Materials: Students must bring all required equipment to class daily, including their instrument, bow, shoulder rest/rosin/mute, assigned sheet music/binder, and a working pencil.
Musical Readiness: Every musician must be prepared to perform any portion of the current repertoire—individually, in small groups, or with the ensemble—when called upon during class.
Being on time is vital to ensemble success. Late arrivals disrupt tuning and waste irreplaceable group rehearsal time.
Tardiness Policy: Students must be in their assigned seat, with their instrument out and ready to play, when the bell rings. Group tuning begins immediately at the start of class. Any student not in their seat and prepared at the bell will be marked tardy.
Community: Kindness, courtesy, and professional etiquette are required at all times. Treat fellow musicians, guest conductors, and program equipment with care and respect.
Rehearsal Etiquette: Silent attention is required whenever the director is speaking or working with another section.
Take ownership of your contribution to the program. Rehearsal work should be approached with focus, initiative, and dedication. In an orchestra, every single seat matters—there are no bench players, and the ensemble’s collective performance depends directly on individual accountability.