Quick Fix Friday: Prepare Your Page Turns

There is nothing worse than getting to a rehearsal (or heaven forbid, a CONCERT!) and realizing that you forgot about page turns.

(Well, ok, maybe there are a few worse things. Like breaking your favorite reed or having to play upbeats for the rest of eternity, but I digress.)

It’s all fine and dandy when you’re working on micro-sections in the practice room, but it’s a completely different story when you’re doing full run-throughs and realize that you have exactly 2.75 beats to turn the page. (Here’s looking at you, Tomasi Clarinet Concerto!)

The quick fix? Prepare your page turns!

Go through the entire piece (or pieces) and determine which page turns are difficult as printed. Get crafty with scissors and tape to make the necessary adjustments. ALWAYS photocopy the pages you are cutting and taping! NEVER damage your original copies! Sometimes this is as simple as photocopying a single page to turn out before you play a movement. Other times might involve adding a few lines of music before a rest (aka a reasonable place to turn the page).

Happy Friday, and happy practicing!