About Us

Here at Orchestra Ensemble, we want to be your go-to resource for everything that has to do with orchestral instruments. This includes giving advice and recommendations for both experts and prospective orchestral instrument players who are wanting to join a new community or professional ensemble. We also want to provide our readers with instrument-specific care guides and even advice on the best equipment that will help amplify your playing experience.

We know that it can be de difficult to find accurate and ‘insider’ advice from industry experts, especially from those who have played for many years and know some best-kept secrets for newer players. Picking up a new instrument can be both costly and intimidating, especially if you aren’t a part of a group or class that can help guide you through learning and instrument care. For expert players, it can be difficult to find resources that are written by fellow experts themselves.

No matter where you are in your journey, our experienced team will guide you with the information you need. We’ll help you find the best intro clarinet, cost-effective reed picks, or top-quality strings for every playing level. We’ll also keep you updated on the best new instruments to try for all different levels of expertise.

If you’re ready to tune in (no pun intended) to everything we have to offer, check out our comprehensive guides on cellosviolinsviolassaxophonestrumpetstrombonesclarinetsflutestubas, and euphoniums.

Our goal

Our goal here at Orchestra ensemble is to be a pillar for you in the music community. We’ll cover instrument reviews, tutorials for beginners, music theory concepts, and introductions to unique and unusual instruments. So no matter what you’re looking to add to your journey with instruments, we’ll be right by your side the entire time. 

But, we also want to cater to musicians of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’re a primary chair in a professional orchestra, we’ve got something for you. We want to help you achieve any and all of your musical dreams, no matter what they look like.

What we offer

The wide variety of content we offer here focuses on the one thing we love: music! Mainly, we’ll focus on guides to showcase the best instruments and instrument brands on the market. But, we’ll also give you insight into the equipment and accessories that are worth your money. We’ll break down the techniques you can use to improve your musicianship, as well as the terminology you need to know to succeed with your instrument. 

How this works

As previously mentioned, all of our writers at Orchestra Ensemble are experts and have been playing their instruments for quite some time. We bring our expertise and familiarity with string instruments to make instrument-specific recommendations and put together comprehensive care guides based on your needs.

  • First, we identify the most desired, top-rated, or new & noteworthy orchestral instruments. Then bring them into our own spaces to test them out for ourselves.
  • Depending on the instrument we are reviewing, we make sure that we play and test it out for an appropriate length of time. Because instruments take a little while to get used to and break-in, we make sure our evaluation periods align with recommended instrument performance guidelines.
  • The person reviewing the instrument(s) has ample experience and will also write the article and make recommendations. If writers are ever unsure about particular product details, they consult our other experts on the team. 
  • We make sure to update any changes to instrument & equipment models and answer community inquiries as they arise.

Core Values

  • Passion
  • Expertise
  • Community
  • Creativity 
  • Achievement

Our Team

We’re excited to introduce you to our incredible team of musicians. Our team has played nearly every instrument out there, from contrabass tubas to pocket piccolos. There is no musical question too difficult for our team. Without any further hesitation, please meet our team of writers: 

Miah Schmahl- Site Conductor/ Violin Expert

Miah is a contemporary musician but spent her formative years playing and singing in various ensembles. She’s familiar with the clarinet, guitar, percussion, saxophone, and piano, but her love lies with orchestral string instruments.

Miah’s primary instrument is the violin. She started teaching herself to play as a way to relax at the end of the day. Often called a self-starter, she is currently teaching herself to compose music while working with a violin teacher to advance her skills. 

Shee views the music world through a unique lens that invites anyone to follow their musical dreams, regardless of ability or financial freedom. She truly believes everyone deserves to learn music, and she’s committed to helping people find the products and information that will suit their talents and budget. 

What was your first instrument, and what inspired you to learn it?

My first instrument was percussion; I mostly played the bass drum and the snare. I was inspired by Lane from Gilmore Girls and wanted to be like her. Nowadays, I’m more inspired by Gil because of Sebastian Bach. 

What keeps you dedicated and inspired to keep learning and growing your skills and knowledge?

My love for music is driven by how it makes me feel. It’s one of the most expressive mediums humans have. I always say I like music when it’s about something and when it tells a story. There are so many stories out there, from classical to contemporary, and the endless possibilities and new creations keep me going. 

What is your preferred instrument, and why?

I love the violin, I can’t pinpoint one exact reason. There are so many things to love, but mostly I just think it sounds beautiful and it’s so fun to play. There’s also a rich history and lore out there behind certain types of violins and just as many scams to match. It’s such a colorful community. 

Who are your major musical inspirations? 

I love all musicians because they all have a story and why they love what they do. My biggest inspirations are people who aren’t afraid to break the mold and try something new. There is a whole world of sounds out there, and I love seeing what we can make of them. 

Do you have a favorite composer?

Johannes Brahms and Danny Elfman! Along with all the teens and young adults featured on TwoSets, subscribers sent composition videos! 

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

Lindsey Stirling and Emilie Autumn are my major inspirations in modern music. They broke the mold of what was expected completely and so uniquely. 2Cellos also holds a very special place in my heart! Otherwise, my artist of the day changes with the moon.

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

I love playing Perpetual Motion out of the Suzuki book for warm-up, and I like how arpeggios sound a lot! I’m also very fond of video game and movie scores. Some of my favorites include the music from Skyrim, Assassins Creed, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Requiem For a Dream (Lux Aterna). 

I always sing along to Africa by Toto and Guiltless by Dodie at the top of my lungs in terms of listening. 

Favorite genre of music?

I’ve always been a huge fan of Pop and Dance music; I love a danceable beat! 

Favorite musical memory?

Performing at the Colorado Jazz Festival with my jazz choir was an incredible experience. It was my first festival-style performance, and it was held in my hometown! We were a bunch of weird misfits with a massive passion for music, think the breakfast club, but we actually liked each other! It was an honor to attend and perform at such an incredible festival with my friends. 

I also fondly look back on many of my concert experiences, especially with smaller artists. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of my idols like Mary Lambert, Betty Who, Mark Ballas (Dancing with Stars), and his wife BC Jean who form the band, Alexander Jean. I’ve been able to attend concerts at some of the most sought-after venues in the world, like Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver (the stairs man the stairs). 

Alizabeth Swain- All Around Music and Music Theory Expert

Alizabeth first started to play the flute in 4th grade. She quickly realized how much she loved music and became committed to learning and growing her skills. 14 years later, she is fluent in 8 instruments and can easily read all four clefs. In high school, she aspired to attend college for music and took countless classes in music theory. However, her heart had other ideas. Ultimately, she decided to write and talk about her experiences with mental health online. 

Now she gets to do two things she loves, write and use her music knowledge to enrich other musicians’ lives and help them follow their musical dreams! When she’s not delving into the music world, she spends time writing for various niches like beauty, style, and pet care! 

What was your first instrument and what inspired you to learn it?
The first instrument I played was the flute. I wish there was some inspirational story to tell you why I picked the flute. But, I had just moved to a new school and the band director at the school had approved me. I told him how much I loved music. He asked me if I had ever thought about playing an instrument and I had explained to him that I hadn’t. He said I should think about playing the flute because it’s really small and easy to carry around. A few weeks later, I picked up the flute for the first time and I haven’t put it down 13 years later.

What keeps you dedicated and inspired to learn and grow your skills and knowledge?

Music is my release. Some people exercise, some people read – I play instruments. I’ll throw myself the music I play to forget about the world for a little while. I love the feeling when I play, I love listening to the beautiful music I create, I love listening to myself play piccolo; I always imagine myself as a little bird sitting in a tree, singing a tune. It makes me feel light, beautiful, and carefree.

What is your preferred instrument, and why? 

While it may annoy a lot of string players, viola. I love the viola; it’s unique, and there’s soooo much music (especially a lot of fun modern tunes) available for the viola. I originally started off on flute and piccolo with my music journey, so it only felt like a natural switch choosing the viola!

Who are your major musical inspirations?

I don’t have one musician that serves as my inspiration. Every musician I meet is my inspiration. Every musician has a story that they try to convey through their music. I love listening to performances from every musician I meet because there’s so much inspiration to be found. 

Do you have a favorite composer?

Dmitri Shostakovich

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

Eric Whiteacre

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

Water Night for Strings was the first song to ever make me cry because it’s so beautiful. 

Favorite genre of music?

This always seems to surprise people, but I’m a metalhead at heart. There’s nothing too heavy out there for me!

Favorite musical memory?

My favorite musical memory was teaching the troubled youth basic music theory. I love watching music move through their lives and inspire everyone differently. It was terrific to influence young people who needed help, and it was even better to watch music change lives. 

Hannah Haefele- Flute & Brass Expert

Since she was six years old, Hannah has been a part of the music world. She loves classical to modern music and has played multiple instruments. Today her instrument of choice is the flute for its versatility. Still, she also has experience with the violin and most brass and woodwind instruments. 

Hannah has been running her own music blog since 2013, where she shares her thoughts on different instrument models, her tips for becoming a better musician, and how to take care of our beloved musical friends. Additionally, she has a Youtube Channel, where she shares original compositions, arrangments of some of her favorite songs, and the occasional musical tip! She loves sharing her knowledge with others so they can begin their musical journey! 

What was your first instrument, and what inspired you to learn it?

My first instrument was the violin, and I was only 6 at the time, so I don’t remember what made me want to play it.

What keeps you dedicated and inspired to learn and grow your skills and knowledge?

To be honest, the whole pandemic has made it hard to keep practicing as much as I did beforehand and when I was in school. But I’d say that hope for some normalcy and the ability to perform live for people keeps me inspired to learn.

What is your preferred instrument, and why?

My main instrument currently is the flute. I love that you can play every kind of music on it, from Bach and Mozart to Jethro Tull and Lizzo.

Who are your major musical inspirations? (Composers, modern artists, orchestras, loved ones, etc, anyone who really inspires you to make or play music)

Some of my major musical inspirations include French and Romantic music. Composers like Gabriel Fauré and Cecile Chaminade. As far as modern artists, I like listening to Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and the entire Encanto soundtrack lately.

Do you have a favorite composer?

My favorite composer is Claude Debussy. I just seem to love all of his pieces that I’ve played. But that doesn’t mean his pieces are easy!

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

I don’t know that I have a favorite modern artist. Maybe Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez.

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

My favorite piece to play and listen to might have to be Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. I played the piccolo part on it a few years ago, and it’s great because you get to just listen from the middle of the orchestra until you start playing during the last movement.

Favorite genre of music?

My favorite genre of music is probably pop or alternative. And as much as I enjoy playing classical music, I don’t tend to listen to it just for fun.

Favorite musical memory?

I have so many great musical memories. One of the coolest musical memories I have was from grad school (pre-pandemic) when as part of the university orchestra, I got to play in a side-by-side concert with the Omaha Symphony!

Lacey Jackson- Performance, Piano and Composition Expert

Lacey began her musical career playing the piano and writing original songs to sing with her friends at a 4th-grade “graduation” ceremony. From there, she actively participated in school, church, and community chamber choirs. 

She has also found joy singing in Acapella groups and barbershop quarters throughout high school. She’s traveled around the world to perform at places like the Sistine Chapel & Julliard, with guests such as Bobby McFerrin. All the while, she pursued writing with zeal.

After high school, she studied Advanced Rhetoric and Vocal Performance at Chapman University’s Conservatory of the Arts, during which time she performed with the LA Opera Company. She has continued to write original songs (and publish both fiction and non-fiction books). Today, she can be found directing those same churches and community choirs she once participated in. 

What was your first instrument, and what inspired you to learn it?

I first learned to play the piano. I had a close friend in elementary school. We walked to her house on our short days and played dress-up, sang, and played piano. I always loved Julie Andrews, so we would dress up and sing songs from The Sound of Music most of the time. I started learning at her house in the afternoons, pounding on keys to match our collaborative efforts at solfege (“Doe, a deer, a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun). 

What keeps you dedicated and inspired to learn and grow your skills and knowledge?

That is easy—my mother. Growing up, we did not have a lot of money, and we were very frugal. Still, no matter what instrument we wanted to do—piano, violin, drums, choir, band—she made it happen. She found ways to rent instruments and arrange for rides to and from dozens of different rehearsals across town. If we were dedicated to making something happen, so was she. 

All my siblings can sing, but neither of my parents can. It skipped a generation. And yet I distinctly remember at some point in my adolescence; my mother was picked by our church as the music director even though she could not read music. She brought that up to them, and they informed her that she would do fine; this was an opportunity to learn. She took that so well. Now she has multiple instruments in the house, and she has learned to play the cello, violin, and piano, and of course, read music. She had always wanted to play the cello growing up, but it just never happened, so after she was done investing all her time and effort in our dreams, she went back and picked up a few of her own. 

I love listening to her play, and I always love learning new things. As I have started composing pieces, I have had to expand my skills. As I have integrated other instruments into my songs like the flute, violin, and organ, I have had to grow my skills and knowledge. I recently started teaching and directing church and community music programs, an entirely distinct set of skills but one I was incredibly grateful to have learned.

What is your preferred instrument, and why?

I have tried a lot of instruments over time, and I love the violin, but I am not as good at it as other members of my family. So, for me, it is still the piano. I like the piano the most because I can play various parts no matter what the sheet music is. I use it to compose different music, even for other instruments. Since I work as a writer, the dexterity required for the piano is quite helpful. 

Who are your major musical inspirations? 

Major musical inspirations come down to my two music teachers in high school. I was lucky to have attended a high school with an outstanding reputation for its music program. We were the best. And we have decades of first-place championships to prove it (I cannot imagine why I was so arrogant in my youth). But all of that came with hard work. Not once did they ever lower the bar to make things easier. We were all expected to exceed that bar. 15 minutes early was late (you got fined $1 per minute). Everyone had to sing in front of the group and be placed based on skill. No touching your face or breaking character while on stage. Certain businesses would give preferential hiring to former choir members in our area because of their dedication, professionalism, and time management skill. Those are invaluable skills that I have taken with me. 

One of those High School teachers was the director of our smaller, elite acapella group. He made things fun and funny and forced us to try a new skill every week during our summer boot camp. One week I had to scat the jazz pieces, another week, I had to do beatboxing and percussion, and another time I was forced to sing a Lena Horne song (Stormy Weather) using just my chest voice and my belt. He also hands composed an acapella version of a RENT song for our graduation because he knew how much that song meant to our group. He was always there with assignments, responsibilities for set up and takedown, and words of wisdom, many of which I still have in my music folder today. When I first directed on my own, he was the person I went to for advice and still received the same loving support and wisdom.

Do you have a favorite composer?

Andrew Lloyd Webber. My dream was to marry a composer who would write an opera just for my talents. 

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

I love Josh Groban. He may not be considered “modern” anymore, but I still love him. He proved that (unlike pop or rap) one could use their entire range in modern music, without electronic modifications and with stringed instruments. I also love any group with an electric violin; it is a weakness. I loved Skillet for that reason as a child, and I will still put them on during a workout. 

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

RENT. It is my go-to for all things. I used to sing through the entire soundtrack at the top of my lungs everywhere, especially as a warmup while getting ready for performances. I thought no one could hear me because the windows were closed. I was relieved of that falsehood when our 80+-year-old neighbor on the other side of the fence mentioned how much she loved hearing me over the wall every day. I was legitimately mortified for a while and took to warming up in my car. 

Favorite genre of music?

That has changed with time. I favored classical music most because I associated it with class and superiority. I refused to buy sheet music with popular songs, only classical ones. Then I studied opera and loved it. Opera music became my go-to. I scoffed when people remarked that the (then) new American Idol show was the greatest. Since college, life has humbled me and added Broadway to my collection of favorite genres. I believe those three are the trifecta for good music. 

Favorite musical memory?

I have two that stick out. The first is not a “happy” memory, but it was my first experience with music & prima donnas. It was fourth grade. A girl I did not particularly like invited me to do a musical piece for a talent show (along with a couple of other girls). The first time I performed in front of them, she stopped with incredulity and responded, “Wow. You are almost as talented as me.” I did not know at that point one could be so overconfident or so rude and not get hit by lightning. (And I was definitely better than she was, for the record).  

The second is our final performance for one of my musical groups. We made it a point to do Old Irish Blessing every year, but as this was our last performance before we all went to college, the words were particularly poignant. None of us made it through without crying. We all dropped our things and hugged each other in the middle of the stage when it was over, a moment one of the parents captured on film. As we exchanged pleasantries with the audience members after, the star quarterback (and one of the most popular guys in our grade) said he and his entire team broke down crying with us. They could not believe music had made them cry. I still consider it a “win” if a performance brings at least one person to tears. 

Calum Vaughn- Cello & String Expert

 

Calum’s first instrument was the acoustic guitar, and with that came a deep love and passion for all strings instruments. This passion led him to learn the violin, cello, piano, and brass instruments. You might say Calum is a jack of all music trades and knows quite a bit about the entire picture. Calum’s music taste varies from the interesting combinations and sounds of electronic music to the sweet rifts of the guitar and well-known classical pieces that everyone has come to love. His favorite instrument is the cello, and through the years, he’s committed to expanding his horizons and experimenting with new things. He also loves sharing his knowledge of the guitar and music in general with others.

What was your first instrument, and what inspired you to learn it?

The first instrument I learned to play was the acoustic guitar, and this was the beginning of my passion for stringed instruments. After this, I was keen to learn the violin and cello, and this swiftly led to learning other instruments such as brass instruments and the piano.

What keeps you dedicated and inspired to learn and grow your skills and knowledge?

I maintain my dedication and inspiration to learn and grow my musical skills and knowledge by interacting with music every single day. Even if I don’t feel like practicing, I’ll ensure that I watch a documentary about stringed instruments, an interview with my favorite musician… anything!

What is your preferred instrument, and why?

It’s incredibly difficult to pick a preferred instrument, but currently, I would have to choose the cello. I’ve been learning this instrument for many years, but recently I’ve begun experimenting with cello pickups and effects pedals, and it’s opened up many exciting musical pathways!

Who are your major musical inspirations?

I grew up with a very experimental approach to music, and as a result, some of my core musical inspirations include Schoenberg, Stockhausen, John Cage, Alvo Part, Erik Satie, and Aphex Twin.

Do you have a favorite composer?

My favorite composer would probably have to be Erik Satie – his music takes me to another place, really!

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

In terms of modern artists, Aphex Twin would have to be my favorite. He has been breaking the creative boundaries of electronic dance music since the late ’80s, and he’s still pushing the envelope to this day.

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

My favorite piece of music to play would have to be Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. It’s not my usual cup of tea, but there’s something so fun about performing it on any instrument!

Favorite genre of music?

The genre of music that you will catch me listening to most frequently is ambient, with artists such as Stars of The Lid, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin in my regular rotation.

Favorite musical memory?

My favorite ever musical memory would have to be in my early childhood when my sister and I were bouncing up and down on the sofa whilst my father was blasting “Born Slippy” by Underworld. That moment really shaped my music taste forever!

Kenaz Filan- Clarinet & Woodwind Expert

Kenaz is a writer, author, and musician. His first instrument was the clarinet, but he’s a lover of all woodwinds. His favorite method of musical expression is singing. His music collection ranges from Early to contemporary to classical and jazz. He loves a little bit of everything, even progressive rock. While a bit out of the box, Kenaz credits Emerson, Lake & Palmer as the catalyst for his interest in classical music. 

Outside of music, Kenaz is an author and editor. He’s written several books on Vodou, spiritualism, and the poppy plant. He has a strong interest in ancient history. He is currently releasing roughly 15-minute videos covering different topics on Youtube and in Podcast format. 

What was your first instrument, and what inspired you to learn it?

The clarinet, I like how it sounds, mostly when it’s played by others. 

What keeps you dedicated?

My curiosity for the music world and drive to expand my knowledge.

Preferred Instrument?

I’m partial to clarinets and other woodwinds, but nothing beats a choir of human voices.

Who are your major musical inspirations?

Britten taught me a lot about the harmonic and compositional structure of music and led me to Bach.

Do you have a favorite composer?

My three Ms are Mozart, Mahler, & Messiaen. I also enjoy modern Sacred Minimalists like Gorecki and Part and jazz composers like Oliver Nelson, Don Ellis, and Charles Mingus.

Do you have a favorite modern artist?

Very impressed by tubist Theon Cross

Favorite piece to play or listen to?

Too many to pick just one. Presently Lagrime di San Pietro by Rolande Lassus has been in heavy rotation.

Favorite genre of music?

Progressive and blues-rock, bebop, ECM, and chamber jazz, world music

Favorite musical memory?

Hearing the first “Sea Interlude” live at a Met Opera performance of Britten’s Peter Grimes.

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