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Attendance
 

An ensemble is a number of parts designed to make up a harmonious whole.  Assembled to perform chamber music, musicians in an ensemble pull together to form this "harmonious whole" to project the composer's art.

Depending on one another to achieve this goal, therefore, requires a player's consistent attention, focus, and determination.  It is for this reason, perhaps more than any other, that each musician's attendance at practice and coaching sessions is central to an ensemble's ultimate success or failure.

The Chamber Music Program encourages this participation through a strict and impartial application of attendance rules for each musician, as follows:

  • punctual attendance at various Program events such as orientation, festival evenings, and workshops, and at various ensemble activities such as rehearsals, coaching sessions, and masterclasses;
  • timely communication with an ensemble's designated leader, coach, and Program managers;
  • participation in concerts and, when invited, in organization-wide focus sessions and Performances for Special Audiences.  These activities and the number of each required of a musician are outlined as follows:

 
Mandatory Attendence
Orientation
1
Rehearsals
10
Coaching Sessions
8
Masterclasses
2
Assessment
1
Festival Evenings
1
Formal Concerts
1
Workshops
2
Performances for Special Audiences
1
Focus Sessions
1

Absences/Lateness
Attendance reflects upon both the ensemble and the individual musician’s dedication to the Chamber Music Program, ultimately influencing masterclass placement and participation in the formal concerts. The chart at left indicates the total number of sessions during the season, as well as the number each participant is expected to attend. Failure to fulfill these requirements may result in exclusion from masterclasses and/or concerts and dismissal from the Program.
Orientation
Orientation takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 7:00-9:00pm, at Riverside Church. 490 Riverside Drive, between 120th and 122nd Streets. Attendance is mandatory. Chamber Music Program PROGRAM
Rehearsals
  • Schedule:
    • Ensembles are expected to rehearse at least twice each month without a coach. Sessions normally last from one to two-and-ahalf hours each. Each ensemble sets its own rehearsal schedule in compliance with these requirements and in consultation with its coach.
  • Rehearsal Absence:
    • Cancellation less than 24 hours in advance or absence of an individual player at more than two scheduled rehearsals results in dismissal from the Program. If a player is unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal, he or she must notify the other ensemble members and Chamber Music Program Manager at least three days in advance in order to reschedule the session.
  • Rehearsal Late Arrival/Early Departure:
    • Each player must arrive on time and remain for the full duration of the rehearsal. Musicians are expected to bring their parts, music stands, pencils, and personal calendars for future scheduling.
Coaching Session
  • Schedule:
    • Ensembles are expected to attend sessions with their private coaches on average twice each month. Sessions normally last from one to one-and-a-half hours each. Each ensemble sets its own coaching schedule in compliance with these requirements and in consultation with its coach. A consistent meeting time is recommended.
  • Coaching Absence:
    • Cancellation less than 24 hours in advance or absence of an individual player at more than two scheduled coaching sessions results in dismissal from the program. If a player is unable to attend a scheduled session, he or she must notify the coach and other ensemble members at least three days in advance in order to reschedule the session.
  • Coaching Late Arrival/Early Departure:
    • Each player must arrive on time and remain for the full duration of the coaching session. Musicians must bring their pants, music stands, pencils, and personal clendars for future scheduling.
Masterclasses
Students are required to attend two of the fifteen scheduled masterclasses and are encouraged to audit as many classes as they wish. Students are expected to dress and prepare for masterclasses as they would for any performance. Lateness to or absence from a class in which a member is scheduled to perform may result in dismissal from the Program.
Assessment-Festival Evening
Students are required to perform in and attend one night of both Assessment-Festival Evening. Lateness to or absence from either of these events may result in dismissal from the Program. Please not that the results of oth events will be announced at the second evening of the event..
Formal Concerts
Students are required to perform in one of the three scheduled formal concerts and are encouraged to attend all of them. Lateness to or absence from a concert in which a member is scheduled to perform will result in dismissal from the Program.
Workshops
Students are invited to all scheduled workshops and are required to attend at least two for its entirety. Inability to fulfill this requirement may result in dismissal from the Program.
Possible Exceptions
Infraction of the Attendance Policy affect the performance and morale of the entire band. Players are strongly urged, therefore, against unnecessary absence or tardiness. Even if an unavoidable conflict arises, exceptions will not be granted to students with and unfavorable pattern of absence. Exceptions which are possible, but not guaranteed, are, as follows:

  • Religious Holidays
    • Must be cleared with the Chamber Music Manager no later than October 24, 2009.
    Note: Religious Celebrations such as Confirmations or Bar/Bat Mitzvah are not considered possible exceptions.
  • Family Death
    • A parent, sibling, grandparent, or legal guardian only.
  • Illness
    • Only in the event of quarantine on medical orders or hospitalization. A doctor's note is required
  • Severe Weather
    • Notification will be given from the office.
Concert Dress
Each ensemble's attire should be formal and coordinated with one another.

  • Women:
    • Dressy blouse (no print of any kind), long skirt or dress (no slits past the knee), dress slacks, black or nude stockings, dress shoes. No bare legs or ankles. No strapless tops.
  • Men:
    • Dark jacket and dark slacks, long tie, and dressy plaquet-front shirt (no print of any kind). Dress shoes and socks. No lightcolored socks.
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