Being a Good Ensemble Member

An ensemble is a musical team. Your attendance, preparation and attitude help everyone make progress and enjoy playing together.

Attend and Communicate

Attend all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals and performances. Plan homework and routine activities around these commitments.

If you know you will be absent, ask your parent or carer to notify the ensemble director at least 24 hours in advance, where possible. Report unexpected illness or emergencies as soon as practicable.

Raise clashes with other College activities early so the relevant staff can help arrange a solution. Follow the Instrumental Music Attendance Policy for attendance requirements and reporting absences.

Forgetting your instrument or music does not mean you should miss rehearsal. Attend and speak with the director about how you can participate.

Bring What You Need

Bring:

• your instrument in safe playing condition, where applicable

• your ensemble music and folder

• a pencil

• required accessories, such as reeds, valve oil, rosin, sticks or mallets

• any additional materials requested by the director.

Keep track of your own music and equipment, and report anything missing or damaged promptly.

Arrive Ready to Begin

Arrive early enough to unpack, set up and warm up before the scheduled start.

Before rehearsal:

• check your allocated folder or collection point for new music and notices

• assemble your instrument safely

• place cases and bags in the designated storage area

• help set up chairs, stands and equipment as directed

• organise your music in rehearsal order

• check rehearsal notes or instructions

• warm up quietly and be ready when the director begins.

Being ready at the starting time means arriving before the starting time.

Make Rehearsal Time Count

During rehearsals:

• use the playing or singing posture taught by your teacher

• position your music so you can see the conductor

• stop playing and talking when the director asks for attention

• listen carefully and mark instructions in pencil

• play or sing when directed

• respond positively to feedback

• treat others with patience and respect

• ask for help when you need it.

When the director stops to explain something or work with another section, remain quiet and attentive. Listen for instructions that may also apply to your part, and be ready to continue.

Keep phones and other devices away unless they are being used for an approved musical activity. Homework, games and unrelated activities should wait until after rehearsal.

Food, chewing gum and soft drinks are not permitted in rehearsal spaces. Keep water bottles securely away from instruments, equipment and sheet music.

Practise Between Rehearsals

Rehearsals are where we put everyone’s parts together. Regular individual practice helps you arrive ready to contribute.

Use rehearsal notes to identify what needs attention, and take difficult passages to your Instrumental Music Teacher. Practise slowly and carefully before building up speed. Come to sectionals having already practised the assigned music so the group can focus on refining it together.

Music staff may provide practice parts, recordings, backing tracks and exercises through Compass or another College-approved platform. Listening helps you understand the style, sound and role of your part. If a recording uses a different arrangement, use it as a listening guide rather than expecting your part to match exactly.

Look After Your Music

College sheet music must be handled carefully so it can be used again. Some arrangements are out of print and difficult to replace.

Students must:

• keep music flat and organised in the allocated folder, with no edges protruding

• make markings in pencil only

• avoid folding, cutting, tearing or permanently marking pages

• keep music away from food, drinks, rain and other sources of damage

• return borrowed parts when requested.

Original parts remain at school unless the director approves otherwise. Use the practice copies or approved digital resources provided for home practice.

If you have not received a piece your ensemble is rehearsing, or a part is lost or damaged, email Mr Budd promptly so a suitable copy can be arranged. Do not wait until the next rehearsal.