GOALS:
To
rehearse and perform great music.
To give each
student a concept of ensemble playing, teamwork, sensitivity to the composer’s wishes, and the development of responsible work habits.
To achieve
this in an environment that is socially informal and professionally intense.
REHEARSALS:
Every
rehearsal should represent a step forward from the previous one. Students are
required to mark their music in such a way that practical and interpretive
information will be remembered, and not have to be constantly reinforced by the
conductor. Dialogues between players, sections and with the conductor is
encouraged, but only if it relates to the music at hand.
Each
student must take responsibility for learning his or her own part. Rehearsals
are for building on the group’s knowledge of the entire piece and working out
interpretive refinements. Rehearsals are not to be used as an opportunity
for learning one’s own part. Students who exhibit evidence of being
unfamiliar with their own individual parts, to the detriment of the rehearsal
process, will receive a warning; if such evidence continues, a drop in grade
will ensue.
Printed
music should be well-maintained, and be in such condition following the
rehearsals and performance that future use of it is possible. Folding, rolling
up, and other damage to parts may result in a drop in grade. Students are
encouraged to make an extra copy of their music which they keep on-campus, so
that, should music left at home, it can be easily replaced for rehearsal. The
dependence on one’s colleague or stand-partner to provide music should not be
seen as an “out”.
It
is difficult to rehearse orchestral music with missing players. Matters of
balance, ensemble and intonation are difficult to perfect when players are
absent. A rehearsal should be missed only if absolutely necessary. Repeated
absences without suitable excuses will result in a drop in grade.
PERFORMANCES:
The following performance dates
should be recorded in the student’s year-long calendar:
Nov 25 (Tues) - Fall Music Concert
Jan 27 (Tues) - Winter Music Concert
Mar 2 (Tues) - 1st Chamber Music Concert
Mar 30 (Tues) - Spring Music Concert
May 18 (Tues) - 2nd Chamber Music Concert
May 26 (Wed) - Spring Arts Fest
June 2 (Wed) - Commencement
Students who miss performances for
any but reasons of health or other emergency will be subject to a drop of an
entire grade point. Conflicts with personal plans, sporting events, etc. must
be worked out well in advance so that all students who rehearse with the
Orchestra will take part in the performances. Should the performance be missed,
some sort of “make-up performance” (e.g., a solo performance at a chamber music
concert or at an assembly) will be arranged between the Conductor and the
absent student.
Dress
for performances is encouraged to be on the formal side. While tuxedos, tails,
long black dresses, etc. are not required, there are to be no T-shirts, shorts,
blue jeans or other casual attire onstage for a performance.