The Balance and Blend Improve With Different Seating Plans.

The article discusses how much difference the seating arrangements of an ensemble makes in the way the music sounds to the audience as opposed to what reaches the podium. The groups that use an unconventional setup tend to have more problems with balance and blend. While there is no single ideal setup that works for every ensemble, directors have developed several good seating arrangements over the years that take into consideration ensemble size, instrumentation, and other influences. The best ensemble seating arrangement varies based upon the repertoire. This type of seating arrangement creates problems in adjudicated performances as well. Judges may hear the blend, balance, and the timbre of the ensemble differently from other places in the auditorium. The traditional orchestra setup relies on basic aural concepts that also apply to some band setups. In most orchestras the string section is across the front of the ensemble with violins stage left, the violas right center, the cellos stage right, and string basses behind the cellos. The winds are usually best centered behind the strings with the percussion in the stage left rear.