Tips on Playing in and Ensemble
by Shannon Kennedy
Some quick tips to ensemble playing::
1.Tune without vibrato – vibrato gets in the way
2.Music, especially classical, it is very important to have more “bottom” (bass instruments) to the sound, so make sure that the lower instruments are audible
3.Listen to the other musicians in the ensemble and try to match dynamics, intonation, vibrato, phrasing, articulation, time and balance
4.Listen to your principle players and play slightly softer than the person a chair over you
5.If there are discrepancies interpreting the music, ask the conductor how to interpret that way and play it that way
6.Subdivision – count like crazy, it’s not enough to look up at the conductor from time to time
7.When you are in a group with strings – you have to think about what a string player can and cannot do, then play with that in mind
8.Get out of the way of the melody – that should be the loudest and most clear part of music
9.Play light articulations to blend
10.And last, but most important – ensemble playing is about listening – so use your ears.
