Numbering Parts

[HaraldS]

When receiving PDFs from composers or arrangers, a huge variety of naming and/or numbering parts does occur. This makes any automatic processing of the material harder than necessary. E.G. automatic distribution to a cloud, adding front pages, sending a substitute player all relevant parts or analyzing the exact instrumentation.

As my orchestra, based in Germany, does receive PDFs from composers in different languages, it would be tedious for a software to analyze the filename for an occurence of an instrument name in a specific language. Though, a number code would come in handy - preferrably one which makes the parts appear in score order when sorted alphabetically.

Some writers simply add numbers like „MyGreatWork - #01 - Flute 1.pdf“, „MyGreatWork - #02 - Flute 2, AltoFlute and Piccolo“ and thus achieve score order when displaying the folder. Disadvantage: Oboe 1 gets number 3 or number 2, dependent from the existence of a Flute 2 part. This would make a reliable search for all Oboe 1 parts automatically for a concert/project impossible.

The Universal Instrumentation Code is another approach. Does anyone use it?

I set up my own part numbering system, but would like to know how fellow librarians and/or writers deal with the problem.