Is there a set of unspoken rules when in an orchestra?

[figaro]

I am a fairly new member of an orchestra and on top of learning how to play with other musicians and follow a conductor, I’m wondering if there’s certain expectations that each musician is suppose to know.  Recently I had approached the composer of a brand new piece about the part for piano. I wasn’t complaining about the music but because I’m new and I spent a lot of time figuring out my fingering patterns to play the piece, I wanted to see if they had something in mind for me to know. Or if I’m approaching it wrong. Turns out I was told to just do what I’m doing.  Ok that’s fine but how does piano get feedback to correct something or is it entirely my responsibility until whenever the conductor notices something to mention?  I could be worrying a bit much, being the new person and not wanting to mess up.

[hichew]

I think you're fine, if he's just telling you to do what you're doing that likely means he didn't see anything wrong with how you're playing. Every good conductor I know is very vocal, if there is something wrong they will tell you to fix it. I think you can probably relax a bit more lol

Although something else to note, generally orchestra rehearsals should be regarded as time for the orchestra to rehearse, not for you to practice. It's generally expected for you to be able to learn the notes on your own. If you have a technical problem with a piece, that should be fixed on your own time and those kinds of "technique" problems should probably be asked to your piano teacher. Orchestra rehearsal time is for the conductor to make changes to the dynamics, phrasing, voicing, etc. not for people to learn notes.

[anacrusis]

Turns out I was told to just do what I’m doing. Ok that’s fine but how does piano get feedback to correct something or is it entirely my responsibility until whenever the conductor notices something to mention?

If you did not get any feedback to correct something and to keep doing what you're doing, that means you're doing fine! Like figaro says, it's your responsibility to make sure that you know your part and can play it well when you come to rehearsals.