which instrument should i play for orchestra french horn or clarinet, tell me your answer and why not just one, cause noone like just one

I would say horn because not as many people play horn as clarinet, therefore you wouldn't have as much competition. There are so many clarinetists that all the decent players get lost in their abundance. I play the clarinet, too. Also good horn players are greatly appreciated by directors.

Both are beautiful. French horn takes a lot of lip strength, while clarinet doesn't.

It really depends on which one you like the most.

as an example anything like "canadian"s reply is not welcome because it did not help but other guy response was very good

My favorite is definitely the French Horn. That could have something to do with the fact that my Aunt that I do not like loves Clarinet. But I also think it is a good idea to go for the less popular instrument. I choose Chello over the violin for that reason.


Over all I like the sound of a French Horn better.It makes me think of a hunter's horn sounding through the hills calling, mounfully sweet.

As a horn player you will be much more sought after - there are a lot more good clarinettists out there than there are horn players. But remember that that's because it's widely regarded as the hardest instrument in the orchestra to play!

I would say don't let the prospect of a lot of hard work out you off though. There is no feeling like sitting in a horn section playing something like a Mahler 1 or Wagner's Meistersinger von Nurnberg. If you put in the practice and dedication then playing horn is DEFINITELY worth it!

I think you should play clarinet for orchestra.
At your stage in the game I think you would benefit the woodwind section more.
There are not enough good clarinet players around your age.
You will get more solos and interesting parts.
You can also work on increasing your reed strength.

Unless the orchestra you are going to play in is top end you are going to play a lot of boring parts sitting in the horn section. If you want to count 237 measures of rest just to come in on a whole note G tied to itself for 4 measures and then start counting rests again. Go for the clarinet parts.

I feel that French Horn players in orchestra get better parts, but thats just one's opinion. I like both instruments

guys, sorry, I DO NOT intend to start a war, okay!
I think that the french horn sounds TERRIBLE! If I were to play an instrument in the orchetsra, I would go with bassoon, considering I (my personal opinion!) think it is more of a challenge than say the french horn, and it is certainly harder than clarinet, plus it's fun to play!
Sorry, my next comment is going to have harsh feelings...

"remember that that's because it's widely regarded as the hardest instrument in the orchestra to play!"
It isn't that it's so much the hardest as it is that the horn players are always blaming the horns for being so difficult to control, I think if it is an experienced player, they should be able to play in tune, but instead they beat around the bush and blame the difficulty of the instrument. Bassoons have air leaks, are heavy to hold, have tricky reeds to play on, but you never hear them using an excuse! My friend's orchestra's hornist took 20 minutes to find a B flat, and they had been playing for many years, now come on, that Is sad, and never should have happened!

Again, I am just voicing my opinion, and not attempting to start a war!
Lastly, I consider the oboe or bassoon the hardest instruments in the orchestra!
Again, NO HARD FEELINGS!

Lastly, I consider the oboe or bassoon the hardest instruments in the orchestra!

Really? I don't think the fingerings on oboe are hard, nor holding it. For me, it's all about the air stream. If you can control your air on oboe, and you have a decent oboe with no leaks, it's fine.

I'm not sure if that goes for bassoon though.... I'd like to try it one day!

I think you should play Clarinet. I agree with tenorsaxist, french horn sounds awful. Just my personal opinion. I think that if you want to play horn for the challenge and the fact that not many people play it, you should play oboe. I think it is the hardest woodwind. Air stream is really hard, and it takes a long time to sound good, but it`s worth it because there is not as much competion. Like I said personally I think clarinet is a better choice, I play it in an orchestra and have no issues, even is there is only 2 spots if your a good payer chances are you will get in.

Oh canadian and musicgirl, I had always thought the oboe was very difficult! You guys should try bassoon, it's hard, but such a blast to play!
oboclar, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP!
sorry guys, but I think the horn sounds like a dying animal!

Ahh Bassoon is so big! So many keys!

I'd pick clarinet over horn for only 1 reason.

I love the sound of the clarinet way more then the horn.

Pick and instrument on the sound, not how you play it. If you like the sound, youll want to work to be a better player no matter what obsitcals come in your way

musical panda has a very good point, based on the sound. Also, I think an instrument needs to somewhat match personality as well.