I need orchestration tips for my first symphony.

So this is the introduction and the PDF score is linked on the description. I just want to know if in this small excerpt I could have orchestrated something in a better way, that would help me a lot already (I'm also specially confused a bit about the woodwinds). Also, any other tips are welcome, even if they are not about the orchestration

Hello, just stopping by, and I find what you have so far really well-written!(:  Really dramatic all the way, reminiscent of Beethoven’s (and possibly other prolific classical ensemble composers’) symphonies.

As for advice, which you specifically asked for, I’ll give you whatever I can suggest off my limited experience, me being a self-taught composer with very little formal training.

• You could experiment with brass (e.g. trumpets, tubas), as in my experience, they tend to have high dynamic range compared with the other instrument families, except probably percussion.  The brass would surely add to the already dramatic feeling evoked, and will most likely make the listening experience more intense.
• Speaking of percussion, maybe you can also try using a triangle at select parts or the song to add contrasting timbre.  If I remember right, triangle sounds are a bit playful and gentle.
• Each of the strings has some interesting rhythms.  Maybe you can streamline and combine those rhythms, so each string doesn’t seem to be off in its separate planet.  The contrabasses can be given a more elaborate part too.
• I believe you shouldn’t worry too much about the woodwinds.  They don’t have to play for most of your symphony.  In fact, having them play at unexpected times can grab the listeners’ attention.
• Now for the non-orchestration thoughts: Sonata-allegro form (I assume you’re familiar with it since you’re writing a symphony, but I’ll mention it anyway) is your friend.  You can get a lot going if you experiment with multiple themes, transitions, and momentary changes in keys.  Then again, it doesn’t have to be that complex.  The 4 single contrabass notes in the end of your excerpt could already spark some inspiration leading to something ear-catching, like slowly adding more instruments in for stacking harmonies.
• And lastly, maybe you can come up with a more tangible melody, since during my listening and sheet music studying, I find it to be mostly chords and arpeggios.  I’m not trying to say your current material is lacking (it actually sounds pretty good), just suggesting ways to make your symphony more memorable.

Hope this helps, and hope my explanations are not confusing,

~Frank

I thought this little bit was great. It would be a very convincing begining. Now all you need to is to flesh out the theme over time. The instruments interplay is quite nice and finding a way to continue that energy in quieter sections would be cool. I don't think anything needs to be changed from what you have, more so the rest of the piece would depend on the evolution, variation and repition of a theme. The violin part to me is the most ear-catching part, but in part because of the cello counter melody.