00:00 Orchestras use specific instruments in combination to create symphonies and fill harmonics, and this episode explores the history and purpose of orchestras.

01:48 An orchestra is a group of musicians who play together, and the term "orchestra" didn't begin until the late 17th century in France and Italy.

03:19 An orchestra is typically a symphony orchestra consisting of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments, and the terms "symphony" and "philharmonic" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of ensemble.

04:44 Orchestras have a varying number of musicians, but they are usually between 70 to 120 members, with a large number of string instruments compared to other sections due to volume considerations.

06:24 Orchestras may bring in a solo pianist or other soloists for performances, but anyone on the orchestra's roster could play a solo part if needed; each section of the orchestra has a principal or first chair responsible for leading the section and performing solos, and the Concert Master or Concert Mistress, who is the lead musician in most orchestras, ensures everyone is in tune before a concert starts; the conductor keeps the tempo and communicates how they want a piece to be played.

07:56 Orchestras differ in their performances, conductors have a say in the repertoire, seasons are planned in advance, conductors are the public face of the orchestra, top orchestras rehearse little, individual musicians practice alone, major orchestras are big business with large budgets and high salaries for musicians and conductors.

09:32 Orchestras vary in size, budget, and the number of performances they have, with many musicians in mid- or lower-level orchestras working part-time jobs outside of music.