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21 Orchestra Playing Tips
- Start from the string!
- Watch the conductor.
- Watch concertmaster for bow length, distribution, style and match your playing to hers/his.
- Feel full rests do not come in early.
- Always subdivide.
- Isolate upper position work.
- Fast notey passages always be on the beat - see notes in groups not one note at a time.
- Don't rush, for the sake of all violinists in the section.
- Do not hang over the rests.
- Give every note its full exact value not too short and not too long.
- Arrive to rehearsals at least 20 minutes before the A is given.
- Don't rush to rehearsal - allow plenty of travel time.
- Always have rosin, mute, pencil, eraser.
- Healthy snacks for break and drive home.
- Extra contacts or pair of glasses.
- Make sure to have a set of extra strings and an extra bow.
- Listen to recordings of orchestral pieces being played.
- Have CDs in the car - listen to and from rehearsal.
- Violinist on the outside writes fingerings on top/inside violinist writes fingering on bottom.
- Small bows in fast passages.
- Stay calm and have fun:)
Feel free to add more tips and your personal orchestra stories (we all have a few funny ones) in the comments below...
Replies
"Don't play dutifully, play beautifully!" - Josef Gingold.
Sometimes you have to move your chair so you can't see the arm waver, especially when they beat a very distorted and irregular three but still want it in strict time. It's a good tip just before a live broadcast goes out. But then he was from one of those wierd countries and the horn section (who weren't alone) hated him, and had shouting matches in rehearsals.
How can a conductor not have a sense of time? Beats me ...
Inside player turns the page.
Better to play nothing (fake) than to play it wrong!
Follow the conductor/concertmaster NOT the guy infront or the flutes.... [large rooms have significant time distortion so following a neighbour will put you behind the time, especially in a large section].
The idea is to sound as one instrument, not to be heard doing a solo.
SUPPORT YOUR PLAYING PARTNER Don't compete with them - it will pay off.
add to list:
six inch stiletto boots and short skirt so partner never complains about your playing.
Best ensemble advice from my college cello teacher:
1) Show up on time
2) Bring a pencil
3) Keep your mouth shut
This advice has served me in good stead for 30 years.
So Charlie, Where are your Stilettos? A short kilt will do just fine.
use deodorant and shower when necessary.
Well said Charles.
I also had to wonder whether this is the attire you recommend to your young students for an orchestra rehearsal. Picture = 1000 words
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July 23, 2014 at 02:12 PM · Great list!