Joining orchestra can be fun and exciting. You get to perform with a group of people and create beautiful music together. But just like other teams and groups where you do things together, there are rules every member should follow to make the experience as positive for everyone as possible. Good rehearsal and performance habits enable everyone to sound their best and enjoy making music together.
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Arrive Prepared and Ready to Play Show respect for others in your orchestra by arriving prepared to play. Have your instrument, sheet music, pencil, and other accessories ready to go. Ideally, you should arrive a little bit early, so you can tune and get your music set up.
Warm Up Discreetly After tuning, if you have time, you may want to warm up. It is fine to try going through some scales or passages you will be rehearsing. Avoid flashy or excessively loud playing when warming up. You don’t want to seem like you are trying to show off or impress other people during warmups.
Always Listen to the Conductor
The orchestra conductor is like the coach of a sports team. You should always pay close attention to what the conductor has to say during the entire rehearsal and/or performance. Never play or talk when the conductor is giving instructions. When the baton is up, all attention should be forward.
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Mark your Music in Pencil
Always have a pencil ready. During rehearsal, things like bowings and dynamics may change, and you’ll want to mark those changes on your sheet music. Use pencil, so you can erase and make further adjustments if needed. Never writing things down in pen.
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Respect your Stand Partner
Sharing a stand means sharing space. Agree on who will turn pages (it is usually the person who sits on the inside, away from the audience), and give each other enough room so both of you can play your instrument comfortably without poking someone with your bow.
Keep Rehearsal Quiet and Focused
When you’re not playing, listen actively, even if the conductor is talking to another instrument section. Unnecessary talking during rehearsal can be distracting and is disrespectful to the conductor and to other musicians. Of course if you need to ask a question to your stand partner or the conductor (raise your hand), that’s okay.
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Good orchestra etiquette is primarily about being respectful to others. When you are prepared and participate properly, orchestra will be much more enjoyable for you and for others around you. For even more suggestions, try visiting these great websites.
