Member Information
Ensemble Membership: Membership in Delaware Symphonic Winds requires a degree in music or an audition. Players who do not have a music degree will arrange to audition for the Music Director, and either the Ensemble Representative or a member of the section of which they are auditioning.
1. Repertoire: The difficulty level of our repertoire requires that players print and prepare their parts before the first rehearsal. The expectation is that all players will be able to play their parts from beginning to end before the first rehearsal. Individual parts are prepared in individual practice sessions: the purpose of rehearsal is to learn everyone else’s part and to work as an ensemble. Any questions about performance tempi should be emailed to Music Director Michael Russo - [email protected]
2. Ensemble attendance policy: Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. All rehearsal and performance conflicts for the current concert cycle must be emailed to the Music Director - [email protected] and the Secretary - [email protected] one week preceding the first rehearsal of the cycle.
In the event of an unplanned absence, email the Music Director and Secretary as soon as possible. Rehearsals are planned by the Music Director and guest conductors with expected absences in mind.
In the event of excessive absences, a member may be dismissed from the current concert cycle. Once the cycle begins, only two unplanned rehearsal absences are allowed. If a member’s absences become an issue, the board will discuss appropriate measures.
3. Distribution of Music: Parts are distributed through the online file-sharing platform Box. Unless delays are encountered in procuring parts, parts will be available for download approximately one month before the first rehearsal. The files for each piece will be sent as a separate link. Players who have technological limitations that preclude them from printing their parts can request parts to be mailed by contacting the Secretary - [email protected]
4. Part assignments: It is suggested that all players in each section rotate parts, as recommended by the Music Director. A Part Sign-up email will be sent to all members. Members sign up for parts via the Google Spreadsheet sent in the email. Any questions or concerns regarding part rotation should be addressed to the Music Director.
5. Performances: The ensemble performs two concert “cycles” per year. Each cycle consists of eight to nine consecutive once weekly rehearsals, with two concert performances the following weekend. In addition, DSW may perform an early December concert with an abbreviated rehearsal schedule.
6. Rehearsal Cancellation: If the rehearsal venue is closed or dismissed early on the day of a rehearsal, rehearsal will be canceled. Other cancellations due to inclement weather, etc. will be emailed to ensemble personnel by 5 PM on the day of rehearsal. If personnel do not receive an email by 5 PM, rehearsal will take place as scheduled.
7. Concerns: All concerns shall be submitted in writing to the Ensemble Representative. The Board of Directors shall review the complaint, act and report back to the member about its handling of the concern.
8. Any member demonstrating less than professional behavior, or any conduct considered detrimental to the organization will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the ensemble by the Board of Directors and/or Music Director.
1. Repertoire: The difficulty level of our repertoire requires that players print and prepare their parts before the first rehearsal. The expectation is that all players will be able to play their parts from beginning to end before the first rehearsal. Individual parts are prepared in individual practice sessions: the purpose of rehearsal is to learn everyone else’s part and to work as an ensemble. Any questions about performance tempi should be emailed to Music Director Michael Russo - [email protected]
2. Ensemble attendance policy: Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. All rehearsal and performance conflicts for the current concert cycle must be emailed to the Music Director - [email protected] and the Secretary - [email protected] one week preceding the first rehearsal of the cycle.
In the event of an unplanned absence, email the Music Director and Secretary as soon as possible. Rehearsals are planned by the Music Director and guest conductors with expected absences in mind.
In the event of excessive absences, a member may be dismissed from the current concert cycle. Once the cycle begins, only two unplanned rehearsal absences are allowed. If a member’s absences become an issue, the board will discuss appropriate measures.
3. Distribution of Music: Parts are distributed through the online file-sharing platform Box. Unless delays are encountered in procuring parts, parts will be available for download approximately one month before the first rehearsal. The files for each piece will be sent as a separate link. Players who have technological limitations that preclude them from printing their parts can request parts to be mailed by contacting the Secretary - [email protected]
4. Part assignments: It is suggested that all players in each section rotate parts, as recommended by the Music Director. A Part Sign-up email will be sent to all members. Members sign up for parts via the Google Spreadsheet sent in the email. Any questions or concerns regarding part rotation should be addressed to the Music Director.
5. Performances: The ensemble performs two concert “cycles” per year. Each cycle consists of eight to nine consecutive once weekly rehearsals, with two concert performances the following weekend. In addition, DSW may perform an early December concert with an abbreviated rehearsal schedule.
6. Rehearsal Cancellation: If the rehearsal venue is closed or dismissed early on the day of a rehearsal, rehearsal will be canceled. Other cancellations due to inclement weather, etc. will be emailed to ensemble personnel by 5 PM on the day of rehearsal. If personnel do not receive an email by 5 PM, rehearsal will take place as scheduled.
7. Concerns: All concerns shall be submitted in writing to the Ensemble Representative. The Board of Directors shall review the complaint, act and report back to the member about its handling of the concern.
8. Any member demonstrating less than professional behavior, or any conduct considered detrimental to the organization will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the ensemble by the Board of Directors and/or Music Director.