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 Musician's Code of conduct 

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STATEMENT OF VALUES AND CODE OF CONDUCT MISSION STATEMENT:

As a community based, non-profit organization, the White Rock City Orchestra dedicates itself to providing high quality benefit concerts throughout the local community to various groups and organizations in order to advance the knowledge and appreciation of concert music and the musical arts .

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The Orchestra facilitates training, and provides equipment and facilities to its members to enhance and improve their musical skills through rehearsals and concerts.

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SELF PREPARATION

Our rehearsals are meant to improve upon what we do at home when we practice. Rehearsals are not to be considered as practice time. Please learn your material thoroughly at home , in advance and be ready to fine-tune and work on our collective orchestra sound at rehearsals. Please keep your instrument in good condition and repair at all times. 

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To be more efficient during rehearsal and improve the quality of the orchestra, it is respectfully requested that we all are aware of the following protocol:

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PRE-REHEARSAL

  • If you are going to miss a rehearsal or concert, and you know ahead of time, let the Conductor and Membership Registrar know as soon as possible.

  • Arrive in plenty of time, at least 15 minutes before rehearsals.

  • The Concertmaster begins tuning the orchestra at 9:25 am.

  • Coffee break is from 10:30-10:45 am. Coffee or food cannot be taken into the rehearsal area. Please bring a reusable cup, if possible.

  • Be responsible for your own chair and music stand, both at the beginning and at the end of the rehearsal. Bring a stand light for all rehearsals and concerts if you need one.

  • Before rehearsal begins, use your tuner to tune your instrument so that it is easier to tune with the oboe or keyboard. Then, warm up your instrument quietly.

  • Cell phones off, or on mute.       

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ATTENDANCE:

Orchestra members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances on the season calendar. Any member who is absent for three rehearsals of any concert cycle will be assessed as to whether they are prepared enough for concert participation.

 

 

REHEARSAL DECORUM

Orchestra members are expected to exhibit respectful decorum and rehearsal etiquette, along with courtesy for the podium and fellow musicians during rehearsal, and in general. It is essential we remain safe and respectful to each other and all we come into contact with at all times whilst being with the orchestra. If you see or experience anything that falls outside of this standard, or any matter for concern whether it is behavioural, discriminatory or unsafe (for example) ,  please report it immediately to one of the Board of Directors.

 

Respectful decorum includes:

  • No use of profanity.

  • Not being disruptive or chatting.

  • Not distracting other members while the conductor is commenting or working with another section.

  • Not wearing scented products to rehearsals or concerts.

  • The Conductor makes all decisions regarding the music, and how it is to be played. To maintain flow of rehearsals, any questions regarding the music are to be directed to, and discussed with the Conductor at break or afterwards, unless it is a short question that can be answered quickly.

  • Any member wishing to address or make an announcement to the whole orchestra, should first ask for prior approval from a member of the Board or the MD and an appropriate time slot will be allocated.

 

TUNING:

When the oboe or keyboard plays the tuning note at the beginning of rehearsal, and after the break. Stop what you are doing and be silent.

  • Tune only when it is your section’s turn to tune.

  • Before and after tuning, sit quietly until all others are finished tuning.

 

STRINGS

  • Watch the section leader for bowing, length of notes, style of bowing, entrances.

  • Violins, cellos and violas need to coordinate bowings for each piece of music. Confer with

    the section leader with regard to bowings at each rehearsal and especially if you have

    missed a rehearsal.

  • The person on the outside plays the top part of the divisi parts. The person on the inside

    plays the bottom part and turns the pages of music, if you are sharing a stand.

 

FINALLY

  • Membership Registration Fees from January 1st  to December 30th are to be paid by the last rehearsal in January.

  • Please ensure that you have adequate insurance to protect against damage or loss of your instrument and belongings as these are not covered by our insurance.

  • Volunteer Commitment: Membership is more than just playing in the orchestra. Members are expected to assist with the activities listed below as organized by the WRCO:

    • Ticket Sales: All members are asked to purchase (or cause friends/family to

      purchase) a minimum of 5 tickets for each concert.

    • Distributing posters in the community and social media.

    • Performing at outreach, fundraising or marketing functions (small ensembles).

    • Providing support when specific projects or needs are identified.

    • Participating in Orchestra fundraising efforts.

      Thanks to everyone for making our orchestra rehearsals more efficient, and happy music-making!

                                     

Revised January 16, 2020

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