PLAYER’S HANDBOOK

Founded 2011 by John Pew, Music Director

Mission Statement The mission of the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra is • to present high-caliber performances which inspire musicians and audiences alike; • to nurture understanding and appreciation of symphonic music; and • to enrich the cultural life of the greater Utah County community.

TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Contact Information Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 1103 American Fork, UT 84003 Phone: 801-210-2466 Email: [email protected] Website: thetso.org Important TSO information specific to members of the orchestra can be accessed on our website through the member portal entitled “Backstage”. From the homepage, select: About TSO > Backstage > Musicians You’ll then be prompted for a login and password: Login: thetso Password: TSOMusic Music Director – John Pew [email protected] 801-473-5226 Rehearsal Venue Highland Community Center 5378 W 10400 N Highland, UT 84003

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Personnel Policies and Procedures Introduction These orchestra policies and procedures are designed as a guide to create consistent and reasonable working conditions to foster the highest possible artistic standards. Membership The TSO is a volunteer symphony orchestra. Membership is open to persons with sufficient musical proficiency (assessed through an audition process) and will be contingent upon record of attendance at rehearsals and concert events. Audition Policy Auditions are a way to continue the momentum and enthusiasm for the orchestra. Every two or three years, all woodwind and brass sections will hold open auditions that include the re-auditioning of current members of those sections. This allows for other community members to join the orchestra and for previous orchestra members to rejoin the group. Preparing for an audition strengthens all players. The orchestra reserves the right to hold auditions at other times as openings arise. Principal Players The Principal Player is the designated section leader and responsible for setting a good example of musicianship and teamwork. In conjunction with the Music Director, the Principal Player is responsible for coordination of the section. The Principal Player may also be asked to lead sectional rehearsals. Concert Master The Concert Master is the first violin section leader. In addition to the responsibilities of a string section leader as listed below, the Concert Master is in charge of tuning at rehearsals, organizing bowings between the string sections and other duties as assigned by the conductor.

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

String Section Leaders Each string section will have a Section Leader designated by auditions conducted by the Music Director. It will be the responsibility of each String Section Leader to 1) bow and mark up their part, and if needed coordinate with other String Section Leaders 2) schedule and hold regular sectionals for each performance (TSO recommends 2 sectionals per performance), 3) keep a list of each member of their section and communicate with them regularly regarding performance times, absences, etc. String Section Leaders are members of the TSO Players Committee. Woodwind Section Leader The Woodwind Section Leader is a Principal Player from the Woodwind Section chosen by the Music Director to oversee the applicable functions of the combined Woodwind Section. The Woodwind Section Leader may also be asked to lead sectional rehearsals. The Woodwind Section Leader is a member of the TSO Players Committee. Brass Section Leader The Brass Section Leader is a Principal Player from the Brass Section chosen by the Music Director to oversee the applicable functions of the combined Brass Section. The Brass Section Leader may also be asked to lead sectional rehearsals. The Brass Section Leader is a member of the TSO Players Committee.

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Commitment and Attendance TSO musicians are expected to make a firm commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedules deemed necessary to meet those levels of performance and musicianship. Your cooperation is critical to the overall success of each performance and the entire season. When you become a member of TSO, you join an extraordinary family of musicians. We are people who care about great music, and love rehearsing and performing that music. When players or parts are missing or late, it diminishes the experience for everybody, not just the Music Director. You have an obligation to all your fellow musicians to make the TSO a high priority. So to be clear, here is what your fellow musicians expect of you when you agree to play in TSO: 1) Attendance at each rehearsal, or prior notification of the legitimate need to miss a rehearsal. 2) Music and pencil brought to each rehearsal. 3) A good attitude and the ability to foster an environment of sharing and learning. Attendance Policy High performance standards can best be reached if every member of the orchestra attends every rehearsal. Occasional absence may be necessary because of illness, professional obligations, or family emergencies. It is the responsibility of every musician to contact the Music Director and Section Leader by email as soon as possible if a rehearsal or concert must be missed, or if the musician will be late to rehearsal. In addition to an early notice a reminder email should be sent to the Music Director and Section Leader the day of the expected absence.

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

If unable to attend a rehearsal, every player has the responsibility to make certain that their music is at the rehearsal so that parts are covered. Wind, brass, and percussion players should see the Substitute Policy section below. Musicians who have missed more than two rehearsals for any concert may be asked to sit out that concert, at the discretion of the Music Director. Furthermore, musicians who miss several rehearsals without providing reasonable explanation to the Music Director may be asked to relinquish their seats in the orchestra. Substitute Policy for Wind, Brass and Percussion Players Occasionally it becomes necessary for substitute musicians to play rehearsals and concerts for current TSO members. When you must have more than one excused absence from rehearsals or must miss a concert, please observe the following guidelines to secure a suitable replacement. • As soon as you know that you are going to be unable to attend rehearsals or a concert, please notify the Music Director and your Section leader by email or text prior to the rehearsal starting, if possible. • If there is a player for your instrument who is already on the TSO list of substitute musicians, it is your responsibility to contact that person to check his or her availability. • In the event that there is no substitute player for your instrument on the TSO list, or no substitute on the list is available to cover your absence, and you are aware of a competent musician who may be able to play for you, please notify the Music Director and Section Leader before extending an invitation to that person on your own. • In all cases, the invitation to substitute another player as a guest for a current member of the orchestra is at the discretion of the Music Director. • In certain cases, at the discretion of the Music Director, and after discussion with the principal of the section in question, the guest musician may be invited to have his/her name added to the TSO list of substitute players.

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

• It is always appropriate to make recommendations to the Music

Director and Section Leader of musicians whom you know and whom you consider to have the necessary musical experience as well as a desire to be called upon occasionally to play. Recommendations will be reviewed by the Music Director and the appropriate section leader to assure a “good fit” with the ensemble before a formal invitation is given and before the guest musician’s name is added to the TSO substitute list. An audition will be required of musicians who are referred by orchestra members and who wish to be added to the TSO list of substitute players.

These guidelines are intended to help ensure that all guest and substitute players are known to the section leaders, Music Director, and Personnel Manager before being called upon to play a rehearsal or a concert as a guest with the TSO. In this way, the quality of our orchestra’s music making is not compromised and a guest player can feel comfortable knowing that his or her appearance with the TSO is anticipated and welcome. Concert Dress We wear “concert black.” Concert Dress for Men: • Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes and socks. • No tails, cummerbunds, or vests. Concert Dress for Women: • Long black dress or long black skirt and top, or black pants and matching top. • Skirts should be mid-calf or longer. • Tops should have ¾ length or long sleeves and modest necklines. • Shoes should be black with closed-toe. • No skin should be showing from the waist down. • Black nylon or tights on legs are appropriate for not showing legs, ankles or feet.

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TIMPANOGOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Other important details and general guidelines: • No flip-flops or sandals • No jewelry that would distract the audience • Nothing too fancy, too casual or too extreme • Black fabrics should be solid, rich in color without ornate beading Concert Etiquette • Adhere to dress code standards (see above) • When you stand as an orchestra, please face the audience and smile (at least don’t frown!) • No gum chewing • No tapping feet on stage Rehearsal Information and Etiquette Each rehearsal starts promptly at 7pm. Please arrive early enough to be ready to tune at 7pm. If at all possible, arrive early enough to help set-up chairs and stands before the rehearsal starts. Rehearsals typically run from 7pm to 9:30pm with one break, unless otherwise indicated. On specified occasions, rehearsal will run longer, most usually for the dress rehearsal. In order to provide for a more productive rehearsal, we request no talking during music breaks. The conductor has stopped the orchestra for a reason, and needs to be heard. The Music Director will provide, via email, the rehearsal order and estimated time of each piece to be gone over in rehearsal. This allows for those who do not play during specific pieces to arrive at rehearsal at a more reasonable time. In certain instances, the Music Director may request all orchestra members to be in attendance for the entire rehearsal (e.g. dress rehearsal, etc.). Music Folders Music for each concert and rehearsal is arranged in folders by the TSO Music Librarian. At the end of each concert, the folder must be returned to the designated place as instructed by the Music Librarian. Markings should be made with soft lead pencils only. Musicians are responsible for the cost of replacing lost, damaged or missing parts.

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