When you walk into a concert hall, you see rows of violins, a wall of brass, and the percussionists poised at the back—but why are they always arranged this way?

In this episode of Classical Gassing, Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine, founder and executive director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, to explore how orchestras are put together—literally.

From the bird’s-eye view in balcony seats to the perspective of musicians sitting inside the ensemble, Paul reveals:

• 🎻 Why strings sit up front, and why violins always go on the conductor’s left

• 🎺 The “hierarchy” within the orchestra—like a musical army with section leaders

• 🥁 How percussionists choreograph their parts like a ballet of rhythm

• 🎶 What composers intend when they place trumpets offstage or in the balcony

• 👀 Why watching is just as essential to the concert experience as listening

You’ll also hear stories from Claflin Hill concerts, like a child’s first magical moment hearing violins play in the holiday pops, and insights into what musicians really hear (or don’t hear!) while performing.

Whether you’re a dedicated concertgoer or just curious why orchestras look the way they do, this episode will change how you see—and hear—symphonic music.