I subscribe to Strings, which is an AWESOME magazine about stringed instruments, how to play them, buy them, repair them, and more. In fact, I'm still working on reading the first issue I got, and I have another after that to read! However, with my subscription, I get regular emails from them, and sometimes they have some really good information in them.
Here is a link to a nice article on orchestra etiquette. While I've been playing in orchestras for years, rehearsal etiquette is rather automatic for me. So to all of you who have not had years of orchestra experience, here's some tips.
In addition to what the article says, I'd like to mention a few more points:
1) Hats and sunglasses off during rehearsal. It's not only rude and disrespectful, but it doesn't let the conductor see your eyes, which he or she needs occasionally.
2) Always arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives you the opportunity to get your instrument and music out, set up your stand, make sure you have a pencil ready, get tuned, and start warming up. You can use the time before rehearsal starts to work on a tricky passage here or there, which is that much less practicing you have to do at home.
3) Plan to attend EVERY rehearsal. Every member of an orchestra, no matter what their part or seat, is vital for the entire group. Nothing is worse then having to rehearse passages several times over the course of several weeks because not everyone shows up. So show respect to your conductor, your fellow musicians, and most importantly to yourself, and attend every rehearsal.
Now that you know some basic orchestra etiquette, it's time to start thinking about what orchestra you'd like to play in! The Tacoma Youth Symphony Association has auditions in August, with rehearsals starting in September. The Plateau Community Orchestra (in Enumclaw) will be starting again in the Fall, as will our own studio orchestra, the South Hill Chamber Orchestra.
Happy Playing!
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