Orchestration Test Example

So, one thing I like to do to strengthen skill sets is mess around and just create things that focus on whatever it is that I'm wanting to strengthen in my writing. This particular beginning is focused on orchestration. I've got the winds interlocked in the tutti chords (tonic: d minor). Following these, I bring celli, bass, 2nd violins, and viola in with an accompaniment pattern (doubled with bassoon). Clarinet and Oboe share a resonant countermelody as the flute and violins present the initial theme. Horns, in this example, add punctuation to the rhythmic motif found in the celli. 

It's a little busy, don't you think? It's not normally an issue, but your melodies being in similar ranges for some reason sounded strange this time. Lots of small crossed voices. 
What's the purpose of the instrumentally separated accompaniment figure?

The accompaniment figure is purely textural. Yeah, I can space them out. Probably dont need the clarinets doubling the oboe either.

I think it's fine in terms of balance.... I agree that doubling clarinets + oboe could be improved with another combination, since they have timbre of the same family.