Being part of a music ensemble is an exciting and unique opportunity! It requires commitment, sacrifice, self-discipline and teamwork. Your attitude and willingness to accept personal responsibility will directly affect your ensemble experience and that of those around you. In order to make ensemble participation a successful and rewarding experience for all, it is important that each member understand and follow the procedures and policies that follow.

Rehearsal Procedure
1. Arrive at each rehearsal fully prepared. Have all necessary music, a pencil, water bottle, reeds, neck straps, valve oil, slide lubricant, and any other materials you anticipate using.
2. Keep the rehearsal space clear of personal belongings like coats, backpacks, iPods, cell phones and any other material not required for the rehearsal.
3. As you arrive in the rehearsal space, make your way to your seat. Avoid congregating in doorways, main traffic arteries or in other students’ seats.
4. Be seated, in your assigned seat/section, 2 minutes before the start of rehearsal. This lends order and focus to the rehearsal. It sets a tone that members are here because they want to be and gives energy and a sense of expectation of the exciting music making ahead.
5. When the conductor motions that the rehearsal is starting, demonstrate your professionalism by ending your conversation, ending individual playing, and attending to all instructions for the remainder of the rehearsal.
6. Once the rehearsal has begun there is to be no individual playing/practising for the remainder of the rehearsal. Remember, a rehearsal is completely different than a practice session. In order to demonstrate courtesy to fellow musicians, do not indulge in individual practice.
7. It is of utmost importance that each musician respond immediately to any direction given from the conductor. Use a pencil to lightly mark your scores to remind you of these directions. They are musical in nature and benefit the entire ensemble. Everyone is a contributing member and as such try your best to accomplish the musical goals that are set out for you in an instruction.
8. During Music Council group rep announcements, listen attentively. Mark important dates in your agendas. Ask questions by raising your hand.
9. After the rehearsal, collect all your belongings. Put instruments away and leave the rehearsal space tidy and free of refuse.

Missing Rehearsals
1. It is understood that members make every effort to attend every rehearsal and concert.
2. In the event that you must miss rehearsal for a valid reason, you must inform the director of your absence, every time, without fail!
3. Speak to the director in person if you have advance knowledge of your absence.
4. In the event of a last minute absence, phone the school to communicate your absence to the appropriate director. The school number is 519.745.6851. Leave a voice mail for the appropriate director using the following extensions.
Ms. Schultz-Janzen ~ 593 | Mr. Surian ~ 585 | Ms. Spaulding ~ 523 | Mr. Morris ~ 630
5. Understand how important every practice is and how important and accountable you are to the director and members of the ensemble. Missing rehearsals without communicating a valid reason sends a subtle yet strong message to the ensemble. It communicates that you are not fully committed. Your participation in any ensemble will at times involve personal sacrifice. Step up to the challenge of your commitment. By communicating in advance, you let all involved know that you do care about the ensemble and that you are committed.
6. If you neglect to do this, have the courtesy of explaining yourself to the director in person, before the next rehearsal.

Withdrawal From an Ensemble
1. Be well-informed about the policies and procedures of any organization you would like to join. By joining an ensemble, it is understood that you support its mandate. By joining and disregarding its policies, you compromise your integrity and the integrity of the ensemble.
2. Should your situation change and you no longer are able or willing to participate in an ensemble, bring this to the attention of the director in person. Do not assume that you will be forgotten. We care about each of our students and value everybody’s contribution.

Concert Etiquette
1. Arrive 5 minutes in advance of your “Stage Call”.
2. Concert Dress is “All Black”. Details are as follows:

Men
• black shoes
• black socks
• black slacks
• black collared shirts

Women
• black shoes
• black stockings/hose
• black slacks or…
• black skirts (below the knee)
• black shirts/blouses (capped, short, or long sleeves – no sleeveless)

All ensemble members must abide by the following:
• your appearance must be professional, clean and tidy
• no perfumes or colognes are permitted
• avoid excessive jewellery

3. Conduct yourself professionally throughout the concert. This includes all back stage, green room and stage activities. Treat staff members and each other with respect.
4. Once on stage, do not talk at any time. Do not comment about the performance to others. Focus on your job as musician and entertainer and respect the audience by eliminating all unnecessary behaviour and conversation.

As a member of a musical ensemble, the experience is a corporate one rather than an individual one. It is truly an example where the sum of the parts is greater than any individual part. To be involved in this type of creative activity is a privilege. It is not the only form of creative expression, but it is a very important part of the performing arts. With this privilege comes responsibility. When you commit to this experience think of the impact that you will have on others. Take confidence in the important role you play. You will be richly rewarded when you put forth your best efforts.