Posted by Wind In His Hair on April 17, 2003 at 22:37:37:
In Reply to: when to lift/lower instrument posted by Dave on April 17, 2003 at 13:27:21:
You should raise and lower your instrument in the manner which most irritates the conductor and inspires the other brass players.
I suggest, generally, waiting until the LAST possible moment. For variety in performance, you may want to quickly raise your largest tuba during a quiet moment take a huge breath and then, smoothly and quietly, put your instrument down without making another sound. Don't look at the conductor while doing any of this.
You have to play well enough not to get fired.
My teacher, a famous orchestral player, once patted me on the knee and said, "Remember, the conductor is not your friend."