In order for the Central Florida Winds to achieve the highest level of performance, the entire membership must be in agreement as to our group's purpose, goals, and expectations. This is the object of this guide.

Central Florida Wind's Mission:

To provide a venue for high quality musicians to perform professional literature and give an opportunity for Central Florida audiences to have a professional quality musical experience.

Attendance/Rehearsal Etiquette

We expect each member to commit to attending each of the three rehearsals and the dress rehearsal prior to each concert.

Preparation is only one aspect of a successful rehearsal. Paying attention to the conductor is just as important.

Illness shall be the only acceptable excuse for missing a rehearsal. One absence will be excused if the director is notified ahead of time. More than one absence will result in your being asked to not perform for the next concert. If you can not play a series, you will need to find a qualified substitute.

We hope that each member will attend the few "reading" rehearsals that are scheduled periodically.

Punctuality

A 10:00 rehearsal starts at 9:45! Each CFW member should arrive at least 15 minutes before the 10:00 rehearsal downbeat. Your seating, getting music ready, and warm-ups should all be taken care of before 10:00. There is no unobtrusive way of "sneaking" into a rehearsal that is under way.

Preparation

The only sight-reading that takes place shall be at the first rehearsal only. All notes and rhythms shall be learned by the second rehearsal, so that the rehearsal shall deal solely with musical aspects of style, interpretation, and balance. How well each player performs, affects each and every member of CFW.

Work or Play?

Why do we use the word "play" to describe musical performance? No one says "I have to "work" my saxophone now". The word "play" evokes a feeling of ease, of doing something almost without thinking. It must be our goal, as members of CFW, that we never find ourselves "working" at rehearsal. Yes, work at home. Practice your music. Learn your music so that you can "play" it.

Talking

There is to be no talking among the members during rehearsals.

Cell Phones

Turn off all cell phones. If the phone vibrates, do not answer it. Your caller will leave a message. Getting up and leaving to speak on the phone interrupts the rehearsal, and eliminates your contribution to the group. All members are expected to stay until the end of the rehearsal.

Scheduling

Check your schedule ahead of time and inform the director immediately if you have any conflicts.

Dismissal

The director will dismiss any member for repeatedly not meeting the above expectations.

Procedure for becoming a member

Musicians often network with other musicians. There are times when more players are needed to fill in a section or to have a balanced instrumentation. If you know a good musician who could help us, please follow the procedure below:

• Fill out and submit the online application to the conductor.
• If you are invited to play, your first two rehearsals will be "probationary"
• After two rehearsals, the conductor and key musicians will discuss your acceptance.
• You will receive a formal letter stating your acceptance status.

Epilogue

With the remonstrations out of the way, we are a fun group, and hope you decide to try out with us. We look forward to meeting you.