amatören

You probably would like using a notation software, and not needing many of the functions in Cubase, etc. Sibelius and Finale are most popular, try the demos. For orchestral sound you can pay a look on Miroslav Philharmonik or Garritan, which shuold be compatible with the programs mentioned. You'll need a powerful pc to use lots good sounding software intruments, and maybe you'd benefit of a audio interface with ASIO drivers.

Hey Aesthete18! Maybe it's late, but I would like to add three things: > If you have the opportunity to ask a conductor about volume and balance, he/she will be able to give advice. Conductors are always "mixing" - so to say - those instruments when performing in different acoustic spaces without any electronic or digital aid. > Find some record with the same instruments and with the kind of sound you want to achieve. Use it as a reference, comparing with your mix. > It seems your music is all acoustic, maybe in a classic style, and it wouldn't be mixed as for example pop music. Try to do as little as possible as to effects. ( Regarding EQ's is best to only decrease on some frequencies which are disturbing.) I wish you all success in your composing/producing!