Expectations

Since participation in this orchestra is a special honor, those students accepted must follow the expectations listed below.

Attendance is mandatory. Absences will only be excused for illness, death in the family or court appearance. This is in the Howard County Policy 9010 for excused absences. Each student must be present for the entire rehearsal time. If students are absent, arrive late, or leave early, the entire group suffers. The purpose of full rehearsals is to develop a particular sound through balance and blend.

1. Students must attend the entirety of every rehearsal and performance. Missing more than one rehearsal per concert cycle, excessive tardiness, or excessive early dismissals will be cause for review and may result in the ensemble member’s dismissal from the ensemble.

• Absence due to pre-approved activities, such as a school concert, must be communicated via email at least two weeks in advance of the absence. Please email both directors. 

2. If a student must be absent from rehearsal, a parent email to the directors is expected prior to the start of rehearsal explaining the absence. Please email both directors.

3. If a student is late for rehearsal, they will be marked “tardy.” Two tardies in a semester will result in one unexcused absence. 

4. Rehearsals end promptly at 6:45 PM and parents/guardians must pick up their children on time.

5. Attendance at the dress rehearsal for each concert is mandatory. If a student is not present for the dress rehearsal, they may not participate in the concert.

   • Tardiness or absence from a dress rehearsal or concert may be grounds for dismissal from the ensemble and for the student to not be accepted into ANY Howard County GT Orchestra the following school year.

   • Students are expected to stay for the full duration of the concert to watch the second ensemble.

1. Preparing the music outside of rehearsal is required. Students are expected to practice at home in preparation for rehearsals.

2. Cooperation among students is a must in any performing group. Students who do not cooperate (fighting, name calling, etc.) will be dismissed from the orchestra.

3. Parents will be asked to help set up chairs before and take down chairs after rehearsals.

4. Each student will be given a packet of music and a folder at the first rehearsal. Students must bring a pencil to mark things on their music. Make certain that the student’s name is on the instrument case. Cellos and Basses will need their own rock stop.

5. Students must remain bonafide members of their school orchestra program for the duration of the school year.

6. Dress for performance is as follows:

7. The directors reserve the right to dismiss any student for not following the expectations listed above without a refund of the yearly fee.