Philharmonia Handbook

The information in this handbook was developed and compiled by the Student Orchestra Committee. Its purpose is to acquaint new and old members with orchestra policies, guidelines and expectations.

The Philharmonia is an all student ensemble which presents three concerts each semester including opera and oratorio. The Student Orchestra Committee is an elected group which meets periodically to discuss issues ranging from publicity to repertoire.

The orchestra wishes to welcome all new members and hopes that you will find your time in the ensemble a stimulating and rewarding one. Congratulations on becoming a member!

Policies and Guidelines

All members of Philharmonia are graded at the end of every semester. Grades are based on coming to rehearsals with the part prepared, attendance and adherence to all policies and procedures.

Attendance

No unexcused absences are allowed from scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals or concerts. An unexcused absence is defined as one which the student does not clear with the Director of Orchestras in advance of the rehearsal—call (419) 372-2186 or (419) 372-2289. An unexcused absence may result in a probationary period during which time it is the student’s responsibility to follow the terms of the probation established with the conductor.

Each member is allowed two excused absences per semester. Two instances of lateness will be counted as one unexcused absence, unless approved by the conductor. In the event of prolonged illness, it is the student’s responsibility to approach the conductor.

Excused absences must be requested well in advance. If you know you need to miss a rehearsal, you should fill out an Absence Request Form and discuss the absence with the conductor. Every reasonable effort must be made to find a substitute if you are a member of the woodwind, brass or percussion sections. It is imperative that you get your part to your stand partner if you are a string player or someone else in your section if you are a brass, woodwind, percussion or keyboard player before the rehearsal. If you are ill or need to miss unexpectedly, it is your responsibility to call before rehearsal. The College Main Office phone number is (419) 372-2181. The Orchestra Office phone number is (419) 372-2186 or (419) 372-2289.

No absences, unexcused or otherwise, will be accepted for any dress rehearsal or concert.

The conductor reserves the right to be flexible with these rules in the case of emergency, such as a death in the family. However, their intent should be clear.

Having an orchestra without all its members is like having a car without all its parts. You can’t drive if you are missing the steering wheel!

Preparation

Recordings of the pieces we are working on are available in the Music Library located on the third floor of the Jerome Library. Orchestra members are expected to listen to recordings as part of their preparations of their part.

All orchestra members are expected to come to rehearsal prepared. This means practice outside of rehearsal. The conductor has the right to ask individuals or single stands to play their parts alone during rehearsal.

Orchestra Parts

All players are responsible for their orchestra parts. Mark lightly in pencil only. No colored pencil or any ink. A charge will be made for any part not returned or returned damaged.

Concert Dress

Men—Black tuxedo (no tails) with black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks and black shoes.

Women—Black floor length dress with long sleeves (or 3/4 length) or black dress pants or skirt and black blouse, black hose and black shoes. Minimal jewelry only, no floral decorations.

Expectations

In Rehearsal

1. Bring a pencil! Mark all directions in the parts immediately!
2. Come to rehearsal ready to work. Leave your problems at the door! Come ready to dive into the music with everything you can bring to it.
3. Please don’t talk unless it’s necessary.
4. Always listen—to yourself and to everyone around you! Are you fitting into the ensemble? Are you in tune? Is it the right phrasing? How about the dynamics?
5. Don’t be a robot—make music!
6. Orchestra is not a class! It’s an adventure!

Section Leaders and Sectional Rehearsals

Strings

Section players should pay attention to the section leader regarding bowings, fingerings, expression marks, etc. Section players are responsible for putting all bowing, etc. into their parts. The section leader will determine the bowings and each member is responsible for copying them into their part. Questions about bowings, fingering, articulations, dynamics, etc., should be asked frequently to clarify all problems.

The player on the inside of each string stand is responsible for turning the pages in time for the outside player to keep on going.

Woodwinds/Brass/Percussion

Section leaders are responsible for setting details of articulation, intonation, balance, etc., according to the guidelines set forth by the conductor.

Section Leader Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the section principal to run sectionals, to establish breathing, pitch, dynamics and articulation in the woodwind and brass sections and to make sure parts are assigned and sectionals scheduled in the percussion.

Section leaders should not hesitate to make suggestions to their members regarding all aspects of the performance according to the guidelines put forward by the conductor. This includes intonation, phrasing, dynamics, execution of the bowing, etc.

Sectionals will be held periodically. Section principals have a special responsibility and deserve the respect of all orchestra members. It is the responsibility of section members to follow the direction of their principals.

Auditions

Orchestra auditions are held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning the first week of classes. The audition schedule sheet is posted on the bulletin board outside the Orchestra Office (MMAC room 1006) on the Monday before classes start. Everyone must audition even if you already did an entrance audition. Come with a prepared solo which has contrasting technically difficult and lyrical passages. You want to show yourself off to the best of your ability. (For instance, string players, if you can play in all positions, don’t choose a piece that is only in first!)

Percussion auditions are handled by the studio teacher, Dr. Roger Schupp.

Once you have signed-up go to the Orchestra/Band Office (MMAC room 1010) and pick-up a copy of the orchestral excerpt for your instrument. You will be expected to prepare this for the audition. The first rehearsal will be on Friday, the first week of classes.

Seating Assignments

String seating in the section rotates. The Graduate String Quartet usually sits in the principal chairs. String seating does not start with the strongest player at the front of the section and end up with the weakest player at the back. Instead various levels are seated next to each other.

Wind and brass seating assignments are often done in consultation with the studio teachers. However all final decisions are made by the conductor.

Percussion assignments are made by the studio teacher.

The Orchestra Committee

All concerns regarding orchestra can be drawn to the attention of the Orchestra Committee. Members are elected each year.