Woodwinds are the topmost section in a score, and are arranged thus:

Piccolo
Flutes
Oboes
Cor Anglais
Clarinets
Bass Clarinet
Bassoons
Contrabassoon

If saxophones are used in an orchestral score, they would be placed between the clarinets and
bassoons. In a concert or wind band score, saxophones are placed below the bassoons as a
section (typically alto, tenor and baritone saxophones).

In an orchestral score, the brass section is arranged thus:

Horns (Wagner Tubas)

Trumpets
Trombones
Tuba

Horns are, by convention, placed above trumpets in a conventional orchestral score. However,
the author dislikes this arrangement, as all other sections are arranged in order of pitch. In a
concert or wind band score, trumpets are placed above the horns.

Percussion parts are next in the score. Various unpitched instruments are first. Tuned mallets
are then arranged in order of pitch, with timpani at the bottom of the section.

The strings are always the bottom-most section of the score. They are arranged thus:

Violins I
Violins II
Violas
Cellos
Bassi

If singers or a choir are employed, these are placed below the percussion and above the strings.
In opera scores, singers are sometimes placed between the celli and violas. Pianos, harps and
other auxiliary instruments are also placed in this position (above the soloist and below the
choir if applicable). A solo instrument is most often placed immediately above the strings. In
scores with no strings, choirs and/or soloists are placed at the top of the score. The rhythm
section, where applicable is often at the very bottom of the score (assuming there are no strings).
A rhythm section can be seen in almost any arrangement, but is most commonly in the following
order:
27