Orchestral Etiquette and Common Sense Thread

[violinnewb]

And...GO!

[uncle duke]

Do violaistas' really hate trombonists'?

[PhilipKT]

The numerical inside player turns pages, Which means that the even numbered violinists have to reach across the music turn the page, I’ve always thought that stupid but it’s not an issue for the cellos so I don’t really care…Unless we have one of those exotic European conductors who wants cellos on the left.

The numerical outside player( the odd number) has the right to write fingerings above notes, and to mark the part in general. Inside player is allowed to make fingerings underneath notes: any other marking, such as a dynamic reminder or an eye glasses, must be accompanied by a, “… Just for me,” comment.

inside or outside, make as few markings as possible.

If it’s hard to see, the outside player wins.

If the stand is too close too far too left too right, the outside player wins.

The outside player gets the original part. The inside player must make do with a photocopy.

The outside player must do everything possible to accommodate the inside player, who is probably younger and better than you, and from whom you will seek mercy when the time comes.

Buuuut for now, the outside player still wins.

(everyone wants to be the outside player when they they grow up)

If you have a complaint, talk to the principal of the section, who will either approach the offender, or slap you down with a “get over it” comment. Occasionally the principal will go to the conductor and ask him to deal with the matter.

Dont yawn with your mouth open, especially when looking right at the conductor. They may be looking at you at the same time, and might take umbrage…

ask me how I know…

When playing, make sure you can hear your partner. If you can’t, you’re too loud.

When your partner makes a mistake, don’t glare at him. Ignore it. He has done the same for you many a time.

If YOU make a mistake, continue to look right at the conductor. This way, he will assume that you are blameless and credit your partner with the misdeed.

Bathe.

[violinnewb]

Inside stand partner who doesn’t turn pages. Boo.

I once had a stand partner lick her fingers every page turn. Gross.

[violinnewb]

Stand partner who doesn’t break up chords and plays every chord like a soloist.

[Rue]

I prefer the way our community orchestra has it set up.  Everyone gets their own stand.  No stand partners.

I much prefer it that way.  I prefer to see only my own notes and markings and I prefer to be able to actually see the music without having to worry about the angle I'm at and how my progressives/other glasses, interpret that angle.

[Zeissica]

1 hour ago, uncle duke said:

Do violaistas' really hate trombonists'?

Not at all! But I want to be as far away from them as possible. That's what motivated me to practice in college - made it to 1st chair my 3rd year!

[Zeissica]

It shouldn't have to be said, but sadly, not everyone seems to know:

Show up early, well prepared, with part marked with bar numbers if it doesn't have them, instrument in good shape, a pencil or two, and the right attitude. 

Don't hog the stand.

Don't put your case on the backstage table in "landscape" position, put it in "portrait" position so there's room for plenty more. 

Don't talk during rehearsal unless absolutely necessary.

Listen to the conductor when he/she is talking to other sections - you might learn something about the desired articulation or color. 

Practice with a metronome on all rhythmically challenging sections or parts where you are with other sections - do it at tempos well below, all the way up through well above, the target tempos. 

[jacobsaunders]

59 minutes ago, PhilipKT said:

The numerical inside player turns pages, Which means that the even numbered violinists have to reach across the music turn the page, I’ve always thought that stupid but it’s not an issue for the cellos so I don’t really care…Unless we have one of those exotic European conductors who wants cellos on the left.

The numerical outside player( the odd number) has the right to write fingerings above notes, and to mark the part in general. Inside player is allowed to make fingerings underneath notes: any other marking, such as a dynamic reminder or an eye glasses, must be accompanied by a, “… Just for me,” comment.

inside or outside, make as few markings as possible.

If it’s hard to see, the outside player wins.

If the stand is too close too far too left too right, the outside player wins.

The outside player gets the original part. The inside player must make do with a photocopy.

The outside player must do everything possible to accommodate the inside player, who is probably younger and better than you, and from whom you will seek mercy when the time comes.

Buuuut for now, the outside player still wins.

(everyone wants to be the outside player when they they grow up)

If you have a complaint, talk to the principal of the section, who will either approach the offender, or slap you down with a “get over it” comment. Occasionally the principal will go to the conductor and ask him to deal with the matter.

Dont yawn with your mouth open, especially when looking right at the conductor. They may be looking at you at the same time, and might take umbrage…

ask me how I know…

When playing, make sure you can hear your partner. If you can’t, you’re too loud.

When your partner makes a mistake, don’t glare at him. Ignore it. He has done the same for you many a time.

If YOU make a mistake, continue to look right at the conductor. This way, he will assume that you are blameless and credit your partner with the misdeed.

Bathe.

Is it legal to take you’re firearm to a rehearsal/concert in Texas?

[Rue]

12 minutes ago, jacobsaunders said:

Is it legal to take you’re firearm to a rehearsal/concert in Texas?

Don't think so...but it's just so much more to carry, worry about...not worth it...

[PhilipKT]

32 minutes ago, jacobsaunders said:

Is it legal to take you’re firearm to a rehearsal/concert in Texas?

Not officially, but it depends on the venue.

never needed one at rehearsal anyway, so I leave mine in my car.

where do you keep yours?

:-)

[PhilipKT]

1 hour ago, violinnewb said:

Inside stand partner who doesn’t turn pages. Boo.

I once had a stand partner lick her fingers every page turn. Gross.

One rule I have adopted on my own is to make sure you turn the page soon enough so that you can play the first note on the top of the next page. And yes, you frequently have to lick your fingers.

Oh, what barbarians we be!

[PhilipKT]

1 hour ago, Rue said:

I prefer the way our community orchestra has it set up.  Everyone gets their own stand.  No stand partners.

I much prefer it that way.  I prefer to see only my own notes and markings and I prefer to be able to actually see the music without having to worry about the angle I'm at and how my progressives/other glasses, interpret that angle.

But you play bassoon. You get your own stand anyway, don’t you?

Etiquette for wind players would probably be centered around where to dump your spit cup….yick.

Edited August 24, 2021 by PhilipKT

[Rue]

Well, I play the bassoon now...but I played the violin for eons before that.

No spit cup...I empty bassoon spit on a rag...

[uncle duke]

1 hour ago, Zeissica said:

Not at all! But I want to be as far away from them as possible. That's what motivated me to practice in college - made it to 1st chair my 3rd year!

Lately, as I have learned what violin is about, I get these minor guilt trips for a few moments every few months wondering if I ever caused hearing problems for string players who sat in front of me long ago.

My advice for conductors, at least for the community orchestras, is to mold the low brass players into what you need and want them to be, not what they choose to be.  Example - If you love the sounds of violins and violas working together as a unit let them know about it.   

[go_oa]

"Do violaistas' really hate trombonists'?"  

Trombones do not make you deaf.

Playing for Hours on the a String makes you deaf

in the left ear.

Playing on the e string  makes you deaf faster!!

[matesic]

Only women are allowed handbags on the platform

When the oboe gives the A, try not to drown it with your concerto

Try to look like you're enjoying the music

Try to keep up with the soloist

Wait for the chorus to catch up

Try to figure out if the conductor is giving the beat or an impression of what he wants to hear later

[Zeissica]

16 hours ago, uncle duke said:

My advice for conductors, at least for the community orchestras, is to mold the low brass players into what you need and want them to be, not what they choose to be.  Example - If you love the sounds of violins and violas working together as a unit let them know about it.   

Reminds me of the Richard Strauss quote "Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them". But I like your approach - one conductor I had often said something to the brass like "concentrate on intonation and tone, not volume" and it worked. 

[violinnewb]

3 hours ago, matesic said:

When the oboe gives the A, try not to drown it with your concerto

 

TRUTH!

[violinnewb]

Remember that you are in an ensemble and you are not the star (unless you are a soloist or have a solo part).

Another thing that I noticed a few times as a spectator of community orchestras is that random player who always looks over to see who played a wrong note.  I know that sometimes it is habitual, but its a bad habit.

Cell phones on vibrate, or off. This one still ticks me off.

Tuning very loudly when you can't seem to understand that you are actually out of tune.

[violinnewb]

17 hours ago, PhilipKT said:

One rule I have adopted on my own is to make sure you turn the page soon enough so that you can play the first note on the top of the next page. And yes, you frequently have to lick your fingers.

Oh, what barbarians we be!

Yes to the early turning.

NO to the licking of your fingers.  bend the corners of the pages slightly. No licking....Covid or no Covid, its just gross.

[Zeissica]

3 hours ago, matesic said:

When the oboe gives the A, try not to drown it with your concerto

Or start talking once you have finished tuning your instrument. 

[Rue]

6 hours ago, matesic said:

Only women are allowed handbags on the platform

...

What does this mean? 

[Rue]

2 hours ago, violinnewb said:

....

Another thing that I noticed a few times as a spectator of community orchestras is that random player who always looks over to see who played a wrong note.  I know that sometimes it is habitual, but its a bad habit.

...

Also, speaking of community orchestra...I am very aware if I play a wrong note at rehearsal. I also know when I lose count and am (quietly) trying to find out where we are...so I can sneak back in.

No need to point out. Every. Single. Error. I make.

As my nerves fray and my confidence drops...I KNOW I will make more errors. So you are also shooting yourself in the foot.

If you want to play in an error-free environment, maybe community orchestra isn't the best place for you.

[matesic]

5 minutes ago, Rue said:

What does this mean? 

Only women need handbags on the platform. Men should carry their spare strings, bow ties, correct spectacles, inhalers, phones, bubble gum etc in their pockets