Standing/Sitting

[Bin Hire]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

Thomas, I'm listening (well, reading actually) to what you say. I've certainly never considered myself a misunderstood genius! Don't tell the others, but I'm just not very bright. Yes, established techniques stop us reinventing the wheel - a wise man seriously regards what has gone before; what tools the master has chosen. Personally though, as I get older (still younger than Ken), I see the power of intuition - granted I have been playing string instruments for a little over 50 years and maybe I've learnt a technical trick or two. I personally think that good technique is all about remembering the basics...
Am I in tune? Am I playing in time? Am I phrasing? What the hell am I trying to say?

Richard, good technique is also knowing the fingerboard, knowing how to get a good sound with bow and fingers.

[Pete Wood]

I realise I'm coming in late on this debate...

I reckon it's horses for courses. In an orchestra, standing just looks dumb. Vice versa in a band. I think I play better arco standing, but with my current main gig, worship leading and playing at the same time (where I play about 40% arco), sitting would be bad for my voice, so I stand.

BTW, what are these angled endpins people are talking about?

P.s. I like NHOP salute to Jaco Pastorius in the middle. No can dispute his virtuosity, but like Jaco, I've never really liked his tone.

[Eduardo Barbosa]

I play jazz standing, but in my humble opinion I almost feel like in orchestra you should sit....

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Eduardo Barbosa

I play jazz standing, but in my humble opinion I almost feel like in orchestra you should sit....

Yes, it would be silly to be the only person standing.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

Yes, it would be silly to be the only person standing.

I just came from rehearsal for Beeth. 9th, and we have 7 basses. 6 of them, including me, sit on our own personal stools. The 7th guy stands. His choice. Better if he's in the back than standing in the middle of us.

[Eduardo Barbosa]

I also think that if you stand, maybe you should be behind the other people.
In my Orchestra there are 6 of us. 3 sit and 3 stand, and we are all mixed up.
Curiously the 3 that sit are the guys, and the 3 that stand are the girls!!! I am kind of afraid to ask why they stand! maybe something to do with being a woman... who knows!!!?
Anyway, for the last concert of the season I am the acting principal and we got another girl to fill in. So... now it's me sitting and 5 women standing!!!
In my opinion it just looks wrong. to me it looks a lot more elegant when the bassists are sitting.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eduardo Barbosa

I also think that if you stand, maybe you should be behind the other people.
In my Orchestra there are 6 of us. 3 sit and 3 stand, and we are all mixed up.
Curiously the 3 that sit are the guys, and the 3 that stand are the girls!!! I am kind of afraid to ask why they stand! maybe something to do with being a woman... who knows!!!?
Anyway, for the last concert of the season I am the acting principal and we got another girl to fill in. So... now it's me sitting and 5 women standing!!!
In my opinion it just looks wrong. to me it looks a lot more elegant when the bassists are sitting.

Acting principal? Well, as Principal you can ask them each why they are standing. Now you have everyone wondering.

Most of the Female players I have seen sat and played. I think Girls stand and women sit from what I recall over the last few years.

Yes, ask them.. lol..

The Principal must know what's happening in his section and as for 'Acting', rehearse your lines!