What is a sectional? (in an orchestra)?!
Question: What is a sectional!? (in an orchestra)!?
My orchestra says there will be sectionals next week!. What does that mean!?Www@Enter-QA@Com
Answers:
Yes, the "sectional" is when some _section_ of the orchestra rehearses by itself!. It may be that you will be divided out by instrument or by "choirs" (strings, woodwinds, brasses, etc!.)!. Depending upon the grouping of the instruments or the director's vision for a piece and his assessment of the needs of some particular "voices" (instruments), he may also combine things differently; for instance, Beethoven consistent uses the tympani and trombone together, so in a Beethoven symphony, practicing them together might make a lot of sense!.!.!.
You should find out the schedule for your instrument, and, to be ready, make sure that you know the "hard" parts, the places where your section tends to rush or lag, or transitional passages (when a melodic line needs to transition seamlessly between one instrument and another) or any other sorts of potentially difficult places!. There will probably also be work on cues at critical points, coming in _together_, counting in difficult places, etc!. So this is intensive work for your instrument, rather than a lot of sitting around and counting rests (generally); you might find that it is some of the most rewarding part of the practice time, if you have a non-"key" instrument (i!.e!., if you don't play the violin, for instance)!. I would think that woodwind and brass players would love the sectional workouts; in many classical symphonies, there are few of any of these instruments, and when they are used, they need to be clear, together, etc!.!.!.and a great symphony played by wonderful woodwind and brass players is a wonderful thing! :-)
Take care and best of luck! Hope you enjoy your orchestral playing!. :-)Www@Enter-QA@Com
You should find out the schedule for your instrument, and, to be ready, make sure that you know the "hard" parts, the places where your section tends to rush or lag, or transitional passages (when a melodic line needs to transition seamlessly between one instrument and another) or any other sorts of potentially difficult places!. There will probably also be work on cues at critical points, coming in _together_, counting in difficult places, etc!. So this is intensive work for your instrument, rather than a lot of sitting around and counting rests (generally); you might find that it is some of the most rewarding part of the practice time, if you have a non-"key" instrument (i!.e!., if you don't play the violin, for instance)!. I would think that woodwind and brass players would love the sectional workouts; in many classical symphonies, there are few of any of these instruments, and when they are used, they need to be clear, together, etc!.!.!.and a great symphony played by wonderful woodwind and brass players is a wonderful thing! :-)
Take care and best of luck! Hope you enjoy your orchestral playing!. :-)Www@Enter-QA@Com
A sectional is a rehearsal for all one specific section, such as the first violin section; without the whole orchestra, in other words!. See:
Two Essays on the Development of Student Orchestras
http://beststudentviolins!.com/developmen!.!.!.
7!. Sectional Rehearsals: These rehearsals are sometimes dismissed as unimportant, but really they are a great time to teach technique, ensemble playing, and to continue the focus on professional behaviors and responsibilities!. Graduate students or section leaders can be good resources for leadership during these rehearsals, though that can engender resentment if it's not handled properly!. Throughout professional life, there is always some underlying negativity which is based on competition or other negative feelings!. Rehearsal time is a great time to demonstrate professional attitudes!. Personal issues can and should be set aside for the greater good of producing beautiful music, which is really the point of everything!. It is important not to lose this sense of purpose!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
Two Essays on the Development of Student Orchestras
http://beststudentviolins!.com/developmen!.!.!.
7!. Sectional Rehearsals: These rehearsals are sometimes dismissed as unimportant, but really they are a great time to teach technique, ensemble playing, and to continue the focus on professional behaviors and responsibilities!. Graduate students or section leaders can be good resources for leadership during these rehearsals, though that can engender resentment if it's not handled properly!. Throughout professional life, there is always some underlying negativity which is based on competition or other negative feelings!. Rehearsal time is a great time to demonstrate professional attitudes!. Personal issues can and should be set aside for the greater good of producing beautiful music, which is really the point of everything!. It is important not to lose this sense of purpose!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
It's divided into instument groups
Ex:
Percussion
Strings
WoodwindsWww@Enter-QA@Com
Ex:
Percussion
Strings
WoodwindsWww@Enter-QA@Com