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I have been a musician for 8 years and regularly play college level and higher pieces. While I have never seen an arrow actually PRINTED above a bar when the music comes in from the publisher, it is common practice for musicians to draw them above a specific beat in a bar to remind them to look for a downbeat from the director so that they can stay in time. (usually right before or after a complicated rhythm pattern or several consecutive time changes) It can also be used as a sign for the down tap of a shoe (as many musicians tap their foot to the beat and use an up and down arrow as signs for the up and down motion of a foot). During (or before or after) complicated rhythm sections a down arrow can be used as a reminder of where the beat falls. I play the Flute but I don't know of any instrument that uses arrows to signify something specific to that instrument so I am fairly certain that your arrow is being used to signify rhythm counting.

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15y ago

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