Double Bass Bass section novice

[DoubleBassBass]

I have the opportunity to join a community orchestra bass section as the third bass player. I have played in a two orchestras as the only bassist and although one was a chamber orchestra where I played with the cellos (but an octave lower) , its a new experience playing in a bass 'section'. What are the protocols? When it comes to bowing co-ordination - what can I expect?

Any tips and and experience would be humbly and gratefully received!.

 

[bassmastan]

Very Exciting! Congratulations!

There are some things to take into account for section protocols:
Peter Tambroni (his name here is @MostlyBass ) published these rules on his website:

1. Be punctual and warm up before each rehearsal or concert.
2. Listen and learn from the conductor, for a competent conductor is also an inspiring teacher.
3. Tune quietly and carefully.
4. Remember that concentration is one of the keys to good orchestral playing.
5. Listen for style, articulation, intonation, etc.
6. Be exact with entrances and releases.
7. When the conductor stops for a comment, stop immediately.
8. Count measures, rests and all silences carefully.
9. Bring a pencil to rehearsal.
10. The principal player of each string section, sometimes after consultation with the conductor
and/or concert master, sets bowing policies.
11. Practice your parts at home, not when the conductor is talking.
12. Don’t stare at a person who is playing a solo passage.
13. Don’t laugh if someone should make a mistake.
14. Place your instrument in a safe place during rehearsal breaks.
15. Check the height of instrument (‘cello and bass).
16. Check bridge and string adjustment.
17. Keep your instrument and bow clean.
18. Check the position of your left hand and bow arm. Start correctly every time.
19. Always strive for a full vibration of the string.
20. Look like a professional string player.

Credit: Invalid Link Removed

I would also add this: Ask the principal of the section questions in general, calling out to the conductor mid rehearsal can be considered both disrespectful and might make the conductor and principal upset. Even in private ask the principal then they'll ask the conductor, you should only go to the conductor when there is a problem within the section, like someone whose stealing music, or if your principal has no clue (you could go together). It's just important to give everyone respect and just be nice and have fun. It's really fun making music with all those people.

 

[Hector Wolff]

Bowngs usually come from the principal of the section, though at times the conductor may have specific ideas. Sometimes fingerings or shifting may be suggested by the principal if he feels a specific approach may serve the music best.

 

[David Potts]

A few more, apart from counting and listening like crazy. Sit where you can see the principal's bowings, mark them into your part promptly and be flexible with intonation and new ideas. Three basses relatively in tune will start to sound and resonate as one. We can all keep learning, even from bad ideas. Play strongly enough and/or with enough edge in your sound to hear yourself but don't overdo this. The most destructive effect on the collective sound is a weak contributor who can't hear that they are out of tune IMO.

Relax and enjoy!

DP

 

[bassmastan]

A few more, apart from counting and listening like crazy. Sit where you can see the principal's bowings, mark them into your part promptly and be flexible with intonation and new ideas. Three basses relatively in tune will start to sound and resonate as one. We can all keep learning, even from bad ideas. Play strongly enough and/or with enough edge in your sound to hear yourself but don't overdo this. The most destructive effect on the collective sound is a weak contributor who can't hear that they are out of tune IMO.

Relax and enjoy!

DP

That brings up a great point, we as a section tune to both the oboe and the principal, overplaying can be as big a problem as underplaying, good one Mr.Potts!

 

[DoubleBassBass]

Excellent advice! The thing that I am dreading is the embarrassment of my V meeting the next door players π in a compact space but I guess thats somewhat inevitable when collectively reading a piece of music for the first time?

 

[bassmastan]

Excellent advice! The thing that I am dreading is the embarrassment of my V meeting the next door players π in a compact space but I guess thats somewhat inevitable when collectively reading a piece of music for the first time?

To avoid any bow crashing, and saving corners from being knocked off, what I do is extend my arm the length of the bow either way on every string if I'm less than 6 inches from the person next to me I move or ask them to move depending on who is where in the section, it works well if everyone gives the same consideration.