tpetplyr

I'm the principal trumpet in my college orchestra (GaTech). We are doing an all John Williams program for our 'pops'-ish concert this spring, and I'm considering using an assistant. I haven't seen the parts yet, but I know that Star Wars, Harry Potter, and ET are all on the concert, the original scores not a watered down version.
Anyway, I have 4 people in my section, and the librarians told me there are only 3 parts on each piece, which means one of the guys (or girl) is floating. The second is a really strong player, and I like being able to lean on him, I'm going to leave him on second except for any third parts that have really heavy stuff in them. The other two are fairly strong players, but not completely comfortable in an orchestra.

If I want to use an assistant, I know that I'll have them mostly play the tutti sections with me, or instead of me. I kind of feel this is unfair, asking one of the lower players to double only part of the first part. I don't want to insult or offend any of my section, and it's not a professional gig. Also is there a rationale for what parts to delegate to the assistant? And should I use the same person as the assistant for the entire concert, or ask them to rotate?

Any other advice is welcomed. I'm trying to learn how to be a principal trumpet in the hopes that one day it'll be for real.

Thanks
Stuart

Manny Laureano

Have a set section and one assistant. It's easier that way, no mix-ups and everyone knows what's expected of him. Don't have the 2nd player moving around. College is a place to learn. There will be many more concerts for people to play other parts. All people ever really want to know is what's expected of them and no surprises.

ML

Pedal C

Playing assistant will be a learning experiance for that player too, in my opinion at least. I remember doing it a few times in school and out and it's really a different role than any of the other parts. I always thought it was fun! It's a neat challenge to sit for quite awhile than take a breath and hit the ground running playing as if you were the principal.

Jason.

rowuk

If there are only 3 parts, using an assistant means that everybody gets to play - nobody in the dugout.
Mannys idea of a set section is cool. The next concert, somebody else can assist! Unfair would be if you had to leave somebody behind.

Make sure that the parts are very clearly marked when your assistant is supposed to play. I remember an occasion where I had one and during the rehearsals it worked perfectly. During the concert he decided unilaterally to play more (a lot more). I asked him to leave the stage after that first piece. He did...............

Vulgano Brother

Good advice so far, so I'll toss in a question. Where should the Assistant sit? Outside the section next to the principal, inside the section next to the principal, or as the 4th player? (A123, 1A23, or 123A [or the mirror image thereof, depending on seating arrangement]?)

Thanks in advance!

kadleck

I'm also curious about the seating. Not sure, but I would assume "outside the section next to the principal". That way, the principal can hear the 2nd player clearly, yet have close access to the assistant.

I've played some of these Williams thing up in Boston. They are a BLOW! The assistant will certainly have something to play. Up there, when the first player gets tired, he kicks out his leg, which signals the assistant to take over. This may be common orchestra practice, but it was the first time I had seen it done.

TK

cornetguy

I would seat the section A123 so the assistant is next to the principal for intonation and blend and also the second can hear the principal and assistant clearly. I believe the horns always set up that way when they use an assistant.

Manny Laureano

Another vote for A123.

ML

6pk

PLace him near the exit, so he can be the first in the coffee queue.