The Old  Bridge Chamber Orchestra Musicians Handbook



Table of Contents

OBCO Board Directory

OBCO Staff

OBCO Mission Statement

OBCO Season

Guidelines

Seating

Rehearsals and Performances

Non–musical Responsibilities

Cancellations

Attire

Music Distribution

Your Input

Grievances

Privacy policy

How to become a Member of OBCO

How to become a Member of the Board

Small Ensemble Opportunities

Handbook Receipt Form





Board Directory

President: Sheyna Burt, sheyna@obco.org, 703-966-5845            

Secretary: Liz Brewster, lizzy_wic@yahoo.com

Treasurer: Andrea Giamberardino, giambos@aol.com

Music Director: Dr. Dana Eckensburg McCarthy, dana@obco.org

Personnel Manager/Email Coordinator: Laurel Siberts, laurel@obco.org, 703 966-1756

Small Ensemble Coordinator: Tina Greear, jbgreear@verizon.net

Communications and Publications Coordinator: Carmel Hodge, cchodge@cox.net 

Press Coordinator/Editor: Ron Dunn,            ron@obco.org

James Mustachio, james.mustachio@verizon.net





Staff

Librarian: Kim Parillo, kparillo@gmu.edu

Stage Manager: TBD





OBCO Mission Statement

OBCO’s mission is to provide an enjoyable playing experience for musicians, and to provide creative, unique concerts in the Prince William community.





OBCO Season

Our season consists of 4 Subscription Concerts, a Fundraiser Concert, Outdoor Summer Concerts, and Marketing/Outreach Concerts.

Subscription Concerts

OBCO does not charge admission to these performances. They will take place each October, December, February, and April.

Fundraiser Concert

This may be the traditional Picnic Concert or some other fundraiser type event.  This will take place each June.

Outdoor Concerts

OBCO will perform at an outdoor venue throughout Prince William County each July or August.  It is possible there could be more than one.

Marketing/Outreach Concerts

These concerts will occur throughout the season.  They consist of performances at Malls, County events, Schools, and/or Businesses.  They may be chamber ensembles or full orchestra.





OBCO Membership Guidelines

The following guidelines have been memorialized in writing in an attempt to anticipate some of the questions you might have about the way OBCO functions, what you can expect from the organization, and what the organization expects from you.  While the guidelines are intended to be comprehensive, they are not exhaustive, so you should always feel free to approach the Board with questions or suggestions.



Seating

Seating guidelines are in place to reduce confusion as to why you may be playing a certain part.  Each OBCO member is asked to complete an information sheet which will assist the Music Director and Personnel Coordinator in making assignments; please make sure to contact the Personnel Coordinator if you have not completed and returned this sheet.  By getting to know you better through the information sheet, we will be able to identify OBCO veterans and our core musicians, giving OBCO a strong foundation and opening up a larger repertoire to us.



Seating preference will first be given to those who can commit to the entire season.  You will be given the rehearsal and performance dates for the season at one time in advance of the season.  We hope that this will help you plan your calendars and make OBCO a regular part of your lives.



After showing a preference to those who commit to the entire season, it is OBCO’s policy to encourage the participation of all who wish to play with OBCO.  Where, however, the response is greater than the need for a particular instrument, we will generally make assignments based on who responds to a call for musicians first..



Notwithstanding the above, the Music Director has the final say in seat determinations.  The Music Director and Personnel Manager will do their best to seat all who wish to play fairly and appropriately.  Suggestions will be taken from Section Leaders and you, the musicians.



Note that changes may also be made throughout the season.  There is the possibility that, at times, the Music Director may need to ask you to play a part or sit in a seat that is different from usual.  This request will be made if it will benefit the Orchestra as a whole for that particular concert.  It in no way means that you are not a valued member of the ensemble.



Rehearsals and Performances

Attendance

Our goal is to have 100% attendance at all rehearsals and performances by OBCO musicians.



It is very important that ALL STRING PLAYERS attend the Strings only rehearsal.

This is time dedicated to coordinating bowings within and among the various string sections and is completely necessary.  This is the only way for you to have the correct bowings and have input as to what bowing is used.  A strings only rehearsal is never a waste of time!



**In the event that you must miss a performance, for any reason, after already committing to participate, you are responsible for obtaining a qualified substitute to play your part.  You are also responsible for giving your substitute the music and any information pertaining to the performance.  Notify the Personnel Manager with the name of any such substitute immediately.**



Music Markings

If you miss a rehearsal, please make sure to check with someone in your section for changes and notes before the next rehearsal.  Rehearsal time cannot be wasted going over a repeat, new rehearsal letter, or some other change again and again.  We can supply you with the email addresses of your colleagues to make this easier.   



From time to time you will receive a list of rehearsal letters, cuts, changes, etc. by email.  Please mark these in your part before the next rehearsal.  If your parts are not numbered, please number them.  These steps will maximize the efficiency of our rehearsals.



Please make sure to erase any markings before returning your music to the Librarian.



Start and End times

It is expected that OBCO musicians will arrive on time for all events.  To be on time means to arrive early enough that you can unpack and warm up prior to the start time.



Unless an alternate time has been announced, the start time for rehearsals is 7:30pm and 8pm for concerts.  Performance Call time will be announced prior to each performance.



If you must be late, please let the Music Director and Personnel Manager know about any special circumstances as far in advance as possible.  Since every second of rehearsal time is so valuable, excessive tardiness or absences may prevent a musician from performing in the concert.



The goal is to have rehearsals begin on time so we may end on time.



Non–musical Responsibilities

Since OBCO is a musician-run ensemble, each member of the orchestra is expected to assist with the following items:



* Stage Crew – set up and clean up after all rehearsals and performances;



* Marketing and Publicity – posting flyers, recruiting audience members, playing at Marketing Concerts, and organizing marketing events;



* Fundraising – finding sponsors for each concert, organizing Fundraising events, playing at Fundraising Concerts, and searching for potential grants and opportunities; and



* Receptions – serving food and drink, occasionally supplying food and drink, finding reception sponsors, and hanging out!



Cancellations

OBCO will never cancel a rehearsal or performance unless the circumstances absolutely require it.  Should a cancellation become necessary, an announcement will go out by email and will be posted on the OBCO website.  If the weather is looking scary, check your email before you head out.  If your internet connection is down, you can call the Personnel Manager.



Attire

Please plan on wearing Concert Black for performances unless it is an outdoor or special event.  In these cases, the Music Director will announce any changes in attire.  Concert black for men is a tux.



Music Distribution

New music will be available for pick up at 7:00 PM during the first rehearsal for a concert.  Please arrive at or close to 7:00 PM so that you can sign out your part with our Librarian, Kim Parillo.  Kim also plays in the Orchestra and therefore cannot hand out music once rehearsal begins at 7:30pm.



All music must be personally signed out.  You will be asked to initial for each part.



If you would like your music prior to the first rehearsal, contact the Librarian directly to make arrangements.  The Librarian can scan and email parts to you, or you can make arrangements for pick up.  Parts will not be mailed.



You are responsible for returning your music to the Librarian at the conclusion of the concert.  Failure to return parts on time can result in OBCO incurring charges from those who lend us music.  Similarly, OBCO can be charged for excessive markings left in music.  Please erase these before turning in your parts.  Thank you for this kindness!



If you do not return your music on time, return it with excessive markings, or lose your music, you will be responsible for all fees charged to OBCO.



Your Input

Please remember that OBCO is your Orchestra!  Your input is always welcome.

Your ideas for music, concert themes, concert venues, performance opportunities, marketing opportunities, and fundraising events may be sent to the OBCO Board of Directors at any time.



If you would like to join a Committee or become a Staff Member, please contact any member of the Board.  The Board would be delighted to have you!



Grievances

Hopefully you will never need this section, but if you would like to voice your opinion about an issue that has caused you stress or harm, please do not hesitate to contact the OBCO Board President.  We may not realize there is a problem unless you speak with us.  We take your concerns seriously and they will be addressed seriously.



Privacy Policy

Occasionally, your image, likeness, or name may be referenced or used as part of our marketing and fundraising efforts for the orchestra.  If you do not wish to grant OBCO permission to use your image, likeness, or name, please indicate that on the Handbook Receipt form.



OBCO will not give out your contact information to potential employers, other musical groups, or potential students without your permission.  Please note on the Handbook Receipt form if you do not want this information given out.





How to Become a Member of OBCO

Any qualified musician who is committed to making time for OBCO and our events is invited to join.  If you become aware of someone who might make a great OBCO addition, please forward the name, email, and phone number of the prospective member to the Music Director and Personnel Manager.  New members may also go to www.obco.org, and click on “How to Join OBCO” to fill out the Membership application.





How to Become a Member of the Board

If you or someone you know would like to become a member of the OBCO Board of Directors, please provide any member of the Board with the name and resume of the potential volunteer.  The Board is especially interested in individuals with a background or interest in marketing, recruitment, fundraising and development, budgeting, and concert operations.  There are lots of ways to help out, and new members are always welcome.





Small Ensemble Opportunities

For those of you who love to play in small ensembles (e.g., duets, trios, quartets, and quintets), OBCO is often called upon to provide just such performance opportunities.  While some of these opportunities are for volunteers, many of them are for-hire gigs.  If you are a member of a small ensemble with other OBCO members or would like to be a part of an OBCO small ensemble, please contact the Small Ensemble Coordinator and she will add you to OBCO’s master list of available ensembles.  To see a copy of the contract and rates for OBCO for-hire ensembles, please contact the Small Ensemble Coordinator.  Small ensemble performances are great ways to supplement your income and spread the word about OBCO!







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The Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Musicians Handbook

Handbook Receipt Form



Please sign and return this form to the Personnel Coordinator.





ACKNOWLEDGEMENT





I have this day received a copy of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Musicians Handbook.  I have read and I understand the policies and practices described within it, and I agree to abide by them.



If I have questions regarding the content or interpretation of this handbook, I will bring them to the attention of OBCO’s Board President.







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OBCO Member Signature                          Date





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OBCO Member Printed Name

We understand that everyone's schedules may change.  We are hoping, however, that you will commit to trying to make OBCO a part of your calendar. This form's purpose is to give us an idea of the available personnel for each performance.  Please let us know if you availability changes for any reason.Name email address *Instrument(s)



All dates may not be available to all instruments.  Preference will be given to players who commit to the whole season.

You will be contacted to confirm your placement in the orchestra.
*I am available for the 2009-2010 season
Yes, I would like to commit to the season which will give me priority placement in the orchestra
Yes, but I will not commit, I do not want priority placement.
sub only