What is a Concert Band/Symphonic Band?
Although there is no real difference between concert bands and symphonic bands, some schools and universities might use the term “symphonic” to refer to a more advanced band, while “concert” is used for the regular band.
A concert or symphonic band typically consists of woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments. The primary component of these ensembles is the woodwind section, which is why they are also called wind bands, wind symphonies, wind orchestras, and wind ensembles. Their repertoire usually includes wind compositions, light music, transcriptions of orchestral compositions, and popular tunes.
Instruments Used in Concert Bands/Symphonic Bands
Woodwind Instruments: These instruments produce sound by the vibration of reeds in the mouthpiece or by the passing of air across the mouthpiece. Examples include clarinets, oboes, bassoons, flutes, and saxophones.
Percussion Instruments: These instruments produce sound by being struck or scraped by a beater, hand, or another similar instrument. Examples include various types of drums and xylophones.
Brass Instruments: These instruments produce sound by the vibration of air in a tubular resonator in sympathy with the vibration of the player’s lips. They are typically made of brass, and examples include trumpets, trombones, cornets, tubas, and euphoniums.
What is the difference between Concert Band and Symphonic Band?
Concert band and symphonic band both refer to ensembles playing woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments. However, some schools might use these terms to differentiate between two types of bands, with “concert band” referring to the regular school band and “symphonic band” referring to a more advanced band.
Summary – Concert Band vs Symphonic Band
There is no real difference between concert bands and symphonic bands, as both terms describe ensembles playing woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments. These groups are also known as wind bands, wind symphonies, wind orchestras, and wind ensembles, with woodwind instruments being the main component.
