In a typical stage set-up, the first and second violins, violas and cellos are seated by twos, a pair of performers sharing a stand being called a "desk", Each principal (or section leader) is usually on the "outside" of the first desk, that is, closest to the audience. When the music calls for subdivision of the players the normal procedure for such divisi passages is that the "outside" player of the desk (the one closer to the audience) takes the upper part, the "inside" player the lower, but it is also possible to divide by alternating desks, the favored method in threefold divisi.
In a standard orchestral setup, the violins, violas, and cellos are arranged in pairs on stands called "desks". The principal musicians usually stand at the outer edges of these desks, facing the audience. When dividing players for specific musical sections, the musician closest to the audience typically plays the higher part, while the inner musician plays the lower part. This division method is often used, but an alternative approach involves alternating between the two desks, which is particularly useful in three-part divisions.