Waterloo Concert Band - Member Guidelines

Attendance

As this is an amateur organization, it is understandable that everyone will not be able to make all performances and all rehearsals. However, we do assume that everyone will make a reasonable effort. Specifically, we request that all members make at least 75% of rehearsals although the normal attendance rate is actually higher. If you come into a period of time in which you will be absent more than normal, it is acceptable to take a leave of absence by letting the personnel manager know. It is especially important that no performance be missed unless you notify the personnel manager.

Music: Treatment and Borrowing

A demanding position in any band is that of librarian. The band tries to reduce the possible problems for our librarian in several ways. All music that is taken home must be signed out with the librarian. We are especially careful to make sure all folders are not taken out on the announced occasions when the music is being changed: even one missing folder could greatly increase the librarian's workload. Our present long-serving librarian is Viki Ledwinka. Viki has some specific requests:

Please don't leave music from other groups or personal papers in folders;
Please use only pencil to mark music;
Please treat music gently and with respect - we will want to play it again;
If a folder is taken out, it must be present at the next rehearsal or performance;
If you are missing any pieces or have special needs, please advise as soon as possible.

The librarian can be reached at library@waterlooband.com.

Set Up and Take Down

Our band has no particular person or group designated to set-up and take down for rehearsals. The first people to arrive at practice arrange the chairs and put out the stands. At the end of rehearsal everyone is expected to put away their own stand and music. The chairs do not have to be moved at the end of rehearsal. At the formal concerts, there is often a volunteer group helping. However, it is still expected that all band members would help set up and take down at any gigs. It is especially important to help take down. It is very annoying to the dedicated people helping if they see band members walking away if there is still work to do.

Uniform

The band uniform for gigs is basically the traditional black and white - black bottoms and white tops. We would like black socks and shoes as well as long black ties although the tie is optional for females. During the summer, no one wears ties and black shorts and sandals are permitted.

Inclement Weather and Cancellations

As we frequently play outdoors, some gigs have to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Although we make every attempt to notify people, there are times that any decision is impossible to make until concert time. If there is no notification, we would ask that you expect a concert and come out. We try to notify you by email as soon as we confirm a cancellation.

Website

The band does have our own website which can be found at www.waterlooband.com. We have a typical schedule of concerts for the band and an example of one year's repertoire posted here which should give you some specifics on what to expect from the band. If you have any general questions, you can email from the website or email info@waterlooband.com and the mail will get to the correct place. The website maintainer is always looking for new ideas and suggestions to improve the site. If you wish to help, email wcb@waterlooband.com.