Hi, when configuring a symphonic score I theoretically can add whole groups through “add ensemble”. So a Brass 4331 could be added real fast.
However, I need a classic configuration, where horns and trumpets do not have key signatures while trombones and tuba have them. When I add each single instrument separately this can be selected when selecting the instrument. However, when I add brass as ensemble there is no way to select the option. So I get the wrong instruments and it is a lot of work to change them all individually. The ensemble adding becomes useless.
Since I need this a lot, I tried to build the ensemble as I need it, but this also doesn’t work. When entering the instruments in the input line in “build ensemble” (f.e. horn) I get only very limited options and “no key sig” is none of them.
So - is there a way to create such an ensemble or is it the only way to add all winds one by one (which would be kind of frustrating…)
You can do this by editing the ensemble definition by hand.
First, build and save your ensemble, using the default horns and trumpets. Then quit Dorico.
Go to the user config folder (/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Steinberg/Dorico 6 on Mac and c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Steinberg\Dorico 6 on Windows) and open userlibrary.xml in a text editor. You’ll see your ensemble defined there:
You could also build your ensemble just as you like it, and save it when it contains only one bar - then use it as a template for future pieces. This is not as cool as @asherber but it might be good enough for you?
One thing to be aware of is that when you save a project template like this, any new project started from the template inherits all the settings from the template. This can be a good thing, but it’s not necessarily what’s wanted. For example, if your project template uses a note spacing default space of 4, but you have later changed your user default note spacing to 3.75, you’ll still get 4 when you create a new project from your template. (Unless you edit and re-save the template.)
A custom ensemble lets you create that group of instruments in a project using your current user defaults.
