Sorry Just Have To Share The Joy! Options

[viola-mad]

I really hope they will be kind to me and don't ask me to be the 'page turning master' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) what is the inside of the desk? you mean if I sit on left and I have someone sitting to my right?
if I am in that seat I will ask to swap (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Yes, inside is the left. (As an aside, does anyone know whether this still stands in less conventional orchestral layouts, such as when 2nd fiddles sit where the cellos usually do?) As Fayewolf points out, the player on the right tends to be the more advanced. If and when you play divisi, the player on the right generally has more leger lines to contend with. Plus, if you're on the left you can sometimes avoid having to play a really tricky bar because you're busy turnin the page! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Actually I might disagree about finding a seat at the very back. You may be placed somewhere, but if you get the option, I'd go perhaps second to the back, even though I expect you'll feel self-conscious. We move around a lot in my section and I for one play better when I sit further forward. You can hear everybody else much better and it's easier to stay together; it can feel lonely at the back and it's harder work.

Don't be scared. In a short time the rewards will start to massively outweigh the effort of your hard work. Orchestral playing is the best thing that ever happened. This is the beginning of a huge musical adventure for you and it's sooooo exciting! And it's great for meeting new people - after all, you already have one fairly major thing in common.

[jojo]

8. Most importantly, have fun and report back!

WOW fayewolf, thank you, got lots of tips here, I feel so lucky!
Thanks to lottie too and to viola-mad again, it is nice to hear other people's experiences and suggestions (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thanks viola-mad when you say 'don't be scared' but I think I will be (but in a positive way me thinks) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) but I also know that one day I will look back to my first rehearsal and smile (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (or have a total cracking time laughing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) )

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

Well done (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hope you have lots of fun, I've also been lucky enough to land a clarinet place in an orchestra (am no where near the required level on viola yet lol!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Have lots of fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[notmusimum]

Well done (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hope you have lots of fun, I've also been lucky enough to land a clarinet place in an orchestra (am no where near the required level on viola yet lol!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Have lots of fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Me too!!

[jojo]

Well done (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hope you have lots of fun, I've also been lucky enough to land a clarinet place in an orchestra (am no where near the required level on viola yet lol!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Have lots of fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Me too!!

you too which one notmusimum? you also have a place in an orchestra or you also play the viola? or both? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[miss sooky]

JoJo, I replied to your post in the general forum but am so glad that you have posted here too. I am not an orchestral player, but you have joined one of our local orchestras, and I know a few members who are lovely. I think you will be welcomed and find that you don't need to worry about feeling 'silly' at all. Whatever their current standard, I bet everyone there remembers their 'first' time and responds warmly to newbies. I am very excited for you and really look forward to hearing all about your rehearsal next week. Well done you!

[AmandaL]

As an aside, does anyone know whether this still stands in less conventional orchestral layouts, such as when 2nd fiddles sit where the cellos usually do?

In this instance it's the player sat on the RIGHT. ie. the convention is that the page turner is always the person sat furthest from the audience.

[jojo]

JoJo, I replied to your post in the general forum but am so glad that you have posted here too. I am not an orchestral player, but you have joined one of our local orchestras, and I know a few members who are lovely. I think you will be welcomed and find that you don't need to worry about feeling 'silly' at all. Whatever their current standard, I bet everyone there remembers their 'first' time and responds warmly to newbies. I am very excited for you and really look forward to hearing all about your rehearsal next week. Well done you!

Miss Sooky, what a coincidence!!!!!!
I have never 'met' (although we are 'virtually meeting online') anyone near me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
How funny that I am joining an orchestra local to you.
I currently live in Carshalton Beeches.
Good to hear I'll have nothing to fear and they are a lovely warm 'bunch' of people who will make me feel welcome.
You made my day!

if you ever want to get together to play just pm me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[elidatrading]

I agree with the other comments. Yes you will find it a struggle - the Handel and the Walton shouldn't be too bad. If the others really are all grade 8 plus (that would be unusual for an amateur orchestra second violin section) then it would perhaps be worth emphasising repeatedly that you are along for the ride, for the experience, and you don't expect to play in the concert. Or, if the programme happens to be kind to you on the night, it might be possible to play in one half but not the other. Bottom line, keep your place especially if you are turning, and if you don't know what you are doing just mime (been there done that many many times!)

Liz

[jojo]

Bottom line, keep your place especially if you are turning, and if you don't know what you are doing just mime (been there done that many many times!)

Liz

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) thanks Liz, I am quite a good actress by the way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
I have already made it clear to them 'it's only rehearsal' I would like to do for quite a while (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[fayewolf]

Bottom line, keep your place especially if you are turning, and if you don't know what you are doing just mime (been there done that many many times!)

Liz

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) thanks Liz, I am quite a good actress by the way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
I have already made it clear to them 'it's only rehearsal' I would like to do for quite a while (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I'm so excited for you, but i gotta tell you, I started with "just joining rehearsals so I can experience playing with others), I ended up playing in their concerts.

By the way, is it just me? I find Vivaldi's Summer extremely difficult to play when compared with his other seasons! Lots of scales (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[jojo]

I'm so excited for you, but i gotta tell you, I started with "just joining rehearsals so I can experience playing with others), I ended up playing in their concerts.

By the way, is it just me? I find Vivaldi's Summer extremely difficult to play when compared with his other seasons! Lots of scales (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

well, I don't mind playing in concerts BUT that will be IF AND WHEN I am good enough for that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
lots of scales?
sounds like a good one for me, I LOVE scales (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[fayewolf]

I'm so excited for you, but i gotta tell you, I started with "just joining rehearsals so I can experience playing with others), I ended up playing in their concerts.

By the way, is it just me? I find Vivaldi's Summer extremely difficult to play when compared with his other seasons! Lots of scales (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

well, I don't mind playing in concerts BUT that will be IF AND WHEN I am good enough for that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
lots of scales?
sounds like a good one for me, I LOVE scales (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I don't mind scales if they are at a reasonable speed, but this is presto! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Alto]

I play in 3 amateur orchestras now and am enjoying every minute of it. I started at the back of the 2nd violins in one of them and am now in the front. The other two I am sitting halfway. I have recently joined a 4th orchestra and am sitting at the back again as this one is a lot more challenging and has a paying audience at concerts, the other three orchestras have donations for charities. It has helped my playing considerably and learning to count like mad and come in at the right place! Some things move at a cracking pace and I can't always get all the notes but I have a good try and the main thing is to keep your place, especially if you are the page turner!

I have recently returned from a foundation course for playing in Quartets and that really puts you on the spot as you are the only one for your part! - but I loved the experience and will go back for more. There are just not enough hours in the day to fit everything in.

I am now working hard with the 4th orchestra I have joined for our concert this month and they have said I can do the concert which I am looking forward to.

[jojo]

I am now working hard with the 4th orchestra I have joined for our concert this month and they have said I can do the concert which I am looking forward to.

WOW 4 orchestras???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

you must be a busy little bee (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

but well done.

I set myself the limit of 2 orchestras, I am in one with the violin now, will get into another one with double bass when I have learnt to play it enough (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)