My last article was all about guitars, organs and pianos. As they are instruments that are probably the most effective in leading congregational singing they always get the most attention (along with singers).
Instruments that are often overlooked are some of the more orchestral ones — violins, cellos, trumpets, vuvuzelas, etc. How do they fit in with a choir/organ set up, or with a guitar-led band?
Private opinion
One answer is to get a small orchestra together. To be honest (and probably only in my view), this is usually more hassle than it’s worth. Many orchestral instrumentalists need the music arranged and transposed, which takes up time that not many people have. Also, with a large group of players it’s hard to keep up the flow of a meeting, as there’s a greater probability that one of the musicians has got the wrong music, or has a jammed key, etc. (I speak from painful experience.)
