I’m creating a collection of something that I call #SymphonyHacks, which are little tweaks to make playing in orchestra easier. Occasionally I come across something in the music that could be sight read if only it were written differently! Some of the main culprits: parts that are visually cluttered, weird use of enharmonics, or rhythms written in such a way that you can’t find the beats.
We cover so much music in a season that I need to be strategic and pragmatic. It’s worth it to spend 10 minutes writing something out in a user-friendly way so that I can spend less time practicing it as well as increasing the chances that I’ll be able to play it under pressure.
I hope you will be able to use these hacks when you come across these pieces. The hacks are formatted so that you when print and cut them out, they will fit in your part. (Just be sure to get your stand partner’s permission!) If nothing else, you can practice reading from these little hacks and get the passage in your fingers and ear.
I hope you enjoy these little nerdy nuggets!