5 Steps to Being A Better Orchestra Player

I don't have a whole lot of time to write right now, so here's a quick post. It doesn't offer to solve all the problems of the world, but if all rank-and-file string players abide by these simple rules, orchestras might be a nicer place!

1. Show up on time

Never ever be late to rehearsal. If you are late, the orchestra is incomplete, and no conductor likes that. Plus being late gives the impression that you are not a true professional. Everybody else showed up on time, and it's not exactly fair to them that you got there late. Even just coming in during rehearsal is disruptive to your colleagues. Don't be too early either. Stage crews and percussionists often have lots of equipment to move around, and you should not be in their way. Even if that's not a concern, don't make all your colleagues come in to the soundtrack of your practicing.

2. Don't be a warm up hoon

In America, the term "hoon" is not often thrown around. It describes someone who drives around recklessly to impress others on and around the road. Don't be like that with your instrument during the warm up time before a rehearsal or concert. Yes, it might be fun to fire off that new lick from the concerto you're working on, and it may sound great, but other people don't like it. Stick to non-showoffish warm ups and the music that's on the program.

3. Play well

This goes without saying. This is not to give you the impression that a mistake here or there makes you a bad player. Playing well means fitting within the sound of your section in all aspects of tuning, tone, and dynamic. USE YOUR EARS. Don't just listen to yourself playing. All of this takes practice, and to truly play well takes the right preparation before you come to rehearsal. By the way, with good preparation, you will make fewer mistakes, feel better about yourself, and the best part is that your colleagues will like it too!

4. Don't ask too many questions

Very few conductors and orchestras like someone from the back of a string section asking a lot of questions during rehearsal. This takes up valuable time, and they have bigger fish to fry. You are an important part of the orchestra, but there are usually more important matters at hand. If a question is really important to you, take it up with your principal or the conductor during break or after rehearsal. They are happy to hear from you during these times.

5. Be nice to people

This is another one that goes without saying. Nobody likes someone who is not nice to them. Introduce yourself. Talk to people (not during rehearsal time of course), and take an interest in who they are. Even if you have nothing in common and you don't become close friends, at least you know their name, and can greet them by name in the future. That goes a long way.