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.
Tentative Schedule
All rehearsal and concerts take place at Batavia United Methodist Church, 8N. Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL.
Fermi Community Strings meets Sundays, 4:30-6pm
Fermi Community Orchestra meets Sundays,
6:30-9pm
2024-2025 Season Schedule
Session One
“Sampling the Symphony”
Rehearsals Start: September 15th, 2024
Concert: November 3rd, 2024, 7pm
Session Two
“Under the Big Top”
Rehearsals Start: January 5, 2025
Concerts: February 23, 2025, 3pm (children’s concert) & 7pm
Session Three
“Universe”
Rehearsals start: April 6, 2025
Concert: June 8, 2025, 3pm (Church and Hall)
(Note: this concert is subject to a location change and an additional concert (repeat) on June 7, 2025)
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is crucial. Members are allowed two (2) excused absences per concert cycle. Please notify the Section Leader in advance if you will miss a rehearsal, or contact leave a message at fermiorchestramembers@gmail.com.
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.
Ready to register for the Fall 2024 Session?