The first type of orchestra were groups of instruments that gathered to play in ancient Egypt. The Roman Empire mostly scorned musicians, discouraging informal ensemble playing. This reappeared after the fall of the empire.

Instrument families began appearing in the eleventh century, consisting of similar models differening in tones and octaves. The Middle Ages included mostly groups of certain instrument families.

Modern orchestras began in the late sixteenth century when composers were writing music for instrumental groups. The instruments used were not those found today in the orchestra.

The seventeenth century showed the favoring of strings for their particular sound, which developed into the heart of the orchestra. Improvements occurred in the construction of instruments, the progress of music compositions, and the development in the technique of performance.

Flutes, oboes, horns, and trumpets became part of the typical orchestra by the early eighteenth century. A typical classical orchestra also included clarinets, bassoons, violins, violas, cellos, basses, and timpani.

Composers began writing for a larger orchestra, causing the size to increase over the years.