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 arrangement, the first and second violins, violas, and cellos are arranged in pairs, with each pair sharing a stand referred to as a "desk". The principal musicians typically occupy positions on the outer edges of the desks, closest to the audience. When dividing players for specific passages, the normal protocol involves the outer player taking the higher part and the inner player taking the lower part, although an alternating desk division is also possible, particularly in three-part divisions.