Managing section scores: 5 principles to end 'Which one is the latest?'
OrchMate Team · · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- The rule for section scores is 'one place, one version.' When a new version comes out, remove the old file to clear up confusion.
- Don't have everyone copy down the conductor's or section leader's bowings, breath marks, and cuts; mark them once so the whole section sees the same thing.
- To cut down on 'from which bar?' at rehearsal, everyone should use scores with rehearsal letters and bar numbers.
- Scores rented from a publisher come with copying and distribution terms, so share them only within the group and check the contract.
The question that always follows "I uploaded the new score" is "Which one is the latest?" The group chat fills with versions of the same piece's PDF, and some people copy down the bowings the conductor mentioned while others miss them. Five principles solve most of it.
1. One place, one version
Keep scores in one set place, not the group chat, and when a corrected version comes out, replace it right there. Members only need to remember that whatever's there is the latest.
2. File naming rule
A piece_section_date format is enough. E.g. Borodin2_Cello_1104.pdf. Names like 'final' or 'really final' are banned.
3. Conductor markings, just once
- Bowings (bow direction), breath marks, dynamic changes, and cuts (skipped passages) are marked once by the conductor or section leader
- They need to show up on the whole section's scores so rehearsal time doesn't turn into copying time
- Keep personal notes (like fingerings) separate so they don't mix with the shared markings
4. Letters and bar numbers
If a published score has rehearsal letters but no bar numbers, time goes to counting like 'fifth bar of letter B.' Writing the same bar numbers on every section's score noticeably speeds up rehearsal.
5. Check copyright ahead of time
- For older editions of pieces whose composers died long ago, you can find public-domain scores on sites like IMSLP (edited or new editions may carry separate rights)
- For scores rented from a publisher, the contract sets the scope of copying and distribution
- Either way, keep them somewhere only members can see so they don't spread beyond the group
FAQ
- Who marks the bowings?
- Usually the string section leader (principal) decides together with the concertmaster, and the conductor may change them based on interpretation. The key is that the whole section sees the agreed markings on the same score.
- Is it a copyright problem to share scores within the group?
- It depends on the score. Older editions of pieces out of copyright are relatively free, but modern edited editions and publisher rental scores have conditions. Check the rental contract and the publisher's guidelines first.