Member Handbook
Are you a musician wanting to play in the Fermi Community Orchestra or
Fermi Community Strings? Please read through the Member Handbook before
registering for each session.
General Membership Requirements
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At least 18 years old.
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Appropriate proficiency on your instrument.
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Commitment to attend rehearsals, prepare your parts to the best of your ability, and attend performances.
Auditions
There are no auditions required for membership, except in the appointment of principal players. Members who join the orchestra are expected to be proficient enough on their instruments to learn and perform the music at an appropriate level during the 7- or 8-week rehearsal period allotted, and positively contribute to the success of the program.
Participation Fees
The FCO and FCS are volunteer adult ensembles funded by member participation fees and by contributions from members and the community. We rely on these fees and contributions to provide the tools and facilities to rehearse and perform free concerts to the community, invite guest artists, and bring in top professional instrumental clinicians for specialized training. The Fermi Community Orchestra will never turn away an interested musician due to financial hardship. Participation fees for the 2024-2025 season are $75 per concert session and are due prior to the second rehearsal. There are no pro-rated fees, e.g., for members who do not perform all of the repertoire in a given concert cycle due to reduced orchestration. There are no refunds of participation fees once paid, however, if a musician withdraws before the start of a concert cycle, a full or partial refund may be offered. The treasurer handles all transactions and communications regarding participation fees.
Core Instrumentations of the FCO and FCS
As the Fermi Community Orchestra transitions into its new status as a 501c3 non-profit organization, its structure is being formalized into a core instrumentation corresponding to the typical orchestration of the pieces we perform and to the space limitations in our rehearsal and performance locations. For concert cycles/seasons in which the core instrumentation exceeds what is required by the selected pieces, musicians in affected sections may be asked to sit out (this does not affect membership status); these musicians would be required to share the repertoire with each other within a given concert cycle or rotate throughout the concert season so that the burden is shared fairly. Conversely, if the core instrumentation is insufficient, substitute musicians will fill those roles, as determined by the Artistic Director. Any open positions in our core instrumentation will be filled through recruitment efforts for new members.
FCO Orchestra Roster (Core Instrumentation)
Flutes (2 + pic)
Oboe (2 + EH)
Clarinet (2 + Bass)
Bassoon (2)
Horn (4)
Trumpet (2)
Trombone (2 + bass)
Tuba
Percussion (Timpani+2)
Piano/Harpsichord/Organ
Violin 1 (8)
Violin 2 (8)
Viola (6)
Cello (8)
Bass (3)
FCS Orchestra Roster (Core Instrumentation)
Violin 1 (8)
Violin 2 (8)
Viola (8)
Cello (8)
Bass (3)
Piano
Woodwinds and Percussion (as needed)
Rehearsal Etiquette
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Arrive to rehearsal at least 10 minutes early to be prepared for an on-time start.
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Silence cell phones and minimize distractions.
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Minimize talking during rehearsal so that all can hear instructions from the director.
Concert Day Call Times
5pm: Fermi Community Strings
5:30pm: Fermi Community Orchestra
Dress Code
Black Dress Shirt, Dress Pants/Skirt, (or tuxedo/suit) black socks and shoes. Please refrain from the use of perfumes/colognes and flashy attire.
Sheet Music
Members are responsible for their own sheet music, which will be distributed electronically by the librarian at the beginning of each rehearsal cycle. Please print your own parts and bring to every rehearsal. String players will be given bowings by the section leader/director prior to the first rehearsal, if they are not already marked in the printed parts.
Instrument Care
Ensure your instrument is in good working order. Bring necessary supplies (e.g., pencils, reeds, strings, mutes) to every rehearsal and performance.
Contact Information
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Artistic Director: Andrea LaFranzo, artisticdirector@fermicommunityorchestra.org
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Assistant Director/Concertmaster: Cathy Kovach, cathykovach@yahoo.com
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Librarian: Rachel Harbold, musiclibrarian@fermicommunityorchestra.org
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General Information/Attendance: fermiorchestramembers@fermicommunityorchestra.org
Communications
During concert cycles, updates are sent weekly by the Artistic Director via email. Please ensure your contact information is current.
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, photos, and community engagement.
Getting to Know Each Other
After most rehearsals, members are welcome to get together informally at a local eatery or pub to chat and get to know each other. After each concert the FCO/FCS hosts an after-party, typically at Sidecar Supper Club on River St. in Batavia. A good time is had by all!
Committees
Members are encouraged to join committees such as Fundraising, Outreach, and Event Planning. Please inquire if you’d like to help (fermiorchestramembers@gmail.com).
Respect and Inclusion
We are committed to creating a welcoming environment. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
Conflict Resolution
If issues arise, please address them with your Section Leader or the Artistic Director. We aim to resolve conflicts amicably and fairly.
Fermi Community Orchestra Attendance Policy
The Fermi Community Orchestra and Fermi Community Strings are membership-based community ensembles, and we are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and commitment each member contributes. Our collective goal is to create high-quality performances that reflect the dedication of our musicians. To achieve this, we ask all members to uphold the following attendance standards:
Rehearsal Attendance
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Members are expected to attend all rehearsals for each concert cycle.
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Missing more than two rehearsals per concert cycle without the director’s prior approval may result in dismissal from that concert’s performance.
Notification of Absences
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If you must miss a rehearsal, please notify the director –
orchestramembers@fermicommunityorchestra.org as early as possible.
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Our personnel assistant, Diane Haggart, will be taking attendance at each rehearsal and maintaining attendance records.
Punctuality
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Members are expected to arrive on time for all rehearsals and concerts. Please allow sufficient time to unpack, tune, and be ready to begin at the scheduled start time.
Chronic Absences or Tardiness
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Consistent lateness or frequent absences hinder the progress of the orchestra.
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The director reserves the right to excuse a member from a concert cycle, or in repeated cases, from the orchestra, if attendance expectations are not met.
We recognize that unexpected circumstances arise, and we are committed to working with members whenever possible. At the same time, maintaining regular attendance and punctuality is essential to ensuring that rehearsals are productive, music is prepared, and performances are successful.
Thank you for your dedication and cooperation in helping the Fermi Community Orchestra and Strings thrive.
Ready to register for the Winter 2024 Session?