Section leaders

[Andy Mopley]

Hi, I am hoping this is the correct forum for this question...Is there a specific spot section leaders stand/sit at, compared to other section players? For example, in a section of 5 double basses, would the principal more likely be located in the middle or on the outer edge of the section? Or it doesn't really matter?

Thanks for reading!

[mjt0229]

Usually, the section leader is nearest the audience (ie, nearer the edge of the stage). The rest depends on the orchestra, but often the first two or three players are principal, assistant principal, and associate principal. Behind that, there may be further ordering based on seniority, but many orchestras also use a rotation system.

I played in one orchestra that had a section of 6, of whom 3 had titles. We decided to make up names for the others, too: subordinate principal, superfluous principal, and supercilious principal.

[JPVelociraptor]

When I lead a section, I insist that each player is on their own stand and set up in a V. I call it the "Flying V" à la 'The Mighty Ducks'. It works best with 5, or 7 players, but can be done with 3. The inspiration for this obviously came form 'The Mighty Ducks' films (specifically D2) and the quote "ducks fly together," which I feel translates well to a the orchestral medium thusly: ducks (bassists) fly (play) together (together).

[neilG]

I like to have my section around me in a circle with the most ironic player facing the conductor.

[Simandl Fan]

I once played in an orchestra where the bass section stood one behind the other, facing the audience, single file, against the side wall, and behind the first violins. It was terrible!

[Adam Attard]

At Interlochen last summer, our main conductor had us set up in a big line right in front of the brass/percussion directly in the middle of the stage.

[irbassist]

Originally Posted by skyre12

At Interlochen last summer, our main conductor had us set up in a big line right in front of the brass/percussion directly in the middle of the stage.

That was just for Rite of spring and the last concert though. He usually had us behind the violins.

[JacoStandUpBass]

Originally Posted by JPVelociraptor

When I lead a section, I insist that each player is on their own stand and set up in a V. I call it the "Flying V" à la 'The Mighty Ducks'. It works best with 5, or 7 players, but can be done with 3. The inspiration for this obviously came form 'The Mighty Ducks' films (specifically D2) and the quote "ducks fly together," which I feel translates well to a the orchestral medium thusly: ducks (bassists) fly (play) together (together).

+1.

[Anon2962]

Originally Posted by neilG

I like to have my section around me in a circle with the most ironic player facing the conductor.

Love it.

[ThumpPlunkJunk]

I like seating two rows of three or four.

Allows me to hear everyone else, and you feel more like a group and a section rather than a string of players who play these awkward pieces of furniture that masquerade around and pretend to be instruments.

[bejoyous]

In a standard orchestra set up, the vast majority of orchestras have the bassists stage right, either behind the celli or in the space upstage from the row of celli and in the space behind the violas. The principal usually is the one in front, closest to the audience.

Most often, a stand is shared with two players, the inside players turn the pages during rehearsals and concerts, plus makes sure the music is in the proper order and does the writing of little notes regarding bowings, etc. This person usually plays the lower notes of divisi parts.

The inside player (if not the principal) keeps playing during page turns, listens to instructions from the principal while the inside person is doing any writing, keeps track of where the pair is if in a long rest and the inside person is doing writing, etc.

More later...