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This is a really interesting conversation. I guess I never really thought about it because I'm a euphoniumist first, then a trombonist, then a tubist. Since everyone has given some great responses, I'll give my $0.002 Tuba: The tuba is the youngest and lowest brass instrument. Don't be scared of this awesome instrument. The tuba will round out the bottom end of your music so well. It can project as well be an additional foundation to your bass. Euphonium: Not a very common orchestra instrument. VERY common in band. Some people use this in when parts are written for tenor tuba. This instrument is the closest to the male voice (some argue trombone.) Even with that argument, it's more agile than the trombone because of valves. Trumpets and Trombones: Man, what a duo. VERY powerful instruments with much punch.. YOu can use them in so many ways. You don't have to relegate these awesome instruments to just fanfare type motifs. They are very capable of handle rigorous AND MELODIOUSLY warm passages. Don't look at stuff in the classical period as your guide for these instruments. The trumpets were not valved, thus very limited. Also, IN THAT TIME, people didn't realize the trombone could be a virtuous instrument. Horns: IMO, there is no better instrument that can "bring home the bacon" like the French Horn. There's nothing like giving the Horn a countermelody in ANY range and you feel it. I leave you with the GREAT RESPIGHI!

Thank you both for your replies! 1) Okay. I was led to believe (by the internet) that most trumpet players would own a Bb and D trumpet. Maybe they are less common than it seems. I can easily transpose this. 2) Yes, lack of counterpoint has often been a problem in my works. I'm interested to look at how I can fit more in. Are there any particular sections that you though needed it? Thank you for your review! I did try to make some parts of this less predictable than they often are in my pieces. I'm glad to hear it worked!

Not sure what you mean here. Improvisation is composing on the fly. At the piano, there are times when a nice sequence turns up and with luck you remember it. Often it's elusive and you'll never play it the same again. Not sure how that ties in with orchestration. Occasionally an idea comes to mind and I score it (write down what it seems to sound like in my head) but it rarely stays in the same shape if I keep it. (I often touch the notes on the piano to see if things are as I hoped.) I have a reasonable ear but still like to try out harmony/sequence and things. It's got easier with daws. I can try things out with the instruments. I used to record improvisations of "standards" for hours on end so that I could try to replicate bits I liked. Cheating, because it's no longer improvisation.

@jawoodruff I downloaded the Sonatina Symphony Orchestra soundfont, but it wasn't any better than the orchestral VST I have with the music program Reason (Miroslav Philharmonik Orchestra). You might have better luck, though -- and it looks like they've added some new ones since I last gave ut a shot. Let me know how it goes!