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BCOM Orchestra Protocols
Preparation
- You are expected to have learned your part before the first rehearsal. If you are a principal player, it is also advised to study the scores so at least you have a sense of when to play. Listening to recordings is useful but only to a degree, as there is no guarantee tempi will be the same, even with a recording by the same conductor!
- Music will be posted well in advance on the Google Classroom site. Confer with Viktor Toth if you would like to have the actual part before the first rehearsal .
- Bring your necessary mutes (String players please have the kind that attaches to your strings) and pencils!!
- If you need a particular chair please work this out with the stage crew and Hsiao-Fang at least 15 mins prior to the rehearsal. If you can’t make this request at least 15 mins before the rehearsal, we will have to wait until the break to help.
Rehearsals
- Generally the stage is open 30 minutes before rehearsal starts. You are welcome to practice your orchestra parts, write in fingerings and bowings etc. at that time. No solos/ concerti or other orchestra excerpts that’s not on the current concert program etc!!
- You should be in your seat at least 5 minutes before downbeat.
Tuning
- Arrive promptly for rehearsal, with plenty of time to unpack your instrument and warm up.
- BCCO tunes to A 440.
- Only tune, and softly, during the tunings; no warming up or practicing
- In general try to warm up at a reasonable volume so that your colleagues may do the same.
Ensemble
- Enjoy taking on different roles, as leaders and section players. Creating a supportive community within and without your section will help build your team, And pay off musical benefits!
- There is a chain of command from conductor to principal player to section.. If you have a question the principal May be able to ask the maestro/maestra if it is urgent, otherwise wait til the break.. Section players should address questions to their leader..
- Erica, Leonardo and Emanuel are in the audience to help with balance, note issues, etc. Feel free to be in touch with us. Occasionally we will send notes to a section with some observations.
- No foot tapping!!
- Sectionals are Not to learn notes, but to work on style and ensemble!!
- Parts may be taken home, but it is also advised to have a method whereby you have a practice part with fingerings etc., so you can transfer these to the real part, or bowings to your practice part.
- Treat everyone with the respect you hope to be treated with yourself.. If you are exhausted after a long day, hide your yawn behind your hand or instrument. And try to get engaged; the more you are into the music the more energy you will get back from the experience!
Strings specific
- String players note that the standard is to write fingerings on top of the note if you are an outside player, bottom if you are an inside player. Inside player always turns the pages.
- String players don’t be a stand hog, and inside players work out with your stand partner when they would like the page turned. This is especially important for assistant principals, but really for all.
- String principal players depending on the program you may need to create bowings for some pieces; please confer with Erica and Viktor about this.
- String players pass along bowings as needed to the stand behind you.
Conductors
- Listen and note what the conductor is saying at all times, even if you do not play at that particular spot. This musical decision may affect something elsewhere in the piece. You are encouraged to bring scores, especially if you are not involved in one or more movements.
- Stop when the conductor stops!!
- If there is a question for the conductor, always start with “Maestro(a),” if you are a section player the question needs to go through the principal player; it is not standard protocol for a section player to address the conductor.
- In order to keep the rehearsal moving along it is recommended to save most questions for the break or after rehearsal, if that is possible. The artistic team will be more than happy to answer a note or balance question, or arrange for you to meet with the maestro/a if that is the best solution.
General
- Never leave the stage during a rehearsal, unless it is a true medical emergency. Use breaks for bathroom use, etc.
- No phones, books or magazines on stage, and I Pads are to be used for reading a full score only.
- Only water in a closed container on stage, except for reed cups.
- Posture is very important to play well, and in the case of string players to convey back the specific energy and mood of a piece. Please refrain from crossing your legs or slumping. If you are having trouble getting comfortable you can talk to the stage crew about getting a different chair. (Also feel free to discuss sitting and playing with Erica if you are a violinist, she has some helpful ideas about this!)
- Approach rehearsal with a positive attitude and a will to improve the orchestra’s collective rendering of the work at hand. We all want to make the most of the time we have together making music.
- Show respect at all times to your colleagues and the conductor. Be engaged and alert, doing so even if you don’t quite feel like it, it has been proven to create that very state.
- Needless to say, no chatting, and please avoid distracting your neighbor with foot-tapping, leg shaking, and the like.
- Even though you think that looking at a player when they have a solo is supportive, it can be unnerving. String players please do not turn around to look at a solo wind player!!
- Rehearsal dress is casual, but no flip-flops, short shorts, hats or caps on stage unless needed for medical reasons.
- Practice good hygiene, and do not wear perfumes or colognes to rehearsals or performances.
- Leave all personal items in the designated backstage area.
Concerts
- Be on time or early to call time
- Be sure to check the dress code; if you are not sure if your clothes are appropriate check with Hsiao-fang in advance!
- Tune well Before the concert starts. We tune to A 440.
- Follow the concertmaster for standing up when the conductor enters, and sitting down. Be alert to solo and/or section bows as indicated by the conductor.
Stage Crew and BCCO team
- There are many people working to make the rehearsals and concerts run smoothly. They Want to help, please be sure in return to treat them with courtesy.
Grades
- Grade is based on; Attendance, promptness to rehearsals and concert call times, preparation in auditions and rehearsals, professionalism and courtesy to your colleagues, conductors and team.