Hendersonville Community Band Membership Guidelines
It is a pleasure to welcome our members back and to greet our new members. We hope that you will find the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Since our founding in 1991, we have grown steadily, both in our membership and in our following. It is important for us to work together in achieving higher goals and in improving our organization. These guidelines have been developed to make members aware of ways in which they can contribute to the continued success of HCB.
General Conduct - We have a limited number of rehearsals. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we use rehearsal time efficiently. It is imperative that all members hear the conductor’s instructions clearly. Band members need to refrain from talking or working out their parts, however quietly, while the conductor is on the podium. The same courtesy should be shown to guest conductors and band members who may be making announcements.
Attendance - Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. If you must miss a rehearsal, the conductor and section leader should be notified in advance except in the case of an emergency. All members are expected to attend the dress rehearsal. In rare cases, the conductor may grant approval to miss.
Musicianship – In order to get the most from the band membership, members are expected to practice and know their parts.
Music Folders – Members should bring folders and all music to each rehearsal. Any marking on the music should be done lightly in pencil only. Please keep a pencil in your folder. Folders and all music MUST be left with the librarians at the end of each concert performance.
Performances – HCB generally performs concerts in October, December, March, and April. Unless otherwise determined, performances will be at Blue Ridge Community College in the Conference Hall. Any additional performances will depend upon membership desire and availability and will be known well in advance.
Tickets – Please keep in mind that the financial needs of the band are met primarily by the sale of concert tickets. Band members will be issued a supply of tickets and are strongly encouraged to sell them. Some members who cannot sell tickets make a greatly appreciated donation. Unsold tickets and money should be returned at the dress rehearsal at the latest. All audience members above school-age are required to purchase a ticket.
Concert Attire - Men should wear long-sleeved, black long sleeved dress shirts, black slacks, black belt, black shoes and socks. Women should wear black long-sleeved dress tops, black slacks or maxiskirts, black hose or socks and shoes. On occasion, the color of the shirts/tops may be changed, i.e. jewel tones for the Holiday Concert and pastels for the April Concert.
Set-Up/Breakdown Assistance - In addition to each member being responsible for personal instruments, stands and folders, there must be assistance to the set-up committee after each rehearsal and performance. This includes assisting the percussionists, who have a lot of heavy equipment to be moved to storage or the trailer. Please ask them what you can do to help.
New Members - New band members are welcome, with the knowledge and approval of the conductor. In some sections, there may be limited openings, so it is imperative to ask the conductor before bringing a new member to rehearsal.
Student Members – High school students, with the recommendation of their conductor, may be invited by the conductor to become members of HCB. They must continue playing in their school bands.