Updated 11/7/2023
Welcome Guide: Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of musicians. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to orchestral music, you're an essential part of our orchestra family. This Welcome Guide is designed to help you get started and make the most of your time with us.
Table of Contents
About Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
Our Mission Statement
Leadership Team
Rehearsal Venue & Time
Getting Started
Auditions
Membership Dues
Instrument Requirements
Music Library
Dress Code
Rehearsals and Performances
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsal Etiquette
Tuning
Absences
Sectionals/Special Workshops
Concert Etiquette
Concerts and Events
Community Engagement
Volunteering
Fundraising
Resources and Support
Website Resources
Communication Channels
Accessibility Information
Final Words
1. About Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is to provide opportunities for advanced musicians and emerging professionals to perform a high level of repertoire while engaging and collaborating with diverse communities in mutual growth through the joy of making music.
Leadership Team
Our orchestra is led by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about music. They are here to support you in your musical journey, so don't hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.
Board President: Mark Vickers [ctsopresident@gmail.com]
Vice President: Kevin Kinsall [kkinsallgea@gmail.com]
Secretary: Alison Williams [aypeew@gmail.com]
Treasurer: John Crand [mack_jatt@yahoo.com]
Music Director: Paul McShee [paul.r.mcshee@gmail.com]
Concertmaster: Sayumi Takahashi Harb [sayumi.takahashi@gmail.com]
Members at Large: Daniel Schwartz [dschwartz7@gmail.com], Sue Norland [susannorland@gmail.com], Jacqueline Betz [jacqueline.e.betz@gmail.com]
Rehearsal Venue & Time
Our rehearsals take place at the Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center [303 Tunxis Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107] from 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM (there is a 15-minute break during rehearsal). Please arrive a little early to set up and be ready to start on time. You can park in the southern lot & enter through the south entrance. Detailed parking information and any special access instructions can be found on the Musicians Portal on our website.
2. Getting Started
Auditions
String players: If you're new to the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, you may need to audition to determine which section is the best fit for you. String auditions are held annually or as needed on a rolling basis, and details will be communicated well in advance. Don't worry; auditions are friendly and non-intimidating. Wind/brass/percussion openings will be announced and auditioned as vacancies open up.
Membership Dues
As a member of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, please be aware that we rely on membership dues to sustain our organization and continue bringing the joy of orchestral music to our community. Dues are $100 per year and they can be paid via cash/Paypal/check payable to Connecticut Symphony. We understand that personal circumstances can vary, and if you ever find it challenging to meet your membership dues, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support our members, and we can work together to find a solution that ensures your continued participation in the orchestra. Your prompt payment of dues is greatly appreciated, and your open communication is valued in supporting our mission and musical endeavors.
Instrument Requirements
Please ensure that your instrument is in good working condition. If you have any concerns or need guidance on instrument maintenance, feel free to ask your section leader or fellow musicians.
Music Library
Music can be downloaded & printed (or viewed from a personal electronic tablet such as iPad) from our website [Musicians Portal]. In addition, if printed parts are needed, our librarian will distribute parts from our music library for rehearsals & performances. Take good care of the music you borrow and return it promptly after the concert. Home-printed parts do not need to be returned.
Dress Code
Rehearsals are casual. Please wear what you would like! For our performances, we have a dress code that varies depending on the concert. The typical attire includes modest all-black formal wear (please, no overly revealing clothing). If there are any specific instructions, they will be provided well in advance before each concert.
3. Rehearsals and Performances
Rehearsal Schedule
Regular rehearsals are scheduled every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM. There is a 15-minute break during the rehearsal. Please check the Musicians Portal on our website for the rehearsal order and any updates or changes to the schedule. On concert weeks, we rehearse on both Tuesday & Thursday at the concert venue (which will be announced by email each cycle). Chairs will be provided, however, please bring a music stand with you to the rehearsals & performances. If you need more light, a clip-on stand light is also recommended.
Rehearsal Etiquette
We kindly request that all members be mindful of their conversations and interactions during rehearsal. While we understand that discussions are sometimes necessary for musical collaboration, we ask that they be conducted in a manner that minimizes distractions for fellow musicians and maintains the conductor's flow. If you find it necessary to converse with a fellow musician during rehearsal, please do so in a way that is discreet and minimally disruptive.
Tuning
The CSO tunes to A440 and takes 4 A’s in this order: winds, brass, low strings, upper strings. Please tune your instrument only when your section is being tuned and refrain from talking or practicing during tuning.
Absences
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may occasionally prevent you from attending rehearsals or performances. If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend a rehearsal or concert, please email the conductor and your section leader as early as possible. If you don’t have their emails, you can always email info@connecticutsymphony.org and we will forward it to the right people. For unexpected absences, please notify us as soon as you can. Regular attendance is essential for the success of the orchestra, so we greatly appreciate your commitment to being present at rehearsals and performances. In the event of prolonged absences or recurring scheduling conflicts, please discuss your situation with the leadership team, as we are here to support you and explore possible solutions that benefit both you and the orchestra.
Sectional Rehearsals/Special Workshops
Sectional rehearsals may be arranged to focus on specific instrument groups. Your section leader will inform you of any additional rehearsals and provide guidance on repertoire. Special workshops may also be scheduled for our members (string instrument maintenance, luthier shop, woodwind masterclass, Alexander technique class, etc).
Concert Etiquette/Bowing & Solo Bows
Typically, the orchestra stands together (led by the concertmaster) when the conductor makes their very first entrance to the stage. The conductor may have the whole orchestra stand after finishing a piece or have specific people or sections take solo bows first. When taking a solo bow, you can stand up and smile (do not take an actual bow).
The orchestra does not stand when the conductor makes an entrance after the very first entrance (for example, 2nd piece in the first half, or the first piece after the intermission). When there is a soloist, refrain from standing unless the conductor gestures for everyone to stand.
When in doubt, follow the concertmaster.
Concerts and Events
We perform a diverse range of music throughout the year at various venues in our community. Concert dates and details will be provided well in advance. Make sure to mark your calendar and invite your family and friends to enjoy the music. Tickets are available for purchase on our website www.connecticutsymphony.org/buy-tickets
4. Community Engagement
Volunteering
We rely on the support of volunteers for various tasks, from setting up for rehearsals to organizing fundraisers. Volunteering is a great way to get involved and make a difference. Please reach out if you can help out in any way – we welcome all ideas! On concert days, family members are also encouraged to help out with ticketing, bake sales, set-up/tear-down.
Fundraising
As a community orchestra, fundraising is essential to our success. There are various opportunities to contribute, from selling tickets to participating in our annual fundraisers. One of our most effective and productive means of fundraising is through advertising opportunities. Advertisements are significant contributors to our financial stability, generating substantial gains per individual. We kindly request that all members be prepared to participate fully in our program book ad campaign efforts. Your active involvement in promoting and securing advertisements not only benefits the orchestra but also supports the sustainability of our musical endeavors.
5. Resources and Support
Website Resources
Our website offers a wealth of resources. On our Musicians Portal, you can update your contact information, find the weekly rehearsal schedule, download sheet music, and access an email link for absence notifications. Additionally, we encourage you to use this platform to suggest repertoire for the next season and explore various other features to enhance your experience as a member of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. We are committed to providing you with the tools and information you need to thrive as a musician in our orchestra. Visit our Musicians Portal at https://connecticutsymphony.org/musicians-portal to take advantage of these valuable resources.
Communication Channels
Stay informed with the latest news and announcements by regularly checking our website, social media (Instagram + Facebook), and emails. If you are not on the email list, you can join by filling out the form on our Musicians Portal https://connecticutsymphony.org/directory
Accessibility Information
We are committed to ensuring that our orchestra is accessible to all members and audience members. If you have any special needs or require assistance to fully participate in our activities, please let us know. We are here to provide support and make accommodations to the best of our ability. In addition, our website and communications strive to be accessible to everyone. We are in the process of enhancing our online content to meet accessibility standards. If you encounter any challenges or require specific accommodations while accessing our digital resources, please reach out.
6. Final Words
If you have a question that's not addressed here, don't hesitate to reach out to our leadership team or fellow musicians. Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. We can't wait to make beautiful music with you and share the joy of orchestral music in our community. Welcome to our orchestra family!