Norwalk Gamer Symphony Orchestra
Code of Conduct

Readiness for Rehearsals

Organizing and Managing the Music

At the start of every concert season, each member will be expected to download their parts from the Music Portal on the NGSO Website where they will be posted. Throughout the season, members may receive additional parts for concert preparation or to practice sight reading. Members are expected to sort and organize the music in whatever method is most effective for themselves.

The NGSO maintains a Sheet Music Library with individual parts for the current repertoire available to borrow during rehearsals. This music is property of the NGSO and is to be returned at the end of the rehearsal in which it was borrowed.

Instrument Upkeep

Each member is expected to maintain their own instrument. The NGSO will not provide spare instruments, reeds, strings, or other equipment necessary for proper instrument maintenance.

Learning the Music

Members must learn their music at home so that rehearsal time may be spent on musical concepts and developing the ensemble performance. For junior members, parents or guardians are asked to help their child design an effective, regular practice schedule. NGSO leadership may consult with parents or guardians to provide feedback or recommend focused attention on particular pieces or techniques if needed. If there are particularly troublesome sections or the music as-written is above the ability of a member, that member should ask leadership for tips, recommendations, or re-arrangements for their part.

Professionalism

  • Follow the directions of the leadership, including the conductor, concertmaster, operations manager, and your section leader as fully as possible.
  • Ensure all comments during rehearsal make efficient use of rehearsal time.
  • Come to rehearsal prepared: Bring your instrument, stand, all music, and a writing utensil to every rehearsal.
  • Ensure that you make the most of each rehearsal: pay attention at all times, even when your section is not rehearsing. Keep excess chatter to a minimum, and remain quiet when the conductor or a musician is speaking to the group or asking questions .
  • All electronic devices must be set to silent during rehearsal.

Respect and Courtesy to Others and Property

  • Be considerate and respectful of others.
  • The NGSO does not tolerate teasing, fighting, or any other provocative, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior.
  • Respect the property of other members and the NGSO, including instruments, stands, chairs, music, etc.
  • Speak to and listen respectfully to peers and section leaders.
  • Use appropriate language during rehearsals, concerts, breaks and at all other times when representing the NGSO. Do not use crude or offensive language.
  • Keep our rehearsal and performance spaces clean: throw away trash, put away chairs & stands, and generally leave the space better than you found it.
  • Vandalism and theft are grounds for immediate dismissal

Safety

  • Please remain within the specified rehearsal and break areas at all times.
  • Adhere to the policies and rules of the venue.
  • No disruptive or dangerous behavior is tolerated during rehearsals.
  • Parents or guardians of junior members must pick up their child immediately after rehearsals and performances.

Attendance & Performance Eligibility

  • Members are required to attend 50% of rehearsals in any given season to be eligible for performances. Waiver of this requirement can be made for extenuating circumstances by NGSO Leadership.
  • Be prompt – rehearsals and concerts start at the posted times. If necessary, arrive at the venue with enough time to set up your instrument, stand, music, and any other necessary materials.
  • Performance eligibility is at the discretion of NGSO leadership, and can be based on musician readiness, attendance, behavior, or other circumstances.

Resolution of Code of Conduct Issues

Any behavior that is inconsistent with the Code of Conduct will be brought to the attention of the member in private – either before/after rehearsals, or in another private forum.

If appropriate, resolution is encouraged between orchestra members and facilitated by a member of leadership – Section leader, concertmaster, conductor, etc.
If there is continued problematic behavior, the orchestra member may be placed on membership probation and/or dismissed from the NGSO, at the discretion of the NGSO leadership. If a member is placed on probation and does not adhere to the probationary rules, the NGSO leadership reserves the right to dismiss the member.