Yes, copying scores and transposing them to concert pitch is very valuable for study. You also get quicker at transposing and reading stupid alto clef! :) Plus you look up "what the heck does that mean" when you run across something foreign. 

 

And may I add: Playing in an orchestra or singing in a good concert choir would help very much. I used to play trombone in younger years and later singing tenor in some Early Music Ensembles and also big choirs. Both did serve me well as I could watch other instruments and their players and how it all works together.

I can remember playing 2nd trombone in Elgar's Cello Concerto at the age of 17 and how I was impressed by all the sounds (i.e. how perfectly horns and clarinets would blend in the first movement or how stressful it would be for the viola section to get the main theme right). Same goes for singing: I do remember singing "Gurrelieder" in Munich or "Mahler 2nd" in Bamberg, having the actual score with me and being placed right behind the brass section. Wow - that really taught me how to use an orchestra in a clever way. And: what to steal. ;-)

For german-speaking users I'd like to recommend a book on orchestration that has become some sort of standard on the issue: "Handbuch der Instrumentationspraxis" by Ertugrul Sevsay. Just read the reviews on amazon.com - I don't know, if it has been translated into english?

I'd just like to thank the person who recommended "Harmony and Voice Leading" by Edward Aldwell. I have obtained a copy and it really is excellent.

Glad I could assist, sometimes research pays off! ray

The Professional Orchestration Series. Consider the Home Study Bundles.

http://alexanderpublishing.com/Departments/Professional-Orchestration.aspx