Opinion: What makes a good stand partner?

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Orchestral musicians are entrusted with countless responsibilities: individual mastery of their instruments, meticulous practice of repertoire and adjusting their own playing for each programme, all the while juggling the demands of working in an ever-changing environment with a wide range of people and personalities.

Among the most important of those responsibilities is learning what qualities make a good stand partner. The relationship between musicians sharing a stand is one of the most important aspects of successful orchestral playing, and is integral to the success of a performance and wellbeing of the group as a whole.

A good stand partner goes beyond someone who reads the same music or simply plays the right notes; they are a collaborator and a support system, embodying qualities that enrich the experience of both their stand and the ensemble as a whole.

One of the most fundamental characteristics of a good stand partner is preparation and reliability. Preparation goes beyond the basic requirement of knowing the music on the stand. Sharing a stand with a musician who is well practised, confident, consistent and enthusiastic about the repertoire to be played makes for an infinitely more fulfilling rehearsal and effortless performance experience. Aside from that, a reliable stand partner is one who arrives to rehearsal on time (note: on time means early!), and with all the required accessories such as a mute, pencil, the score (if taken home from a previous rehearsal), extra strings and any other necessities.

Excellent communication skills, both within the stand and with other members of the section, are essential to those striving to be exceptional stand partners. Clear, respectful and effective communication during a rehearsal is imperative, especially when playing together in such close quarters and with limited rehearsal time to achieve results. Whether it’s discussing fingerings or other orchestral markings, directions interpreted from the front desks or conductor, or even providing cues during a performance, communication between musicians sharing a stand must be open and respectful. Additionally, a good stand partner is one who is an attentive listener, able to pass back information given from the front desks quietly and quickly.

There are unwritten rules that make up orchestral etiquette

There are certain unwritten and universal rules that make up orchestral etiquette, which is perhaps the most important standard an orchestral musician can observe. Among the most basic of those rules is respect for the conductor and leaders: when rehearsing, musicians must be reactive to all given directions, quickly stop playing when the conductor stops conducting, and limit any communication or playing when the conductor or concertmaster is speaking. The last of these is especially disruptive and distracting behaviour.

A good stand partner is also one who is understanding, supportive and non-judgmental. Mistakes can happen, and are common in rehearsal, and playing with a musician who is calm and non-reactive about accidents is always a welcome pleasure.

Finally, one of the best-known rules of orchestral etiquette: no warming up with solo repertoire!

Exploring the qualities that define an exceptional stand partner allows orchestral musicians a deeper understanding of ensemble dynamics, encouraging stronger interpersonal connections within their group. Adhering to these principles, musicians can contribute to a respectful, professional and enjoyable musical experience for everyone involved, and ultimately, elevate the quality and experience of their own playing.

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