orchestral technique.

[MartinBorgen]

I have been playing Saxophone in a Symphonic band for a time now - despite i long since lost interest and stopped practising (i learned the songs during the reharsal time). but now the bass player quit, and i am about to start to play the bass now. Electric bass, (Symphonic band, not philarmonic. Only blow and percussion).

My score reading is pretty solid, both treble and bass clef, just gotta get used to playing bass after the bass clef (you know when you play what you read automatically).

Just thought i might ask for a few tips if there is anything i should think about - been playing in bands alot, you know the small pop/rock/soul/funk/jazz/blues ones.

[MonetBass]

I have done this in the past, both with a symphony and wind ensemble. The important thing to thing about is blending in. Since you will be (I assume) the only amplified instrument, think about your volume level. Also, what kind of tone does the piece call for? In other words, what sonic space do you need to fill (if at all). Consider these things and even talk to the conductor to get his/her thoughts.

[MartinBorgen]

yes the only amplified instrument. The hall we reharse in have fantastic accoustics for acoustic instruments, but a too much reverb for amplified instrument, so the bass sound will have to be pretty carefully set. Not to much low end, and not too much bright either, to stay in the background. However, there is an amplifier there, and a bass too, that I will use at least the first times, and both have a pretty good sound dialed in that rarley changes.

Im a little curious if there is anything i can do with the dynamics of the pieces, as it's not unusual for them to be written for tuba or even arcoed DB. Fiddeling with the volume knob is out of the question, so i guess if there is a long sfz, there is not much for me to do. Hit it forte, mezzoforte, or piano?