Building and saving custom ensembles

Dorico Pro Help
Product
Dorico Pro
Version
5.1
Language
English
Document type
Webhelp
ft:openMode
fluidtopics

You can build custom ensembles in the ensemble picker and save them for reuse in future projects; for example, if you frequently write music for an ensemble with unusual instrumentation.

Procedure

  1. In Setup mode, open the ensemble picker in any of the following ways:

    • Press Shift-E.

    • In the Players panel, click Add Ensemble Add Ensemble button.

    • In an empty project, click Add Ensemble Add Ensemble button in the project start area.

  2. Click Build to switch to the Build tab.
  3. Enter the instruments you want into the Search field.

    For example, enter 2 vln, 3 cl,bsn,tuba,marim to build an ensemble containing two violins, three clarinets, a bassoon, a tuba, and a marimba.

    Tip

    You can also use orchestral shorthand to specify instruments.

  4. Optional: To confirm the instruments identified by your current entry and clear the Search field, press Tab.
  5. Optional: To change the player type, double-click players in the list.

    The icons for each player show whether they are single players or section players .

  6. Click Save to open the Save Custom Ensemble dialog.
  7. Select an ensemble category in one of the following ways:

    • To use an existing ensemble category, select it from the Category menu.

    • To create a new ensemble category, enter its name into the Category field.

  8. Enter a name for your ensemble in the Name field.
    Tip

    To overwrite an existing ensemble, enter its name.

  9. Click Save to save your ensemble and close the Save Custom Ensemble dialog.
  10. Optional: Click Add to add the ensemble to the project and close the ensemble picker.

Result

Your ensemble is saved, allowing you to add it to future projects. If you clicked Add in the ensemble picker, the players in the ensemble are added to the project.