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Flower Mound
M
Philharm
P
monic and P
hestra
Preparattory Orch
Membeer Handbbook
Sep
ptember 2014 - M
May 20155
Mark
M Scott and Essteban Roojas, connductors
1
Flo
ower Mo
ound Ph
hilharm
monic andd Preparatory O
Orchesttras
Me
ember Handbo
H
ook
Sep
ptembe
er 2014 - May 2015
2
Welcome
Welcomee to a new seeason with Flower
F
Moun
nd Communnity Orchestrras. Mark, Esteban, and the Board of
Directors are exccited that you are here. At
A your first rehearsal, p lease read thhe policies outlined in th
his documentt.
Theyy will preservve the qualityy of our experience togeth
her, and mainntain the stanndards for wh
hich FMCO is known.
Stru
ucture
Flower Mound
M
Com
mmunity Orcchestras was founded inn 1994 to teeach musiciaans the art of orchestraal
perfo
ormance, pro
omote music education, and
a grow awaareness for oorchestral muusic.
FMCO’s three ensem
mbles accept musicians at any skill leevel. The Sym
mphony Orcchestra, FMC
CO’s premier
ensem
mble, contain
ns profession
nal and amatteur adult muusicians with advanced m
musical abilityy. Its other tw
wo ensembles
supp
plement publlic, private, or home-scchool music programs aand provide adults with
h a musical outlet. Heree,
childdren, youth, and adult am
mateur musiicians perforrm together, growing annd advancingg through th
he orchestrass.
Famiilies play toggether, adults learn new in
nstruments, and
a everyonee has an oppoortunity to exxcel.
The Philh
harmonic seeks studentss with 5-8 yeears’ experiennce, and aduults who wissh to refresh
h past playingg
expeerience. This orchestra exposes
e
the discipline, musicianship,
m
, and techniique needed for advanceement to the
Symp
phony. The Preparatoryy Orchestra seeks studeents with 2--4 years’ exxperience, an
nd adult begginners. This
orch
hestra practicees the fundam
mentals of laarge ensemblee playing.
Phillosophy
Give gra
atifying perfformances,
enjoy fu
ulfilling expe
eriences:
HAVE FUN
N.
What maakes playing in an ensem
mble fun? At
A FMCO, w
we believe aawareness in rehearsal an
nd individuaal
practtice at home leads to fulfi
filling music-m
making. Ourr orchestras ooperate on thhis philosoph
hy, illustratedd below:
P
Practice at ho
ome,
sttay aware in rehearsal:
W
WORK HARD.
This proccess can hap
ppen in ensem
mbles at anyy skill level, bbut each stepp is only possible with th
he other. We
camee to have fun
n. Awareness and practicee take us therre.
2
Contact
Philharmonic
Preparatory Orchestra
Trietsch Memorial UMC
Mark Scott
Esteban Rojas
Church Office
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
817.823.1973
617.971.7210
972.539.8547
Online
Website
Facebook
Facebook
YouTube
fmco.org
facebook.com/FMCOPrepProg
facebook.com/FMCOSymphony
youtube.com/fmppmedia
Performances
Fall Concert
Winter Concert
Spring Concert
Summer Concert
Chamber Showcase
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
2:30pm
Trietsch UMC Ministry Center
Trietsch UMC Sanctuary
Trietsch UMC Ministry Center
Trietsch UMC Sanctuary
Flower Mound Public Library
Locations
All rehearsals and orchestra concerts will take place at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church:
6101 Morriss Road
Flower Mound, TX 75028
The Philharmonic and the Preparatory Orchestra rehearse in Trietsch’s Family Life Center (FLC).
Completed in 2011, it is smaller than the main church building and has floor-to-ceiling windows facing Morriss
Road. While close to Dixon Lane, it shares a physical address with Trietsch.
We perform in Trietsch’s Sanctuary or Ministry Center. These rooms are in the main church building, whose
main entrances and largest parking lot face Morriss Road. It is larger than, but not as tall as the Family Life Center.
The Chamber Showcase will take place at the Flower Mound Public Library:
3030 Broadmoor Lane
Flower Mound, TX 75022
This concert will feature chamber ensembles within the Philharmonic and Preparatory Orchestras.
Conductors will form ensembles of members with comparable ability, and provide repertoire and coaching
throughout the season. Pre-formed ensembles are welcome and will receive the same coaching. As playing chamber
music fulfills a key component of FMCO’s educational mission, many Philharmonic and Preparatory Orchestra
members will participate.
3
Communication
Outside of rehearsal, conductors and personnel managers will communicate with members through email.
Facebook and fmco.org may be updated with information about our activities, but emails from the conductor or
personnel manager and this document are your most reliable sources of information.
You will receive blind-copy messages at the email address you provide. Only the conductor and personnel
manager will see your address, and neither will share, sell, or abuse it for any reason. Adjust your email’s spam filter
to allow these messages. They will contain rehearsal time changes, room changes, cancellations, sectional schedules,
call times, or anything relevant to an efficient and enjoyable FMCO experience.
Rehearsal
Rehearsals before the dress will follow this schedule:
Preparatory
Trietsch FLC 231
6:30
7:00
8:30
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Rehearsal begins
Rehearsal ends
Philharmonic
Trietsch FLC 130
7:00
7:30
9:00
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Rehearsal begins
Rehearsal ends
Adjustments to this schedule, including sectionals and breaks, will occur at your conductor’s discretion.
Dress Rehearsal
The dress rehearsal is the last rehearsal in each cycle, occurring one week before the concert. It is shorter
than a normal rehearsal and begins later for the Philharmonic.
Shorter dress rehearsals allow both orchestras to share the performance space before the concert. At dress
rehearsal, members adjust to new acoustics and a different seating chart, while media staff prepares microphones,
speakers, and lighting controls to produce our concert where it will occur. A productive dress rehearsal makes an
enjoyable concert for performers and audience possible.
Dress rehearsals will follow this schedule:
Preparatory
Concert Room
6:30
7:00
7:50
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Rehearsal begins
Rehearsal ends
Philharmonic
Concert Room
7:40
8:10
9:00
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Rehearsal begins
Rehearsal ends
4
Attendance
Attendance at rehearsals and concerts is vital to your ensemble’s success. Arrive early enough to be seated
with your music stand, instrument, and music when rehearsal begins. Assume you will encounter delays when
traveling to Flower Mound. “To be early is to be on time.”
Members may miss two rehearsals per cycle before the conductor considers your removal from the next
concert. Members may not miss a dress rehearsal. You are considered tardy if you arrive after the tuning process has
finished. Members may be tardy four times per cycle before the conductor considers your removal from the next
concert. There are no excused absences.
To report an absence, email your conductor and copy the message to your orchestra’s personnel manager.
Call or text your conductor if an emergency causes you to miss rehearsal. Clear and prompt communication is the
best way to handle absence notification, and our flexibility is directly related to the amount of notice you give.
Weather
FMCO ensembles will not rehearse when Lewisville ISD cancels school, has a delayed opening, or dismisses
classes early due to inclement weather. Conductors will email notice of rehearsal cancellation on these days.
Auditions
In August and January, all Philharmonic and Preparatory Orchestra members will audition for a panel of
FMCO conductors, Symphony musicians, and board members. At each audition, new members will play music of
their choosing to determine orchestra placement and chair order. Returning members will play excerpts from the
orchestra’s upcoming season, chosen by FMCO conductors, to determine chair order only. We do this to learn how
to audition well. You cannot lose your spot, nor have membership revoked based on this audition. We enjoy
hearing improvement, especially when returning members advance to higher ensembles.
For new members, this is our first chance to hear you play. Prepare two contrasting pieces, each two
minutes or less, that demonstrate your best playing. You will perform these, two major scales, and sight read eight
measures. After your audition, the panel will place you in the orchestra and chair where you will be most successful.
Each audition lasts ten minutes.
For returning members, this is one of the only times we hear you play alone. Each August, prepare two
contrasting pieces, each two minutes or less, that demonstrate your best playing. You will perform these, two major
scales, and sight read eight measures. Each January, prepare pre-chosen excerpts from the orchestra’s upcoming
repertoire. After your audition, the panel will place you in chair order in the same orchestra from which you came.
Each audition lasts five minutes.
The first audition date under this policy is Sunday, January 4, 2015. To sign up, visit fmco.org and click the
link for auditions. Read the sections on “audition tips” and “practice tips” for help.
Joining
All prospective members must audition to join an FMCO ensemble. Conductors encourage you to bring
friends or relatives who wish to play, but they must audition and join before the third rehearsal of each cycle. This
helps us schedule last-minute auditions, gives us time to prepare parts, and maintains instrumental balance in each
orchestra. Because we limit member absences to two per cycle, prospective members arriving after the third
rehearsal may not join until the beginning of the next cycle.
5
Seating
This section applies to Philharmonic members only.
We will use rotational seating at some of our concerts this year. The conductor will assign parts on a rotating
basis so that members gain experience playing other parts. Through this process, members will learn the roles these
parts play in each section and instrument family, and hear the orchestra from a different perspective. We will
physically change chairs for each piece assigned in this way.
The front stand of each string section will not rotate, nor will members who play unison parts. Members will
always return to the chair earned at auditions. Your preference for the part you wish to play most will be taken into
consideration. All players will be listed alphabetically in concert programs, with principal players (first-chairs)
receiving special recognition. The program will mention our use of rotational seating, but will not list every rotation
we make. Professional musicians hired to cover missing parts cannot outrank full-time members.
Behavior
To ensure productive rehearsals with clear expectations, Philharmonic and Preparatory Orchestra members
abide by these guidelines:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Bring a music stand to rehearsal. One will be provided for you at each concert.
Bring all of your music in its folder to rehearsal and concerts.
Bring a pencil with an eraser to rehearsal.
Arrive early enough to be seated with your music stand, instrument, and music when rehearsal begins.
Practice your parts at home, then show your improvement in rehearsal.
Do not wear a hat in rehearsal or concerts.
Do not eat or chew gum during rehearsal. You may drink bottled water anytime.
Silence and put away phones and tablets during rehearsal and concerts.
Do not talk during ensemble tuning, or when the conductor addresses other sections or individuals.
Do not play after the orchestra has stopped in rehearsal.
Take your music after each concert. You may save or destroy it.
If you do not drive yourself, have transportation ready when rehearsals and concerts end.
Ask your personnel manager for additional copies of parts.
Meet with your conductor at a time other than immediately before or immediately after rehearsal.
Speak to your conductor about business in your orchestra, including fee payment.
Respect Trietsch’s facilities and equipment, and that of other members, as if it belonged to you.
Stay positive; respect, encourage, and support each other.
6
Concerts
Concerts will follow this schedule:
Philharmonic
Concert Room
5:30
6:00
6:30
6:35
7:15
7:30
8:00
8:30
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Sound check begins
Sound check ends
Dinner break; change clothes if necessary
House doors open for audience
Concert begins; listen to Preparatory Orchestra
Play
Concert ends
Preparatory
Concert Room
6:10
6:15
6:40
7:10
7:15
7:30
8:00
8:30
Stage Mgr., Stage Crew, and Personnel Mgr. arrive
Dinner break; change clothes if necessary
Sound check begins
Sound check ends
House doors open for audience
Play
Concert continues; listen to Philharmonic
Concert ends
A sound check gives the orchestra a last chance to play in the concert room before the audience enters. It is
shorter than any other rehearsal and begins earlier for both orchestras. Arrive early enough to be seated with your
instrument and music when sound check begins. You do not need to bring music stands to concerts.
To maintain a professional appearance and out of respect for the music, we enforce a dress code at
concerts. Ladies wear black slacks, a skirt, or a dress that falls below the knees, and black dress shoes. Avoid low-cut
blouses, sleeveless and strapless garments, excessive jewelry, and perfume. When in doubt, choose the more formal
outfit or ask your conductor.
Gentlemen wear a black dress shirt, black slacks, black socks, and black shoes. For ladies and gentlemen,
white tops or shirts are acceptable, but consider purchasing a black one as we wear it at every concert. Attire should
appear more formal than casual. When in doubt, choose the more formal outfit or ask your conductor.
Because our orchestras share concerts, we require you to stay and listen to the orchestra playing before or
after yours. You will learn something, support FMCO’s educational goals, and maintain large audiences for both
orchestras.
Because concerts occur during evening meal time, musicians are encouraged to bring food to share. To
avoid bringing an abundance of the same foods, suggestions for your pot-luck contribution are below:
Violins
Violas, cellos, basses
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion, harp
Main course
Salad
Side dish
Caffeine-free drinks
Napkins, paper plates, disposable utensils, cups
7
Audition Tips
Do:
Present a professional image (you get only one chance to make a first impression)
Take control of the situation (plan what you are going to play and do)
Dress for the occasion
Be on time and warmed up
Make sure your instrument and reeds are working properly
Leave your case outside the room
Have your instrument out and ready
Introduce yourself and your repertoire
Get the committee’s attention
Speak clearly
Look people in their eyes
Know correct pronunciations of composers and compositions
Demonstrate your ability, facility and sensitivity
Communicate if you have a legitimate problem (long before the audition)
Do not:
Wear shorts, jeans, hats, etc.
Make excuses or apologies (for anything)
Draw attention to problems (the committee may not notice)
Do not say:
I haven’t warmed up.
I haven’t had a chance to practice.
I didn’t know…
I just got this horn.
What should I play?
What would you like to hear?
I didn’t have my instrument/sticks/etc...
I didn’t bring any music.
Nobody told me…
At the audition:
Give yourself plenty of time to do everything: wake early, have a leisurely meal, arrive early
Avoid over-practicing, which may cause nerve problems and fatigue
Warm up well and practice the audition material under tempo
At the site, warm up alone and don’t listen to other players
Play to your own standards; don’t try to guess how the committee would like something performed
Take some risks; communicate the music’s message
Maintain a positive appearance even if you do not think you played well
Evaluate the audition experience
8
Practice Tips
Have achievable goals, set aside enough time to accomplish them, find a quiet place in which to work, then:
Decide what material you intend to practice, ensuring that the challenge equals your skill.
Start with fundamentals: ear training, flexibility, range, long tones, scales, arpeggios, and articulation.
Continue with etudes, solos, and sight reading.
At each step:
Play through the material and assess.
Isolate passages, especially troublesome ones.
Slow it down or speed it up to where it is easy, and at the top of your ability.
Repeat the passage, moving the metronome one click at a time.
Assess and make decisions as you go: breathe here, intensify this, this pitch could be better, etc.
Focus on the best concept of the music as it sounds in your head.
Decide before each repetition where you will focus: pitch, rhythm, intonation, etc.
When you can no longer focus, take a break, or practice a different passage.
These tools will help:
Singing
Mouthpiece/bow
Piano
Mental practice
Metronome
Recording device
Tuner
Pencil
Mirror
Practice involves repeating good habits in support of a musical performance. Its goal is communication, not
perfection. Enjoy it.
9
Fees
Flower Mound Philharmonic and Preparatory Orchestra members must pay participation fees. These are
identical for both orchestras, and required regardless of audition results. Calculate your fee using the schedule
below:
Full price
$300/year
For all ages.
Second youth
$240/year
20% off youth (ages 10-17) in the same family. First youth or
adult pays full price.
Additional youth
$180/year
20% off first youth (ages 10-17), and 40% off second in the
same family. First youth or adult pays full price, second youth
pays $240, and any additional youths pay $180.
Adult with youth member
$150/year
50% off youth (ages 10-17) in the same family as an adult
paying full price.
Scholarship rate
$240/year
20% off. For individuals only, with members 14 years or
older preferred. See “scholarships” on the next page.
If you are an adult paying for youth members in different orchestras, please pay each conductor separately.
This helps us track payments and keeps your account settled.
Members should pay before or after rehearsal with cash, or personal checks made to “Flower Mound
Community Orchestras.” FMCO prefers one payment for the entire season (September-May). Members wishing to
pay by semester (September-December and January-May) should divide fees in half and make payments in
September and January. To maintain instrumental balance and ensemble stability, payments smaller than this are not
allowed.
FMCO does not refund participation fees. These funds are vital to FMCO’s success and demonstrate a
commitment of membership. Check FMCO’s schedule, published one year in advance at fmco.org, and read its
ensemble policies before investing time and money.
You will receive emails reminding you about outstanding fees. Failure to pay fees by the third rehearsal of
each cycle will constitute dismissal from the ensemble. If fees prohibit your participation or circumstances prevent
on-time payment, speak to your conductor. Clear and prompt communication is the best way to handle absence
notification, and our flexibility is directly related to the amount of notice you give.
10
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for members who demonstrate financial need. In exchange for lower fees,
members on scholarship will fill one of these positions:
Personnel Manager
One per orchestra
The personnel manager takes attendance, reminds members
of outstanding fees, makes announcements, collects and gives
fees to the conductor, and distributes extra parts. You are a
channel between the orchestra and the conductor. You must
be 21 or older to apply for this position.
Stage Manager
One per orchestra
The stage manager supervises the stage crew’s setting up and
removing of chairs and stands needed for the orchestra to
rehearse and perform, according to seating charts drawn by
the conductor. As you help the stage crew, you must be
physically fit and able to lift up to 20 pounds. You must be 18
or older to apply for this position.
Stage Crew
Two per orchestra
The stage crew sets up and removes chairs and stands needed
for the orchestra to rehearse and perform, according to
directions from the stage manager. You must be physically fit
and able to lift up to 20 pounds. You must be 14 or older to
apply for these positions.
Members holding these positions trade reduced fees for increased responsibility. You must come to
rehearsal early and will likely leave late. You may miss only one rehearsal per cycle. Excessive absences or failure to
perform duties will result in the revocation of your scholarship, and forfeiture of your fee discount.
Four scholarships are available in each orchestra, and any additional will be considered on a case-by-case
basis. If fewer than four members in an orchestra require scholarship aid, members paying full-price fees may fill
these positions. Names of the personnel manager, stage manager, and stage crew will appear in concert programs.
All positions have one-year terms.
To apply for a scholarship, email your conductor.
11
Agreement
By signing the attached agreement, and by attending rehearsals and concerts, you agree that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
You have read and understood the policies outlined in the Musician Handbook.
You will receive disciplinary action if you violate FMCO policies.
You will allow your image or likeness to be used in promotional material, online and in print.
You do not hold FMCO or its staff liable for personal injury, damage, or property loss.
You will pass a criminal background check prior to participating, if over the age of 18.
You will receive a criminal background check each year you return.
Criminal background checks will occur yearly for members 18 and older. You will be notified only if yours is
not clean. If your background has something you feel should not prevent your participation, contact your
conductor.