If you are 18 or over, post grade 8 standard, and currently playing your instrument and interested in joining this orchestra, please fill the form below and press send.
The orchestra does not conduct formal auditions, but prospective players may be asked to join on 'trial' for one concert. Places are limited, so please be patient.
Guidelines for players
The Hibernian Orchestra is a voluntary group of musicians whose aim is the rehearsal and performance of classical music to the highest possible standard. These guidelines for players (meaning anyone playing in the orchestra, whether a full member or not) are designed to help achieve this in the most relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere possible.
1. Membership
1.1. Anyone of the requisite standard is welcome to play with the orchestra: in that sense membership is open.
1.2. Membership of the orchestra is granted at the discretion of the orchestra committee and is not usually offered on the basis of audition. All invitations to play are conditional on a player's standard and commitment, and are subject to review.
1.3. Members of the orchestra are those who have:
- played in at least one concert organized by the orchestra in the previous two years.
- provided the orchestra manager with contact details and the orchestra committee with information to facilitate public relations.
- paid a membership subscription in full in years when a subscription is introduced by the orchestra committee.
1.4. At any one time there may be players in the orchestra who have been invited but who are not full members.
1.5. Members are welcome to recommend new players at any time.
1.6. No member can claim to have a ?right? to play in any particular concert. The final list of players in any concert is restricted by the requirements of orchestration and the need to maintain balance between sections. The decision of the orchestra committee on these matters is final.
2. Rehearsal practice
2.1. Players are expected to arrive ten minutes before the stated rehearsal time to help set up for the rehearsal and to prepare for tuning.
2.2. Tuning takes place promptly at the scheduled start time (normally 8 pm).
2.3. Players are expected to attend all rehearsals; any player who misses more than two rehearsals for any one concert will be replaced at the discretion of the Orchestra Manager and Artistic Director.
2.4. Players who know in advance that they will be arriving late are asked to contact the orchestra manager so that rehearsal is not delayed waiting for their arrival.
2.5. The librarian distributes sheet music for private practice. Players are asked to prepare their parts privately at home so that the artistic director can get the greatest value from rehearsals with the whole orchestra.
2.6. Players should bring a music stand, pencil, eraser and mute (where appropriate) to all rehearsals.
3. Seating
3.1. The contribution of every player in the orchestra is valued. Seating is not organized strictly by standard. Rather seating lists are prepared so as to make the rehearsals and concerts as effective and enjoyable as possible.
3.2. All players should expect to rotate within sections, and in the case of first and second violins, between sections.
3.3. It is hoped that every player will be satisfied by playing at the highest possible level. Players with genuine concerns should talk first to their section leader and then to the manager. In the case of dispute the decision of the artistic director shall be final.
4. Other responsibilities of members
4.1. Players are expected to promote concerts and sell as many tickets as possible.
4.2. Players should make sure the manager has their most up-to-date contact details and notify him/her of any changes.
4.3. Members are encouraged be welcoming and encouraging to new players, conductors and soloists.
4.4. Members are asked to keep rehearsal and concert venues clean and to help set up and tidy up before and after rehearsals and concerts.
4.5. Members should keep sheet music and other orchestra property in good condition and return it promptly to the librarian or orchestra manager when requested.
5. Management and committee
5.1. The orchestra is managed by an orchestra committee that appoints the orchestra manager, artistic director, leader and librarian.
5.2. The orchestra committee is the voice of the orchestra and is made up of members of the orchestra elected on an annual basis.
5.3. An artistic committee is elected annually to suggest the artistic programme of for the forthcoming season.
5.5. All the committee members are available at all times to answer questions or address the concerns of any member. Players should usually go to the orchestra manager in the first instance, but should feel free to approach any member of the committee.
