Tips for how to handle multi-measure rests as a performer in an orchestra? ?

Question: Tips for how to handle multi-measure rests as a performer in an orchestra!? !?

Do you have any tips for how to handle multi-measure rests as a performer in an orchestra!? There is one place where I have 56 bars of rest and I am worried the conductor wont cue me or I'll miss just one beat or something! This other place where I have several systems of multi-measure rests in a row!. For example, it says 9 bars of rest, then 5 bars of rest, then 3 bars of rest, then 8 bars of rest!. It just seems so easy for me to screw it up!. Any guidelines for me!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Try and find "landmarks" within the rest - for instance, 15 bars in the trumpets might come in with a particular theme, 28 bars in the 1st violins might start playing pizzicato or the xylophone might start 40 bars into the rest!. Mark them into your part, learn to listen for them and then you'll have to count far less bars of rest!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Long rests can be hard but don't stress about it!. After playing a piece for a while you should be able to recognize cues from other instruments!. If that doesn't work make sure you talk to the conductor, don't just assume that he/she will cue you in!. Let them know that this is something that you're worried about and 9 times out of 10 they won't forget to cue you in!.
Good luck!
LindsayWww@QuestionHome@Com

To handle long bars of rest in any piece I play I count it a certain way!. for example say you have a multi-measure rest that consists of four bars in four-four time!. I'd count it 1-2-3-4 2-2-3-4 3-2-3-4 4-2-3-4 in my head!. so that way I'd know how many measures I have rested and how many I have left to rest!. Hope this helps!. :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Identify a cue from the rest of the orchestra that is playing -- What is happening the last bar before you enter!? Write in the cueing notes -- some publishers will mark a cue in with small note heads to help!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Ask to see a part for an instrument that is playing during the long rest!.
Make a copy of that part!. and follow it until nearing your entry!.
Good LuckWww@QuestionHome@Com