Symphonic Orchestra Template

It's tough to say what might be "standard" instrumentation for a large orchestra, but you've definitely got a pretty complete set of instruments in there, and it's easier to delete ones you don't need than add ones you do, so I'd say that looks good! But in an orchestra that size, wouldn't you be likely have two oboes and two bassoons, as well as a contrabassoon? And as long as you're trying to be complete, maybe add a euphonium?

I also wonder about the ordering. I've never worked with an orchestra score quite that large, but is it common to separate the clarinet and saxophone families in the way you have? Smaller scores I've worked with usually put all the woodwinds in one group, high to low.

Is that a standard paper size? In the US, "Tabloid" (11x17") would probably be the most common size; I imagine in Europe it would be something similar but slightly different. I find it better to make a template the smaller of the two regional standards, as being printed a little too small for the larger paper beats having it too big for the smaller paper.

One last thing in case you weren't aware - for use as a template, it seems best to delete all measures before saving. Otherwise you don't get the right number of measures when you use the Create New Score wizard.

FWIW, what I personally would find most useful would be a template for an orchestra of a size between the existing "Chamber Orchestra" and yours. Something like 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon; 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba; percussion, timpani; harp; violin I/II, viola, cello, double bass.

Well, scoring is very different for every song. I, for one, never start a new song without adjusting which instruments I have, etc. I actually created a template, but it is only a general idea for a symphonic orchestra score.

Anyway, here are some suggestions:

In most cases (no definite rule), you'll have Piccolo, Flutes, Oboe(s), English Horn, Clarinets, THEN Bassoon at the end of that section (I don't really know why. Probably just so that you can keep the low voices, the bass clarinet and bassoon, together). If you do this, bracket all the way from Piccolo to Bassoon.

Generally in orchestras (and even some symphonic bands), there will be two oboe parts and two bassoon parts. This is certainly not required; I'm just throwing out some information you might want.

Eb Clarinet should be just above the 1st Bb Clarinet since it is pitched higher.

Several bands have an Eb Alto Clarinet between 3rd Clarinet and Bb Bass Clarinet.

VERY few symphonic orchestras have a soprano saxophone. Instead they have two alto saxophone parts.

Glockenspiel and Timpani should come before percussion.

Piano and Harp don't really have much business being in the same score. I mean, there's no rule against it, but generally they play the same thing. I'm not going to tell you what instruments you can and can't use, but a piano AND a harp is a little extreme. If you have something in mind which requires both (or if you're writing for a band that has both), go right ahead. If you keep both, they don't need to be bracketed.

I've attached my own template in case you'd like to use it or just look at it as a guide (it has some optional instruments).

I hope I've been helpful in some way. Good luck!