Tuning to the tuner is an impossible task when playing in a group, even when they are equal tempered. In most cases the notes move faster than the tuner can track in a group. The tuner works best when providing the tuning note or playing long tones during practice to identify our tendencies.
Without the tuner, who do we tune to?
It depends. When playing the first part, we tune to the other principals. When playing in a section, we tune to the principal player — it is our job to make them sound good.
Sometimes it's impossible to tune to a group that is badly out of tune. In that case, tune to your section leader, make them sound good, and rest content.
