Contents
Rehearsal Information
President's Report, 2007-2008
Guidance Note for String Principals
Guidance Note: Playing with the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra
2008 Concert Program
2008 Rehearsal Schedule and Call Sheet
2008 Season 3 Rehearsal Schedule and Call Sheet
President's Report for 2007-2008
String Section Organisation
Principal players (where applicable, e.g. Principal, Assistant, Associate) positions are to remain fixed. Rank-and-file players are to be seated by the Section Leader, so that the playing strength is distributed more evenly throughout each section. The stronger rank-and-file players are to sit on the outside. The player seating is to be fixed as much as possible for each concert. (The seating may be changed for subsequent concerts, perhaps between Violin 1 and Violin II)
Bowing and Articulation
The basic bowing of the Section leaders' parts are to be ready at the beginning of the first rehearsal in each season, or the first rehearsal of a given piece.
The Concertmaster will provide the initial bowing for the 5 string Principals. (The Conductor will provide tempos to the Concertmaster as a guide, before the initial bowing is carried out.)
Each Section Leader is to ensure during rehearsals that similar common articulations are similarly bowed across each string section, where possible.
Each stand is responsible for marking (2b pencil) and implementing the correct bowing and performance indications at each rehearsal. Previous inconsistent markings are to be erased.
Each section player should be advised of the above approach and encouraged to implement.
Intonation
A more rigorous care with tuning is to be encouraged.
Outside player fingering should be marked above the stave and inside player fingering below the stave.
Each player can of course discuss all these issues and any others with the Section Leaders, Principals, Concertmaster and the Orchestra Manager.
Players:
To play with the Strathfield you need to be a member of the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. Whilst annual membership is preferred, six monthly and single Program membership is available to players.
Availability:
Members will be asked to indicate their availability for particular concert programs at the beginning of the year in writing.
Composition of the orchestra and part allocation:
Following discussion and direction from the Artistic Director, (and Concertmaster, if required), the Orchestra Manager is responsible for assembling and booking the player and soloist forces required to perform a particular Program and for the allocation of parts to players for specific items of a particular Concert Program. The Playing Committee* may be asked to assist in selection of players. The Librarian will issue the parts to players.
The criteria to be used in the allocation of performances and parts to members are:
- Member and player availability for rehearsals and performances
- Matching the performance demands of the program with the capability of the members.
- Providing opportunities for Section players to develop their skills and experience with the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra.
Wherever possible, players for particular programs will be drawn from financial members* of the Orchestra.
Opportunities:
The Orchestra Manager should consult with the nominated Section Leader and other players in the Section, as necessary, to provide opportunities for all members to have serious fun.
Members of the Orchestra have the right to discuss the allocation of gigs and parts with the Playing Committee if they think they are not getting enough opportunities to have serious fun.
* The Playing Committee comprises The Artistic Director, Concert Master, Orchestra Manager and President (or nominee).
* A financial member is a person who has joined the Orchestra and paid the requisite membership fees to cover the period of the current program.
25 March 2008
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