• For those classic, Hollywood sweeping strings, try doubling your violin melodies in octaves.

• Don't neglect the Viola. It has a warm, woody tone (especially in its lower register), but it's easy to overlook when working exclusively with samples.

• Be mindful of the characteristics of the string instruments at different ranges:

Low (rich and warm)
Mid (powerful and expressive)
High (bright and piercing)

• Wind players can use some interesting techniques, like flutter-tonguing, but be conscious of the player's ability. Long passages that require consistent, ambitious playing will sound unrealistic even when using samples.

• Players in an orchestra may switch between multiple instruments (like Flute and Piccolo). Be sure to leave time for instrumentalists to change instrument where needed.

• Be aware of the different registers on wind instruments. You may not be able to switch between octaves as smoothly as you would like, which may impact the playability of some of your legato lines.

Flute Range:
Low Register: C4 (middle C) - C5
Middle Register: C5 - C6
High Register: C6 - C7

• Harps change key using pedals - this takes time, and can be noisy in quiet sections. Avoid giving your harp player passages that require rapid pedal changes in quick succession, especially in quiet sections of your piece.

• Avoid impossible chords! You cannot sharpen a single note on a harp, as the pedal will apply to that note in all octaves. A chord that uses a natural and sharp/flat variant of a note simultaneously may need to be changed.

• The harp has a very wide range, and the strings will resonate for longer in the lower notes. Fast, intricate parts in the lower range may end up blurring together.