This document has been superseded by the
New Membership Policy

September 6, 2000

Attendance Policy

Please note that the following is not a rigid limit. It is simply meant to be a helpful guide for members to know what is acceptable for maintaining our playing quality. This is not a "quota system" -- you are not encouraged to go up to the "limits" stated below. As always, the ideal is for everyone to make all rehearsals and concerts, on time.

Upper limit* on missed rehearsals:

• Strings: Seven absences per season.
• Winds/percussion: five absences per season

Upper limit* on missed sets:

• Two

* The above limits obviously don't apply to sets or
rehearsals for which a member isn't needed.

Tardies:

• To be avoided! Members are requested to arrive at least ten minutes before the start of rehearsal. Percussionists may require up to a half hour. Members who are tardy (in their seats after rehearsal has started) will be requested by email or phone to come one half hour early the following rehearsal to help set up chairs and stands.

Additionally:

• More than one absence in a set is excessive. In the event this happens, the Music Director has the right to drop the Member from the set if it is determined that the quality of the performance may markedly suffer.
• Winds and percussion have an obligation to obtain subs and to get their music to rehearsals. Failure to do either counts as an additional absence.
• All musicians are requested to give notice of a missed set at the earliest possible time, to facilitate the obtaining of a sub.
• In the event that a player is dropped in the middle of a set because of excessive absences, both the absences and the missed set will be recorded, because of the grave inconvenience this causes the orchestra. In these cases, it is usually too late to replace string players, and the subs found for wind and percussion players are rarely as good as the originals.
• Players who have temporary personal problems (illness, pregnancy, etc.) may take a leave of absence without incurring any penalty.

Please contact the Orchestra Manager if you'd like an update on your attendance record. It might be a good idea to keep your own records as well.

When members exceed the above limits, a dialogue will be initiated with the Music Director.