Member expectations
As we head into our 15th season, it is becoming more of a privilege to be a part of the DMO. Each season we regularly turn away talented local musicians who want to play with us simply because we do not have the capacity for additional players. As part of your continued membership with the DMO, here are the DMO Executive Committee’s expectations of you.
- Practice your music at home – Individual practice is essential to maximize available rehearsal time as an ensemble and is respectful of the collective time and efforts of your 90+ musician colleagues.
- Pay your dues on time – Membership dues comprise a large percentage of DMO’s operating budget and are critical to our continued success as an organization. Pay your dues OR communicate your need for an extension, reduction, or waiver to the treasurer no later than the 3rd rehearsal. Failure to do so may disqualify you from further participation in rehearsals until either dues are paid or an exception is approved. You may pay by cash, check, or online via Paypal.
- Attend rehearsals – You are expected to adhere to the attendance policy below. Please communicate absences using the absence form as much in advance as possible since this may impact rehearsal plans. Remember – not everyone rehearses every week or for the full 150 minutes we are typically allotted, so please be fair to everyone and communicate your availability so rehearsal schedules can be optimally structured.
Attendance policy
- Please avoid missing more than two rehearsals per semester.
- Communicate all anticipated absences to your section leader and the membership coordinator as early as possible in the semester, using the attendance reporting link.
- Work related absences will continue to be an acceptable reason for missing rehearsal provided notice is given in advance.
- Rehearsals start promptly at 6 PM. The expectation is that everyone is in their seat about 10 minutes before rehearsal starts. Last-minute and late entrances are disruptive.
- To minimize disruption, all string players will be asked by their section leaders to fill in any empty chairs in their sections beginning at 5:55pm. Late arriving members will be expected to sit in any open chair in the back of their section.
- Attendance and punctuality factor into part assignments and seating in the orchestra. Excessive absences, regardless of the reason, or tardiness may result in seating changes, probation status, or dismissal.
Please communicate with Teerada if you cannot access the attendance link or have questions: teerada@gmail.com
Background
The success of the orchestra’s artistic accomplishments depends on each member. The goal in rehearsals is to learn each other’s parts, to learn how to fit in, how to change colors, to match articulation and bowings exactly, and not to learn one’s individual part. A missed rehearsal means a missed opportunity to master ensemble playing and learn more about the music.
We understand that everyone has busy work schedules and is striving for a well-balanced work-life schedule. Committing to DMO means being present and punctual for rehearsals. Please prioritize DMO in your calendars and try to negotiate around it. We notice that members increasingly have not communicated their absences or send emails day of rehearsal, which does not allow us to plan for rehearsals effectively. As you schedule your personal and work commitments, please make sure DMO is part of that planning. Thank you.