Tips on Layout
This information should help you to produce scores and parts with a professional
look and which can be easily read.
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General
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It is a convention in music
publishing that left pages are always even numbered and right pages are
always odd numbered. Scores normally start on a right page (page 1) but if
the layout seems much better starting with a left page then start with page
2. Similarly if you have a two-page part then it is best to set the first
page as page 2.
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If you have time to tinker
with layout and want to make it all look professional, then it is usually
possible to adjust the layout to fill the final page.
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Although most programs allow
creation of a title page, if you want an elegant cover then it is often
easier to produce it separately using a word processor or publishing
program.
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Scores
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The objective is that it is
possible to assimilate as much information as possible from each double page
spread. It is worth experimenting to achieve a good balance of clarity
against visible area.
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To lay-out a printed version
of a score for this size orchestra, stave size should be not less than 5mm
and probably not more than 7mm using an A4 printer.
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For a small orchestra, and
to provide maximum clarity, keep all staves visible throughout the score –
i.e. don’t use the “hide empty staves” option.
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Using 5mm staves it should
be possible to fit two systems per page, but only do this if the result is
easy to read. With a bigger stave size it would probably be one system per
page.
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It makes it easier to read
if you set system markers on both sides of the page and ensure the gap
between systems is greater than the gap between any staves.
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If you have the space to
work with, scores are easier to read if the spacing between the staves of
different orchestral sections is wider than the spacing within each section.
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Be sure to check that all
information in the score displays and prints well – that there is enough
space between staves for dynamics, slurs, directions etc. and that there is
no “crossover” between two instrumental lines, for example an instrument
plays below its stave at the same time as the one below is playing above its
stave.
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Orchestra Parts
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To print on A4 paper a stave
size of about 7mm is a good size for orchestra parts.
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