A small musical ensemble, most commonly jazz, typically 4 to 5 players.

• A. Jazz combo
• B. Big band
• C. Rock band
• D. Orchestra

Answer: (A)

Small jazz groups with about four to five players are called a jazz combo. This name highlights the intimate, interactive nature of the group, where players often improvise and respond to each other in real time. A typical combo features a rhythm section—piano, bass, and drums—with one or two horn players, such as trumpet and/or saxophone, though configurations can vary.

A big band, by contrast, is a much larger jazz ensemble, usually comprising brass and reed sections plus a rhythm section, often totaling 10 to 20 or more players. A rock band centers on electric guitars, bass, drums, and sometimes vocals, and isn’t described by the same small-ensemble term. An orchestra is a much larger classical ensemble that includes many strings along with woodwinds, brass, and percussion.