Posted by Gerald J. on July 23, 2000 at 11:02:56:
In Reply to: Band Room Etiquette posted by Dan Schultz on July 22, 2000 at 14:51:50:
1. Everyone in their chair and warmed up at the appointed time ready to play at the beginning of the rehearsal, several minutes earlier for the concert. This often requires training the operators of the rehearsal space that "rehearsal begins at 7" means players will arrive as early as 6:15 to warm up and must.
2. Tune carefully and then tune the clarinets several times.
3. No talking while other sections are being rehearsed.
4. Conductor allows time for music marking when changes are announced or reminders are needed. There needs to be time for sections to agree on fingering, technique, and phrasing.
5. All stands have pencils for marking parts.
6. Conductor surveys the organization for questions, else the members will be somewhat unruly shouting for attention when there's questions. Parts are NOT printed 100% perfectly understandable and sometimes need clarification. Ditto conductor's expositions on style. A conductor that has not played extensively on every instrument in the organization may ask for impossible results.
7. Players woodshed the tough parts. Root and fifth tuba (and bass) parts do tend to get boring the first time through.
8. Listen for tempo, listen for intonation, watch the conductor --- ALL THE TIME. MATCH the tempo conducted and driven by tuba and percussion. Match the intonation of the tuba/bass foundation. Tuba/bass play in perfect pitch.
9. If you must miss rehearsals, let the personnel manager know about it so you can be replaced if you miss too many or if your part is essential to rehearsal of the group.
10. If you miss the dress rehearsal, some groups won't allow you to play the concert. Often there's more changed at the dress rehearsal than any other rehearsal.
11. No gum. Not even drummers who great skills who can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Gerald J.