To start off, as a former member of the Symphony Orchestra, I have noticed during my time of 4 years with the orchestra that sectional etiquette is important, whether it'll just be staying focused and on with the conductor or section leader, or just simply how you display yourself as a member of the orchestra. Together with the right actions, can the chemistry of the group become this melting pot of ideas, sharing thoughts, and collaboration to tackle a common goal you all share. The choice is up to you and how you define yourself as a member and as a person.
Now, specifically, what needs to be addressed is how we conduct our sectionals when the time is given by Mr. Hire. Not to be berating as I may sound, but we, as a group should conduct our given sectional times with as much efficiency as possible to make ourselves the best we possibly can be, which all can be taken with little steps, as choices become our actions, and actions become our habits and so forth. So start one day, by just fiddling through a difficult section while at home for a few minutes and you may pick up on something beneficiary for you or for anyone. And when the time comes, when sectionals is done, figure out ways, as a whole, on how to approach a certain part of a piece of music and share ideas as you all become much more stronger in understanding what the section all want at the end of the day. So, each section of the orchestra should address phrases/sections of repertoire that causes trouble or an obstacle for the sectional as a whole because when it comes to rehearsing with the ensemble as a whole, it is great for the conductor to let him/her know that, us, musicians, have this under control, so that the ensemble does not waste rehearsal time going over what could have been done during sectionals.
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