Posted by Leland on November 21, 2001 at 19:58:58:
In Reply to: "It's the nature of your instrument..." posted by Zach on November 17, 2001 at 00:12:56:
I like Jay Bertolet's response below -- I never even trust my own ears when it comes to ensemble timing.
I'd say that it's both -- it's the nature of the instrument, and the nature of the player that's allowed to be behind. I'll add that it's the conductor/instructor that might allow it to be behind.
Some ensembles work around the problem by listening to the bass, jazz bands in particular. Others are successful because the guy with the stick reminds the low voices that they're behind until they get it right, and the players learn how to play "in time".
All it takes is good instruction and disciplined playing.