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Re: Chair Placement?

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2016-09-01 07:28

I've played and continue to play in many community ensembles. I don't get to pick the players and the chairs. But if I had my way, I'd put (with about 8-10 clarinetists), top two on first, next on second for a strong second, next on third for a strong third, and then divide up the rest up to their comfort levels.

And I'd always build the section like a pyramid from the bottom up. For example, in a section of ten, 5 thirds, 3 seconds, 2 firsts. Or maybe 4,4,2, but in general, I'd ALWAYS have more thirds and seconds than firsts. Not sure how this would apply in a band where EVERYONE plays well, but in the community bands I've been in, the thirds tend to be the weaker players, and they then play more timidly which means they're heard even less. So realistically, having more would boost their confidence (helps people feel less exposed as a personal player as there's a bigger section to blend into) and would boost the volume equal to the firsts (typically strong players, NOT afraid to play loud)

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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Chair Placement? new

Matt74

2016-08-30 19:29