This is the largest section and is divided into five sections; first violins, second violins, violas, cellos and double basses. The first violins typically handle the top line melody and solo parts. This is a prestigious role for a musician. The second violins typically play in ensemble, the violas and cellos play in ensemble and are deeper than the violins. The double bass, while nowadays played with fingers in jazz and rock styles, was typically bowed. All classical orchestra instruments are made from wood. The strings are fastened over the wooden body, along the neck and are bowed or plucked. The wooden body resonates the sound.
Although modern woodwind instruments are more typically made from plastic and metal, the term "woodwind" distinguishes them other reed instruments. There are four woodwind instruments in a Classical orchestra, from highest in pitch to deepest they are the flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. There are two of each in the typical Classical orchestra setup. The flute is distinct from the other woodwind instruments because it is played sideways and doesn't have a reed. The flautist blows across the opening, rather than directly into it as one would with an oboe or bassoon. This creates a lighter, more "airy" timbre.
Compared to the brass section of a Modern orchestra, the Classical orchestra brass section is somewhat basic, containing two "French" horns and two trumpets. Trombones and tubas were not introduced into orchestral music until the early Romantic period. The "French" horn is a large instrument with a flared bell and coiled tubing. The horn player blows into the hole at the top of the horn and changes the notes by pressing down on the various keys. The trombone is long and narrow, rather than pressing keys the trombonist adjusts the pitch of the note by moving the slide forwards and backwards. This creates a smooth, legato effect.
The Classical percussion section is very basic. It contains two timpani, typically played by one person. The timpani is a large, circular-topped drum with sides that taper inwards. The two drums are tuned differently to create different pitches. The timpani is typically struck with either hard beaters or soft mallets, depending on the requirements of the composer and conductor.