Marking music

Sometimes the instructions on music are small (such as Rit. or cresc.) or the conductor adds a sezura after a section that wasn't in the arrangement. These are just 2 of any number of things that a player wants to emphasize on his part during rehearsals and the performance.

MARK YOUR PARTS!

A comment that I always make to my students is:

"One of the things that separates a professional from an amateur is a professional never trusts his memory but an amateur will."*

If you were to watch a professional player during a rehearsal they are constantly marking their parts. It's a basic step in any performance.

For years I had a mechanical pencil that held a 2mm lead in a grade of 6B, this is softer than a typical writing pencil (2B). I used this pencil for marking all of my parts. I would intentionally wear down the tip from a sharp point to a rounded end. This gave me a very dark and broad stroke so that I knew it would get my attention and could be easily seen in any lighting condition. It also contrasted well against the handwritten notes that any previous player may have written**.

And then I lost this pencil. Finally after doing some research I found out that it was a Staedtler Mars technico. 

I was able to find one online and received it this week. This pencil is as important to a musician as his mallets and the instrument he plays.

*- The difference between an amateur and a professional goes well beyond getting payed for your work (although getting payed is great). It's an attitude, it's taking responsibility and pride in your work.

**- Of course markings must be done in pencil (black not colors or ink). And they must be erased after the performance if they are returned to the rental company or library.