TACET
The affected music is in the show, but you have no part or your part is not to be played
CUT
The affected music is out of the show
CUT NUMBER X
A song, movement or section is out of the show. Example: Big number 5 is cut from the show
CUTS WITHIN A SECTION
Within a section, cuts are called from the END of measure x to the BEGINNING of measure y Example: from the end of measure 6 to the beginning of measure 12 means that measures 7 thru 11 are cut.
REPEAT
The affected music is played 2 or more times. If it is greater than two times, it is marked. Example: 3X indicates that the affected music is played three times (repeated twice)
VAMP
The affected music is repeated over "&" over 'til cue. Sometimes called Round "&" Round
SAFETY
Not to be confused with VAMP. The affected music may or MAY NOT be repeated. Repeat ONLY when told to do so. Otherwise do NOT repeat.
GO TO MEASURE X
Example The__ measure BEFORE rehearsal X . The __ measure OF rehearsal X .
ATTACCA
No dialogue coming up, the next thing from the stage is the next number
SEGUE AS ONE
Attached, in time, on the next downbeat
SEGUE
Attached, on cue, depending on stage action
APPLAUSE SEGUE
Attached, on cue, depending on applause length
RAILROAD TRACKS
Cut off, resume playing on cue
CAESURA
Cut off, resume playing on cue
//
Cut off, resume playing on cue
BIRDS EYE
Play affected note (or observe rest) until cut off or cue
FERMATA
Play affected note (or observe rest) until cut off or cue
HOLD
Play affected note (or observe rest) until cut off or cue
ON VOICE
Go on when voice comes in
COLLA VOCE
Follow the singer
PREPARATORY BEATS
Example 2 ahead means two counts that are given by the conductor BEFORE the affected music. This can also mean two MEASURES.
ON THE STICK
No preparatory beats, start on downbeat
CIRCLED NOTES & NOTES IN (   )
Notes that are NOT to be played -- Tacet
FADE OR PLAY 'TIL FADE
On cue, the affected music will diminish in volume and then stop.
INSERT
Manuscript added to the printed music
PLAY THE INK
Play the printed music exactly as is, ignoring any pencil markings
PLAY THE PENCIL
Observe all pencil markings
BIG NUMBER
Refers to the number given to songs, movements, sections, etc.
REHEARSAL NUMBER
Numbers OR letters within a song, movement or section
MEASURE NUMBER
Number OR letter assigned to a specific measure
DICTATED
Every note of the affected music is conducted as a separate downbeat.
V.S.
Turn page quick!
ON CUE
The affected note(s) are played on a direct cue from the conductor
MARKING
The affected part(s) are not played as they would be in a performance, only indicated to save the performers strength for the actual performance. Signaled with a raised fist with the thumb & little finger extended.
MEASURE NUMBER
The actual number of a measure as calculated from the beginning of a song, movement or section. If a measure has a number followed by a letter, this indicates that n measures have been inserted between that number and the next number.
OVERTURE
Music played before the action begins
ENTRACTE
Music played after intermission before the action begins
CHANGE MUSIC
Incidental music played to cover scene changes.
PLAYOFF
After the end of a number, a short section played either for bows or for the performer to leave the stage. In some cases this may consist of a D.S.
UNDERSCORING
Music played during dialog.
RECITATIVE
Accompaniment to sung dialog.
TRANSPOSITION
Refers to a section of music that has been changed to another key.
WRITTEN NOTES
Refers to a part transposed for a specific instrument
WRITTEN INK
Refers to a printed part transposed for a specific instrument
WRITTEN INSERT
Refers to an insert or an addition transposed for a specific instrument
CONCERT NOTES
Refers to untransposed concert pitch.
CUES
When playing in a reduced orchestra ALWAYS play cues unless otherwise instructed.
COMP
Jazz term: Backing the lead line. Playing Time. COMPlimenting the soloist.
IN 2 IN 4 IN 6 etc.
The number of conducted beats per measure in the affected music.
TWO STARTS
The affected music is played to the end (or until cut-off) and then, after a pause, is played again.
FROM THE TOP
Start at the beginning of the music. Same as FROM THE EDGE.
HAND SIGNALS
• A raised fist means Take it out, Go to the end, or Last time.
• Raised fingers can mean In 2, In 4 etc. or 1st ending, 2nd ending etc. or 1st repeat, 2nd repeat etc.
• A raised fist with the thumb "&" little finger extended means "I am marking".
TWO-BEAT
Refers to a style of playing. Two strong beats per measure, sometimes means Dixieland style.
WALKING
Refers to a style of playing. Applies to bass and drums, four beats to a measure. Sometimes means swing style.
TEVIS PUNISHMENT
Dont ask!

PROFESSIONALISM:

THE HALF-HOUR CALL
Always arrive no later than 30 minutes before the downbeat. This gives you time to set up your instrument(s), warm up and be ready to perform.
QUESTIONS
Never ask questions just to show how smart you are.
In general, only ask questions as a last resort.
Never ask a question to a conductor about something he has just explained. Pay attention and you will not make this mistake.
DISCUSSIONS
When the orchestra is on the clock, first priority goes to listening to the conductor. If a section discussion is necessary, wait until the conductor is silent.
BE PREPARED
Have all of your equipment set up and your music ready so you will be able to devote your full attention to the conductor.
BREAKS
Be back in your place at the end of a break ready to play. The contractor should not have to search for you. Breaks are the proper time for phonecalls, texting, restroom visits, socializing, food and drink.
EXCESS BAGGAGE
Don't bring your personal problems or personal idiosyncrasies to work. You are there because of your playing ability, and nothing else. Texting and other cellphone activities are especially inappropriate.
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