Does anyone else feel this way?

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Wed May 16, 2007 10:57 am

So recently I had my first experience playing 2nd and 3rd flute in a large section and I found that I honestly liked it more than playing 1st flute and being section leader. Sitting further back in the section let me be able to play the music for the music and not for the technical precision. The music also generally has parts in the lower octives which are my favorites. I like it so much more. Does anybody else feel this way?

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:59 pm

YEah, I know what you mean; same thing with me as well...

FLflutist · Post by **FLflutist** » Wed May 16, 2007 5:53 pm

I'm the total opposite... I'd rather play 1st part where there's the main melody and also any solos that usually come into play in peices. I've played 2nd and 3rd for too long...

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Wed May 16, 2007 6:28 pm

Well, I was first flute ever since I started moving but whenever I went to honors Band Id be in 7th chair IN THE 2ND BAND!!!! Its kind of embarrassing when all of your friends are with you

But really, it is a great relief after everyone expecting you to play "perfectly"!

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Wed May 16, 2007 8:01 pm

hmmm not really, I prefer playing first flute. Whilst playing an easier part can let you play the music, you still have to follow what the section leader and conductor wants music wise.

Obviously this depends on what level of orchestral playing you are at, but the 2nd flute and below should be following the first flute in terms of sound quality etc, and following the same kind of phrasing etc. Its not a good idea to try and lead the section being a 3rd flute if you are in a higher standard orchestra (not necessarily professional).

Saying all that, sometimes I have had to lead the section being 2nd flute as the players would be on a rota, and the less experienced players would need a hand.

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Wed May 16, 2007 9:32 pm

Yeah I understand and thats why I do like it. There is no pressure to lead you follow. There is a part of me that does like to lead and I will if necessary but as I've gotten older I've realized that I enjoy it more if I just follow.

I do have a major territorial streak and thus don't like giving up my spot to people behind me chair wise. Thus I've often ended up 1st flute. It's just me and I wanted to find out what other people thought.

sidekicker · Post by **sidekicker** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:15 am

KFlutist --

I find your attitude expressed here to be refreshingly mature. You nailed it by discovering that one does not always have to be first in things to enjoy being part of a group effort. That type of thinking will carry you well in many different areas of life.

Also, the second flute part, at least in orchestra playing, is often equally as difficult as what the principal is playing.

SK

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Thu May 17, 2007 6:59 am

sidekicker: Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me.

c_otter · Post by **c_otter** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:21 am

I usually play first part in a large community/university group. Given a choice, I've preferred first part. Recently, when I've played second part, it' been when I subbed with the wind ensemble. This group is much better than what I'm used to and the flute players are definitely better than me. Currently, they're all graduate flute students.

I've found it really fun to play with people better than me. Also, I learn from them and it improves my playing. I might even prefer to play second flute in a really good group as opposed to being the best of a lesser group.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:49 am

sidekicker wrote:KFlutist --

I find your attitude expressed here to be refreshingly mature. You nailed it by discovering that one does not always have to be first in things to enjoy being part of a group effort. That type of thinking will carry you well in many different areas of life.

Also, the second flute part, at least in orchestra playing, is often equally as difficult as what the principal is playing.

SK

I agree completely. I had the opportunity of playing principle second in both the University's Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra my first semester last year, and I too learned to really appreciate that role. There are members in my studio who always volunteer for first part [if it is just a free for all in regards to parts], and sulk if they get second or third. However, they dont realize that this constant preferrance for first is not only hurting them as an overall player, but makes them look arrogant, and foolish when they mess up because they arent ready for, or havent practiced the material. That first semester in Symphonic Band I came to find some really great parts in many of the Symphonic/ Concert Band literature.

There was even a piece that we played, that the 2nd flutes had the melody, and because it was in our lower register [which for the 3 of us, it is our favorite and strongest register] we were actually able to power over much louder sections in the ensemble so that the melody was heard. In that piece it really paid off to be a 2nd.

So, I understand exactly what you mean, and I am so glad that another person has come to realize that the first part doesnt neccessarily mean that it is better than all of the other parts. All parts are important, and without the lower parts as support, the top parts would sink and die.