The course explores the world of writing for a full symphony orchestra, with an emphasis on the techniques used in modern film scoring. Knowledge of Western music notation required. We study the techniques of writing for the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families, both separately and in combination. The last portion of the course studies classic film scores and the techniques that composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, and Bernard Hermann used in their films, drawing on the work of classical composers that preceded them. Final project is the composition of an original film score.