Forum Professional Harpists: Short Orchestra Rehearsals?

Posted by Suzie Q on 03/08/10 07:48 AM

I currently play in youth orchestra. Last season, I had a part in 3 of 5 pieces. This time, I only play in 2 of 4 (got a new piece just yesterday, so it used to be 1 of 3). The other two pieces which I don't play are a full symphony and another longer piece by Brahms. Usually, I don't spend very much time at rehearsal, seeing as the other pieces take up a lot of time. There's a rehearsal schedule posted and I'll get there about 5-10 minutes before I'm needed (after being tuned of course) and usually try and leave after I'm one rehearsing the pieces. Sometimes though I'll try and get there during the break, so that I can move my harp on stage without being disruptive to other members, and then just sit there with my book until I'm needed.

When you go to rehearsals do you usually stay the entire time? Or only about 40 minutes? At first, I was very frustrated at only having a part in one piece, and only staying about 20 minutes. Sometimes I wish I was needed more, but its just the life of an orchestral harpist.

2: Re: Short Orchestra Rehearsals? (response to 1)

Posted by Alice Freeman on 03/08/10 12:00 PM

I only come and stay for the pieces I play in. Yes, it's frustrating to play for only 20 minutes considering all the work of packing up, moving, unpacking, tuning, packing and moving again, but as you say -- that is just the life we lead.

I only move the harp on stage before the rehearsal starts and off during breaks. I also do not read onstage during pieces I have to wait for, but I go somewhere offstage (or in the audience) where I am still within hearing, but not visually distracting to the conductor.

-- Alice in windy Wyoming

3: Re: Re: Short Orchestra Rehearsals? (response to 2)

Posted by Suzie Q on 03/10/10 07:43 AM

Yes, I hate coming in and having to move my harp onstage when its not a break, since its so rude (and plus I need someone to help me with it), so usually, I'll come either at the beginning of rehearsal and spend my time offstage reading, or I'll come during a break. It may not be more convenient though.

Its especially frustrating when they're running behind schedule and the piece I'm playing in is tacked on for 10 minutes at the end. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has only been to rehearsals for 20 minutes though.

4: Re: Short Orchestra Rehearsals? (response to 1)

Posted by Catherine Rogers on 03/10/10 10:10 AM

I have been to at least one rehearsal where it was decided (after I had set up and tuned and sat through the rehearsal waiting) that they would not rehearse the one piece I was playing on after all. Talk about a waste of time and gas! I don't remember now whether it was college orchestra or community orchestra, but it was a group for which I did not get paid, so there was not even that compensation for my inconvenience.

5: Re: Short Orchestra Rehearsals? (response to 1)

Posted by Elizabeth Volpé Bligh on 03/12/10 12:06 AM

Do you play any other orchestra instrument? Some of my students used to do double-duty in different sections in their youth orchestras. Sometimes there's an extra part in the percussion section that requires more players than they have. Can you get lessons on triangle, maracas or woodblock so that you can have more time playing in the group?