Hey all,
Anyone out there have any experience playing in the back of an orchestra, chillin' with the timpanists? The camp I'm attending this summer is entirely orchestral and chamber music, but a number of the pieces the orchestra will be playing are scored with piano, organ, and/or celeste. Any of you wonderful people have any tips or stories to share?

Cheers,
Alden

Well, I've never hung out with the timpanists, but in my teens and early twenties I was a church organist (my first job at 13, actually) and as a result ended up playing a part in many varied configurations. A few of the most interesting included the continuo from the "Albinoni" Adagio, and accompanying a trio of bagpipes. During the latter you could barely hear MY pipes through the crushing barrage of sound from the pipers. I immediately realised during rehearsal that I'd do better to not bother trying to listen for myself and simply let my fingers follow.

Haha, that's a good one... I do like bagpipes, but their volume level can get excruciating!

I was utility pianist and percussionist for a college symphonic band for 3 years, and I played with a symphony orchestra (Fountains of Rome, Nutcracker, a couple others). You should expect that you will be the center of attention and you will be held to a high standard. It just comes with the territory.

Then by all means avoid the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I rather enjoy it, but it is a bit of an overdose.