The Orchestration Handbook

The Orchestration Handbook. (The Essential Guide to Every Instrument in the Orchestra) ** By Don B. Ray. Reference. 72 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.

The Orchestration Handbook is an at-a-glance guide to the key elements in a musical score. Students and instructors alike will find this handbook indispensable for its clear, concise explanations of instrument characteristics, musical symbols, mood and dynamic indications, and tempo marks. Wondering if your melody can be doubled by clarinet and tenor trombone? Not sure of the difference between dolente and doloroso? The characteristics of every instrument and score marking are covered here. Designed in a unique 4-1/2″ x 12″ format, The Orchestration Handbook belongs on the music stand of every conductor, arranger and composer.

Don B. Ray is the creator of the Film Scoring Program at UCLAs Department of the Arts and a retired Music Supervisor for the CBS television network.