Orchestra Survival Guide (How Not to Look Like a Fool) | TwoSet Talks | EP. 2

[@pkmnjss]

I thought Eddy's first tip would be to make sure you're not late. 😂

[@chia_s_ee_d]

hahahahhaha that would’ve been ironic

[@ciara03]

I thought it'd be to bring your instrument haha

[@chia_s_ee_d]

@@ciara03 lmaoooo that too

[@こんにちはハルコ]

hahaha!!!

[@tabbymrp]

Or, remember to bring your instrument

[@mahleriisbestt]

EVERYBODY WAKE UP TWOSET TALKS POSTED (I don’t care what y’all talk abt on here this is my therapy

[@insights_h8092]

NO WAYY 💯💯

[@chia_s_ee_d]

yasss I love listening to them talk

[@perfectheart7010]

JOKES ON YOU I DON'T SLEEP!! (Also, agreed

[@JuliannaGallo-x2v]

Yeah I need to recover after that April fools video

[@4everelfsj]

Yasssssssssss don't sleep Here's a cup of coffee ☕️

[@sabrinai]

Not even a musician but here I am, listening to a half an hour podcast about surviving in orchestra.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

😂😂😂

[@ElizaSocha]

Same😂😂

[@lulcy789]

Lollll genuine question what is it like hearing this stuff, does anything surprise you or is everything kind of what you’d expect?

[@salomaocabral8816]

Why? 😂

[@ElizaSocha]

@@lulcy789 I already know most of these things from other TSV videos so nothing surprised me. But they make it very interesting even for non-musicians😄

[@juliajihae]

Me, a vocalist: yes this is very important for me to know

[@M_SC]

My orchestra will play pieces that have a choir part this session. Never done that before. Perhaps the choir won’t have done it before either then.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

oui oui indeeed

[@ronjaindigolauren]

I think vocalists absolutely need to know this as well (:

[@juliajihae]

@@M_SC Ooh what piece? I've only done Mozart's Requiem but it was very fun

[@coloraturaElise]

YES...those people who constantly play in every break...and it's always flashy, fast stuff....you never hear them playing something slow and beautiful....no, because they can't show off with that!

[@lingodelfo5415]

So, to sum up: don't be late and have 20 eyes to be able to look at everyone and everything at once

[@xandraxandra1437]

And twenty ears to hear everyone around you, outside your own section

[@Iluvtwosetandwatchtoomuch]

*ahem* 40 eyes lol

[@Swishyhead]

Biblically accurate concertmaster.

[@aflatminor-40]

1. Do not play concertos 2. Show up 15-30 minutes early 3. Do not look at the winds players when they have a solo 4. Bring a pencil and eraser to rehearsal 5. Do not talk behind people's Bachs 6. The inside player always turns the page 7. Practice before the first rehearsal 8. Watch for bow marking and changes 9. Listen, blend in and watch the conductor 10. Don't talk to your deskie too much

[@chia_s_ee_d]

Thxxxx

[@ALST_Angel]

Good use of Bach there

[@sallylucas1277]

11.Tune up then shut up ! That is all that I remember from my school orchestra days.

[@coloraturaElise]

Oh, another really good one: when someone in your section has a solo, DO NOT FINGER ALONG WITH THEM....that is SO annoying! It's like you're a vulture, waiting for them to miss so you can jump right in. Also, don't hold up rehearsal by asking questions of the conductor that your section leader can probably answer....at least ask them first, or let them ask the conductor. And if it's specific to your instrument, ask the conductor during the break, so you don't waste everyone's time.

[@lanaraftopoulos3440]

Also DON'T WARM UP WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S SOLO BEFORE REHEARSAL!!!

[@deborahbryant3266]

B&E: practice your part before the 1st rehearsal Me: Hahahaha! 😮 LOL! 1st rehearsal is for practicing sight reading.

[@obsession707]

Would love an episode about how you balance your personal/professional lives. With all your touring and practicing, how do you make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and leaving time for your other goals and interests?

[@chia_s_ee_d]

hmmm I’d also love an episode about that!!!

[@gentlespirit4]

Incredible question! Fantastic! I'd love to hear about this as well. Perhaps get a nice vlog to invite fans to tag along for a few moments here and there during a busy week. You know, like they did during the making of their "Fantasia", a short film.

[@m.piglet4541]

Would love to hear you each talk about some of your favorite pieces in depth and why they are your favorite.

[@nimnix]

yes this!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

oooh I agree

[@mdsimisn]

Great episode. It was (understandably) a bit string-centric. Would love to see a few more episodes with special guests to discuss issues for woodwinds, brass, percussion, etc.

[@hopegold883]

Yeah, like the person on the left turns the page? I think it’s the opposite on the other side, 2nds, etc. I think it’s the upstage person, isn’t it?

[@chia_s_ee_d]

@@hopegold883 yeah I think the 2nds and 1sts left side turns and violas cellos and double basses (?) the right side turns

[@nerajdajmk1030]

Yes, I was about to comment the same. It would be very cool if they had special guests.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

@@nerajdajmk1030I agree, how cool would it be to invite people like Hilary into their podcast?

[@Very_Rando_person]

How about that one classical opera singer, I don’t think opera is very that well known

[@streyycat667]

Yes, orchestral survival guide part 2 please!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

agreeeed

[@SusanneHochmann]

Yup, absolutely! Part two, pleeeeaaaasee!

[@Cookie_Comment]

yes yes yes!

[@InkByt3]

yes please!

[@jcortese3300]

Basically, do what will help the orchestra to succeed, including being pleasant to work with. And as much as you don't want to gossip with the other players, do NOT gossip with the pianist. We know EVERYONE. 🙂

[@chia_s_ee_d]

oof ok I’ll have to remember that

[@Zydico]

I'm dying inside listening to Eddy talk about his Rachmaninoff 2 story. Oh god

[@impassionategods_]

one of my fav twoset videos was the one where they talked abt their embarrassing stories. i was so into it that i actually thought that lol these guys should make a podcast, i would definitely listen to it. AND DAMN 4 YEARS LATER AND NOW HERE WE ARE

[@chia_s_ee_d]

omgggg u called it!!!

[@Iluvtwosetandwatchtoomuch]

one thing i learnt from old twoset videos is: listen around kids: the viola jokes never age lol i watched them with my sister like 10 times LOL and i play viola

[@EmFeher]

to add to the tip about bringing a pencil/eraser- bring extras. literally the quickest way to make friends if someone forgets theirs and you save their ass lol

[@givemethepasswordtothewifi]

FR I did that last rehearsal and I’m bringing even more this week

[@chi73]

Also an episode on the art of practising in general. How to practise smart, efficient and effective and how you could schedule a practise session, in order for it to be all that. And not countless hours of mindless repetition with no progress. Especially because everyone tells you "to go practise" but no one teaches you, HOW to actually practise, in order to achieve the best possible results, in as little time as possible. Since it is so difficult to master practising and additionally having few guidelines on how to be smart about it, it would be very interesting to hear your thoughts, experiences, knowledge and wisdom on it. Love you guys❤

[@procrastipractice]

If you get a magnet ring for your pencil you can leave the pencil stuck on your music stand and never forget it. Plus there are magnets that also have a rubber coating. You can stick the pencil to the music stand from below which will make turning the pages easier.

[@helenreich713]

I’m still a terrible page turner (it’s the dry skin), but I actually had to be taught to turn them properly, when I was a graduate viola student. Instead of putting the instrument down and turning with the right hand, continue to support the instrument with only the head and shoulder, and turn with the left hand. My classmate taught me, and 40+ years later, I taught one of his students, who we had just hired. This may not work for the violins, but it’s a regular practice for the violas.

[@jspihlman]

My High School band director would say to us "if you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late." to impress upon us to always show up to class and performances early enough to get ready and sit down.

[@canadianmadduck8932]

I cant believe that Vio-kelele apology video. Absolute savages

[@chia_s_ee_d]

lmaooo and canon in d😂

[@Feimicha]

As someone who has a habit of turning my head towards the speaker in a conversation automatically (Trauma habit), it lays over in my behavior-in-orchestra habits and makes me the stinker who looks at the woodwinds during rehearsal when they have solos-though it doesn’t show through in concerts.

[@lingodelfo5415]

21:57 as a choir singing, I can relate to the blending, we practice that A LOT. And when I was in the audience for the Wiener Filharmoniker and Symfoniker in Musikverein, one of the quality markers for me was that the violins all sounded as one, one gigantically projecting violin, with the cleanest sound I have ever heard

[@BreadBoi-0]

YOO I WAS LITERALLY THINKING “why did they abandon this podcast :(“ YESTERDAY

[@chia_s_ee_d]

smeeee I was like “when r they gonna do another episode?”

[@belmoon01]

NO SAME

[@thisisa-e]

haha yep!! me too

[@krystal62591]

I knew Twoset Talks would be back. Quality over quantity, and I totally approve.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

yayayayaya I agree these videos are very high quality!!

[@murphykc]

Would love for you guys to talk about your process in coming up with video ideas. Who's idea was violin charades? What's your favorite type of video to produce and why? What goes into putting these awesome videos together for us viewers and what have you learned along the way?

[@alyssa_trulytree]

14:25 What a great story about Eddie and the kind concert master defending him to the conductor! That would be my worst nightmare though...you think you're safe in the back and then getting dropped up front with the concert master!!!

[@procrastipractice]

If you have several bars of rests before a page turn (maybe even with meter changes), copy them to the top of the next page. That way, you can turn the page early and still safely count up to your next entry without forgetting how many and what kinds of rests you have.

[@mrewan6221]

Yes. I always do this when typesetting parts. If there are several multi-bar rests, the page turn should be after the first set. If the rests are | --7- | - 16 - | - 16 - | - 8 - |, there will be more anxiety if it's | --7- | - 16 - | - 16 - | page-turn | - 8 - |. Much kinder to have | --7- | page-turn | - 16 - | - 16 - | - 8 - |, and preferably some sort of reassurance cue at the top of the page, even if it's just the name of the prominent instrument. Not all copyists have enough time to be kind!

[@RezartaPasha]

I JS FOUND THE CHANNEL IVE NEVER SUBBED TO A CHANNEL FASTER IN MY LIFE-

[@hunterflare3577]

I think exploring about what you should do on your first day, first week and first month in orchestra could be interesting. This could include deductions on the paycheck, preparing for your first concert, concert dress, guest conductors, and performing with choirs and soloists.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

Ooh this would be very interesting!!

[@coloraturaElise]

Eddy, that concertmaster was not only kind, but he was a GREAT TEACHER.....he knew you needed to experience to teach you a lesson, and he provided it.

[@Ny.4981]

Could hardly wait until I could take my daughter to school today. Now I finally have some time to enjoy this podcast. I just love how Brett and Eddy are role models for everyone, not only about classical music and practice, but also being authentic and creating an encouraging, constructive, non-toxic environment. Keep up the good work guys, and also take care of yourself 💜

[@ElizaSocha]

First activity of the day: putting on Chen&Yang headband. Second: listening to TwoSetTalks. All other things can wait.

[@ZiaElohka]

I'm so glad you did not abandon this project!

[@gentlespirit4]

Super duper love love love this new podcast channel! So awesome getting to just listen to the gained wisdom that both of you have had over the years. Very valuable information and lessons. Thank you both, Brett & Eddy. Really appreciate your valuable time and shared knowledge and years of experience. Sending warm hugs filled with love and encouragement. 🫂💕💯🎻🎻🥰🥰

[@mukilnarayanan]

TwoSet talks is like the podcast we have been waiting for years!!!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

yesss I’m so glad for this episode because I’d love to become an orchestral musician one day

[@heitron81]

Thank you for not abandoning your podcast channel after the first episode ❤

[@carolpoblete8228]

Aaaaaah, finally!! Honestly, I would love for you to talk about your book collection that we can see on your shelf and why its there. Thanks guys!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

ooh I agree, they could talk about their new setup, btw are they in Singapore?

[@Zarunias]

My biggest tip: Try to start in an amateur orchestra as early as possible. Don't wait until you have to sit in a professional one. A youth orchestra is much more relaxed about these things and you can get the experience without the drama.

[@talamioros]

I feel so fortunate I only discovered this channel in episode 2 so I didn't need to do the agonising 3 month wait the others had to do. But welp, 3 more months for me to wait now...

[@sabrinai]

Twoset are the bear grills of orchestra and classical musician life!

[@littlepianoprincess]

I don’t Even play in orchestra but I watch it because TwoSet.

[@jodietypn]

4:52 random noise and Brett's quick witted response by giving Eddy's flexing time

[@chia_s_ee_d]

Eddy’s gotta flex his perfect pitch anywhere and anytime, as a person with perfect pitch, I’m guilty of flexing it everywhere 😅

[@woodenrocks2445]

He got it wrong it was a D natural imo

[@jonathanrio6587]

OK. I admit, I'm guilty of the "practicing concerto during break" thing. I never thought about that and I will not do that anymore..... Makes sense. Thanks guys!

[@jackgrimes09]

Omg my clarinet section needs to hear the “don’t talk behind other people’s backs”. My band didn’t have a bass clarinet so I was assigned to it this year and sucked because it’s a bunch of different technique and they basically ostracized me and refused to even look at me, and I’m the director’s favorite. Lol.

[@matthewcolvin7094]

That sucks😢 I had that happen too.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

ooooff that must have sucked

[@M_SC]

Bass clarinet is a really cool sounding instrument though. You are too cool for those very basic clarinet players

[@chia_s_ee_d]

@@M_SCit honestly is such a cool instrument. It sounds very round and warm

[@jackgrimes09]

@@M_SC Fr, such a unique timbre

[@Schneider1700]

Sat near a harpist for many years in a pro orchestra. You may put your extra set of strings in a jacket pocket, but the harpist puts extra strings in that bag on stage, along with Tibet Almond Stick to take care of all the dings and nicks the instrument get when being moved, and a dust cloth because they don't get to clean this instrument at home.

[@Thomas-gm3bd]

Even if youre not in Orchestra and just a musician in orchestra but still want to be professional these tipps are so important and as you can also hear by their story that sometimes you get these lessons a bit late and then have awkward or embarassing moments that could have been averted

[@moriokayuri]

The conductor talked about me behind my back during rehearsal, and I was like, "is It about me?" And he nodded, so I told him "so turn around and talk looking at me" I ended up leaving the orchestra and he sent his "pets" to talk to me and ask If I would come back because he had some unrefusable offer... Of course I said no.

[@GeorgeKiernan]

Would love an episode or segment with advice for people learning later in life (20s/30s), people who didn't get to go to music school or get a lot of musical education growing up. Things for them to practice, skill wise. Things for them to study, music theory wise. Things like that. Loved this episode, keep 'em coming 👍

[@ladidadidaladi7168]

You know, a lot of what you say not only applies to Orchestral rehearsals, but also anything that has a group of musicians coming together, like choir... tho I must say, we have the privilege of having our own scores, so a big thing is - remember to bring your scores!

[@hollym7878]

I'm an amateur violinist and choral singer - nowhere near professional, I just play for fun. But I was nodding along when you talked about blending with other sections. I taught myself, almost by accident, to listen to the other sections while playing in a community string orchestra as a teenager. I found that skill applicable to choir as well, and I'm always baffled when other people can't do it, or don't think to do it. You're playing in a group, you should be listening to that group!

[@Wandyissocute]

Great that I’m wearing Chen&Yang headband in my Japan trip right now and thank you for uploaded more Twoset talk(the headband freaking cute)

[@chia_s_ee_d]

ik I luv the headband ❤

[@dorotakarpiel6717]

"that was super intense" "he send a message" a professional musician played the next phrase of a concerto.. "super intense". But in the movie adaptation : Duel!! Two string players fighting with bows!!

[@crankfastle8138]

Yeah, movies suck for the most part

[@ZiaElohka]

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, but it’s difficult to put it into words. I’d love to hear more stories about your experiences. And not just yours, but the personal stories of other musicians as well. To hear these behind the scenes stories, somehow makes me understand the music better. I’m not a musician, but as a dancer I have worked with a lot of (middle eastern) musicians. Knowing these people and the difficulties they are facing, made me better understand what is going on onstage during a middle eastern concert. Until I discovered your channel I always saw a symphony orchestra as a body of anonymous persons just doing their job. That changed. I went to listen to some symphonies lately and it is much more relatable to me now. Your little stories in many videos made me understand better the people who play the music. And that makes the music more enjoyable to me. I don’t know if this makes sense to you.

[@margaretcoppala9335]

I would love to hear more "nerding out about music"-type discussions. It's always fun to hear people talk about what they're most passionate about and what they're currently discovering!

[@abrilspinella2778]

"Twoset Talks Episode Number 2" I didn't think I'd see the day, oh my god, finally 😭

[@chia_s_ee_d]

I was waiting for this day for so long 🎉

[@feli__23]

I love Rachmaninov 2 but now I can't listen to the 4th movement without imagining Eddy struggeling at the front desk.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

Hahhahahaa

[@fateindustry]

I worked for a professional orchestra before. You can sit "7th chair" second violins and still be literally 3 feet from the conductor because the seatings were circular position, and right behind us were the oboe, flute, etc. You can't hide.

[@drelyka]

I’d like to hear about how you prepare for a lesson. I don’t mean practice that week; that’s obvious. What I mean is, in like the hour or so before your lesson what are you doing? Do you do a basic warm up? Go over the pieces? Make a list of problem areas? How do you prepare to get the most out of the lesson time?

[@procrastipractice]

While the concertmaster serves the a, only tune your a. Wait until the concertmaster sits down to tune your other strings.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

more twoset talks! thanks brett and eddy!

[@emanuellygomes8744]

Omg, I'm so happy they didn't give up of this channel!! ❤

[@fuyumi27]

I really enjoy listening to both of you just talking in such a relax mood

[@susanbryant6516]

Yes please to more orchestra episodes!

[@Bones_andArrows]

Honestly, I’d listen to any topic you guys decide to feature! It would be really cool to hear your opinions on music school and youth orchestra, though. I’m in youth orchestra and I’m curious about your experiences. Much love!

[@quest-cequecesttonvisage]

I love these types of videos, please make more!!!

[@petertaplin4365]

Lovely detail and specifics! I was waiting for the tip about not having B.O.! Haha!

[@sabrinai]

If you can survive in orchestra for a short time, you can survive for a long time.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

😂😂😂😂

[@JosephineHartenstein]

If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly

[@ioana938]

Maybe an entire episode on how to follow the concertmaestro, especially from the back rows when you cannot see them!

[@quetzal3428]

I would like another orchestra one this was great 🙏

[@kyrene.]

thank you guys so much for this!! i’m studying violin performance for college this fall and although i’ve played in youth orchestras since middle school, i’m so nervous about college orchestra 😭😭 wish me luck

[@kyrene.]

@J7HNNYthank you so much 😭🫶

[@leonpetrich5864]

On the page turning: I see it increasingly more often that the outside person turns the page because its so much easier for them to reach it since they sit on the side where the page is, that needs to be turned. Its an exception ofc with the concertmaster or section leaders since they still need to lead the orchestra/section.

[@myyummychannel6866]

FREE THERAPY ILY guys so much!!, You have inspired me so much and I’m so happy you made a new channel where you guys talk and teach!!🤩🤩🤩

[@Amelia_Twosetter]

tbh this is so calming

[@gaborbartok6398]

When the conductor stops, STOP PLAYING!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

YESS YESS AND YESS i hate people who just “have to finish the phrase” like whose time u wasting??

[@mrewan6221]

… and the reverse. If you have no more music left, don't just relax down into your seat and switch off while the conductor is still working with other people. (I'm looking at you, choral singers!) Wait for the conductor to release the atmosphere.

[@csharpmajor4810]

2B pencil is also preferred because it's a softer lead, and therefore easier to erase. Worst thing is trying to erase something and scrubbing a hole through the score because it won't come off

[@happylilbookworm6513]

PLEASE DO MORE ORCH CONTENT 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@e2pii213]

Recommended TSV video: 'Everybody Hates the Violin :'( ' - TSV's orchestra musician friends about what violinists should not do in orchestra. (Some of their advices are quoted in this TS Talks vid.)

[@bindak]

I’m not a musician and I still find your tips fascinating! 😂

[@heitron81]

Thank you for sharing all those inside stories.

[@dynatic4384]

27:45 - I actually have a "Un Owen Was Her" ringtone from Touhou 6 EoSD. At this point I would've probably melted from the heat of panic.

[@hei7586]

Very interesting for me as non violinist hobby player! Never thought about these things. More of this please!

[@talamioros]

Secondary school string orchestra memories! I was a 2nd and eventually 1st desk violist. I know, I shouldn't be here

[@aimhighwithadah]

Great! I would love to hear an episode about the ideal conductor orchestras will always love to work with 🎵

[@bcbdrums]

one time in wind ensemble a large amount of the group (but most notably the trumpets) were just talking, talking, talking as the director had been discussing the piece. they were all oblivious to anything he was saying, but he wasn't gonna stop for them. that piece opens with a forte-piano timpani roll for two measures before the rest of the ensemble comes in. so everyone is talking, talking, talking, and i'm just sitting there...mallets ready, grin on my face as i'm watching the director and waiting... my friend over in 1st clarinets knew, she was grinning back at me across the room and trying not to laugh cuz she knew exactly what was gonna happen. so the director kinda glances at the trumpets, looks at me...gives the downbeat... yeah all those ppl talking JUMPED out of their seats when i played. it was great.

[@luvtsv._]

89 days without Twoset talks new ep, UNTIL TODAY, FINALLY GUYS

[@oxoelfoxo]

wow, has it been that long?!

[@chia_s_ee_d]

respect that you actually worked it out 😂

[@s0r4hq]

it`s so interesting to hear your experiences, especially when i`m not involved in all these things so i`m not familiar with how the orchestra works, please talk more🙏🙏

[@alicia5274]

Love these podcasts ! It would be interesting to have the same format but with tips for music university ! how to prepare for the audition, how to organise your schedule between classes and practicing but still having a life on the side (lol), etc.

[@cloudyskies5497]

This had me giggling and remembering my first symphonic orchestra rehearsals in school where the brass would play and the strings would really want to turn around and look back at us! LOL bless.

[@taosamundo]

A lovely channel to listen to while practicing

[@ZzSee]

Asmr Twoset Gossips in front of you in the cafeteria

[@ALST_Angel]

Random time stamps for myself: 4:48 - Construction started next door 4:56 - C# construction 7:15 - Death stares from winds

[@christineheins1154]

Here’s a tip to people new to an orchestra, especially a youth orchestra. Don’t get in a stand (desk) war with anyone around you. I remember me and my stand partners stand falling on the heads of the 2nds 1st and 2nd chair at the end of the piece because someone had to get in the last shot.

[@stevev5510]

Warwick got my back! Gotta love that.

[@nebulousworld6937]

I would love to hear more about your orchestra experiences because I relate to it the most. But I would also be interested to hear you talk how to manage a string quartet or other chamber music setting.

[@alyssert1743]

when I was in 7th grade, my middle school honors orchestra conductor had us record us playing a couple pieces to audition our school for something. I was definitely on the lower end of the skill of the orchestra, but I was in the back of the violin 1 section with all the best players. one of the pieces had a fast section and I rushed so bad on it during the recording, when I finished I realized I was like 3 bars ahead of everyone else. the concertmaster literally glanced back at the rest of the section and I know it was because of me. so when they repeated I just airbowed it instead and it sounded better. we ended up not making it and I wonder to this day if it was because of me. our conductor really wanted us to get in, he even went as far as to listening it on different devices and speakers to see which sounded the best and trying to predict which one the judges would be listening on to decide which pieces to submit.

[@desirieroselopena6748]

I'M SO HAPPY!! And the timing is so perfect because I just finished Episode 1 this morning. Then I was like, "ohh it's been two months. I wonder when Twoset will upload a new episode 😢" . Then here we are!! You guys read my mind 😭

[@jonrellim]

On point 1: I've also seen a situation where a horn player kept flexing with the Strauss till Uilenspiegel horn solo during every break and before rehearsal. Eventually the conductor pointed it out to them, couples with the fact that they're destroying their stamina by constantly doing that. Which would not benefit the quality of the concert to come.

[@womiko3993]

Loved it. It's a rare insight into professional orchestras... and funnily enough... in our community orchestra it's so similar! I always get SO annoyed with the two girls that NEVER bring a pencil.