Dear Alma, I’m a summer sub and I’m in trouble
OrchestrasDear Alma,
I have been on the sub list for an excellent summer orchestra and I’ve just had my first week of work. My problem is that I don’t quite know how to behave. My standpartner is very cold and barely acknowledges me. She doesn’t meet my eye. So I have just been trying to keep my nose down but I feel quite awkward. I don’t know if if should play soft or play with passion. Hide or show myself both with playing and my personality. I want to be rehired but I don’t know what they are looking for.
New Kid on the Block
Dear NKotB,
Congratulations! You took your sub audition, you got on the list, and they called you. That is great. Now the real work begins. There is a lot up in the air – new people, new expectations. You may be nervous, but you can do this!
Observe, observe, observe. Introduce yourself if it feels appropriate. Try to remember the names of new people (keep a discreet list of new people). Dress well and understated. Be ready to receive criticism with an open mind. Be as prepared as possible so that you can observe and fit in. Watch videos of the orchestra, if available, to get to know their style. Does the orchestra play delayed to the conductor’s ictus? What types of colors and techniques does your section use?
Be kind and formal to your standpartner, following their lead on how much to interact. Give them the space they need. Every orchestra has their own unwritten etiquette. Try to match the energy and physicality of your section. Don’t stick out or try to prove yourself. You are there to play your instrument, not to socialize.
NKotB, the first week on the job is tough. Stay the course, keep vigilante, and with luck this will be the first of many times you have a chance to play wonderful music with this new group!
Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com
New Kid is obviously a victim of numerous microaggressions. New Kid should immediately pursue all avenues of redress: filing formal complaints, documenting on social media, and threatening legal action.
Reality! A rapid end to career.
Micro aggressions are to be borne. Bullying & harassment are NOT!
You are thinking too much about it, just play and be grateful for the pay cheque. At the end of the contract, they will forget you were even there and your stand partner knows this. That’s why you are hardly acknowledged. Being an orchestra stand-in is not like being in some social club where anyone will get pally with you in the first week. You are there to play the notes, nothing more.
It’s much easier as a brass player. Buy the section a beer and everyone’s happy.
Summer subbing is tricky. Just play your notes.
UK professional violinist here …what on earth is a “ summer orchestra “ and a “sub audition” ? Alma who are you and why are you SO irrelevant to my professional life?
My guess is it’s Norman or Albie on a slow afternoon at the Lebrecht Archive getting his/her kicks as an agony aunt. The veneer is so thin you can see through it. The real Alma Werfel could do a better job, were she still alive. Boy, did she live a life.
Yes but it’s American not English.
In the UK we have deputies not subs and there isn’t a “ summer orchestra “.
An older, experienced colleague gave us this advice many years ago: “Shuddup, play da music, take da money, go home.” The problem is your stand partner, not you.
Subs are not really accepted because they are not going to be around very long or often. The best thing to do is to open your ears and go along with what you hear around you. Not getting in the way is your primary goal. In time, you will become accepted.
Many orchestra musicians are introverts, just play your music and don’t try to socialize. Your stand partner is probably focused on getting a job done well. As to how to play: haven’t you taken orchestra playing 101? Try to play and phrase exactly like your stand partner, and blend into the section. This is not a solo gig.
I’ve had to play second flute to an irritable first flute for some gigs in the past, it’s difficult I know. I think Alma’s suggestions are terrific, I would add don’t take your stand partner’s attitude personally. It likely has little or nothing to do with you or your skills. As others have commented, just do your job professionally and that will do more to get you rehired than anything else.