I've Found An Orchestra, ...and now I'm getting cold feet! Options

[jojo]

The inside is on the left as you're sitting. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Good luck! x

For violins.

It varies between instruments. I think violas, celli and double basses it's the opposite, and it's the opposite for flutes/claris even though they sit on the same half of the orchestra as violins. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

oh it's all FUN this orchestra stuff isn't it? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[kenm]

The conventions of orchestral seating are based on logic, so are not too difficult to remember.

In the strings, outside is nearest the audience and inside players do the turns partly so as to minimise the distraction of the audience, partly to keep the stronger player playing. The inside second violins have to be able to turn the music from either side: before Sir Henry Wood, the convention was that they were on the opposite side of the stage from the firsts, and this also puts either violas or 'cellos on the same side as the firsts. Nowadays any of these three string layouts may be used, depending upon the conductor's views. Principal players are on front desk so that the others can see the bowing. Inside players wield the (2B or softer) pencil and eraser, and record the principal's or the conductor's decisions on the part: bowing, phrasing; in amateur orchestras, useful fingering suggestions.

In the wind and brass, the terms "inside" and "outside" are not used. In a standard symphony orchestra* the players of part 1 are principals, the other wind and brass players on the main instruments in each section are sub-principals, except for the horns, in which both 1 and 3 are principals, because either may have the highest and most exposed part; players of different instruments within the same family (e.g. piccolo, bass clarinet) are also principals. A typical wind section for a small symphony (e.g. Sibelius 7) has 8 members, sitting in a rectangular pattern near the centre of the stage. Viewed from above the audience, the set-up is:

Cl2 Cl1 Bn1 Bn2
Fl2 Fl1 Ob1 Ob2

Horn 1 sits near Clarinet 2 and to his/her right, Trumpet 1 to the left of Bassoon , possibly behind. The clustering puts the wind principals as near as possible to each other, and Trumpet 1 and Horn 1 also fairly close, because these six players usually listen to each other for tuning and ensemble, while the remainder of each section tunes to their section principal.

* there is a conventional notation for scoring that looks something like (2+pic 2+ca 2+bcl 2+cbn!4231) timps, perc, strings. This gives the numbers of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones and tubas in order, followed by other instruments not members of the string group. "Doubling" instruments (e.g. piccolo) are placed with the number of their main family instrument.

[fayewolf]

I'm so glad so many adult students are joining orchestras!! I also train in martial arts, and I'm jealous when the kids get to travel around the world to tour in youth orchestras, wish I had started earlier...

Anyways, OP, I started with only 3 months of violin playing, yes, you heard it right, 3 months, not grade 3 or 3 years. I was very lost, didn't know where they were playing, and yes, I was sitting inside, and turning the page was very stressful for me.

You're sightreading will improve so fast that you didn't know what happened!!

I play in a chamber orchestra, and it's alot scarier than larger symphony orchestras (did that over the summer, so much fun!!, love having the brass to cover me heheh). There are alot less room for error. And if you are ambitious, try quartet, it's alot of fun too!

Now i've been only playing for a year and a half, but I've already been with the orchestra over a year, and it's so rewarding!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[jojo]

Anyways, OP, I started with only 3 months of violin playing, yes, you heard it right, 3 months, not grade 3 or 3 years.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif)

(I would have never had the bottle so I admire you)

[2childmum]

It's today!!!

I've just printed off the instructions from google maps - it seems like a long way away.

[Arundodonuts]

It's today!!!

I've just printed off the instructions from google maps - it seems like a long way away.

Enjoy yourself.

[2childmum]

Well I've just got back. Managed to find it ok - just kept going around the south circular until I got there (although Catford was a bit nerve-recking for those who know this neck of the woods.)

It's a very small orchestra - 3 first violins (1 of whom is not always there), 4 2nds, 4 violas - if you count me, and one of those is not always there, and 3 cellos, so no where to hide really.

We played 2 movements of Haydn symphony 38, some of Britten's Simple Symphony and something else I can't remember (with a solo violin part)

I managed to play a fair bit, only got totally lost once (but got slightly lost, and found again, a fair few times).

All my technique disappeared, as did any ability to read treble clef or remember where anything is in 3rd position, and I really ache now because i was so tense.

Everyone was very friendly and wants me back, and as the music seems to have found it's way into my viola case I suppose I shall be returning. I can't say I enjoyed it because it was too nerve wracking and I had had enough 30 minutes from the end, but I can see the potential

If anyone else would like to join me it is West Norwood on a Friday morning and they appear to welcome anyone who is happy to give it a go.

[Flossie]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif) That sounds very promising. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Your stamina will improve as you get used to the new playing environment, and hopefully your nerves will too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Babybird2]

Sounds fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I'm still thinking about joining the local string orchestra. However, I have no money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

[Solari]

Sounds fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I'm still thinking about joining the local string orchestra. However, I have no money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

Tap up family/the OH for "sponsorship", ensuring that they know how happy it would make you? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Early Christmas present? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Babybird2]

Seeing as the family are already giving me money to live on and the OH is planning on taking me away for a weekend somewhere, I feel that it would be slightly cheeky of me... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Solari]

Seeing as the family are already giving me money to live on and the OH is planning on taking me away for a weekend somewhere, I feel that it would be slightly cheeky of me... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

You don't ask, you don't get! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Hmm... perhaps subtle hints might work, with the festive season approaching!

[Arundodonuts]

Excellent 2childmum. That looks like a remarkably well balanced band. Normally it's 1 viola if you're lucky. I like that - finding music in your case. A good hint.

Funnily enough when I went to play oboe the other night the leader's first comment was "I hear you play viola as well"!! So someone had been talking out of turn!

I'm sure we'll both enjoy our bands more and more as we get used to the experience (and the fear subsides).

[jojo]

If anyone else would like to join me it is West Norwood on a Friday morning and they appear to welcome anyone who is happy to give it a go.

West Norwood is do'able' for me but not on a Friday morning, I work 6 days a week and only have evenings on my hands!
Anyway, I think my tuesday evening orchestra is enough of a headache for me right now!
if and when I reach grade 5 on double bass I'm looking forward to join the Croydon Symphony on a friday evening (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Sounds like you have done TONS better than me, actually I am still a lot worse than you now and it is 3 months I have been doing it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

[barry-clari]

Well I've just got back. Managed to find it ok - just kept going around the south circular until I got there (although Catford was a bit nerve-recking for those who know this neck of the woods.)

I know the Catford Gyratory well... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

It's a very small orchestra - 3 first violins (1 of whom is not always there), 4 2nds, 4 violas - if you count me, and one of those is not always there, and 3 cellos, so no where to hide really.

We played 2 movements of Haydn symphony 38, some of Britten's Simple Symphony and something else I can't remember (with a solo violin part)

I managed to play a fair bit, only got totally lost once (but got slightly lost, and found again, a fair few times).

All my technique disappeared, as did any ability to read treble clef or remember where anything is in 3rd position, and I really ache now because i was so tense.

Everyone was very friendly and wants me back, and as the music seems to have found it's way into my viola case I suppose I shall be returning. I can't say I enjoyed it because it was too nerve wracking and I had had enough 30 minutes from the end, but I can see the potential

Sounds like you've done well 2childmum. I'm sure you'll get more used to things. Well done! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

If anyone else would like to join me it is West Norwood on a Friday morning and they appear to welcome anyone who is happy to give it a go.

My 'cello playing is nowhere close to the level required yet (1 lesson!), but I'll bear it in mind (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)