Robert’s Rules

For A Pleasant ACWE Rehearsal Experience

Also, check out the Ensemble Etiquette Page assembled by Douglas Yeo, bass trombone with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

In Rehearsal

Be on time. In the event that you cannot, wait until the group stops playing to get to your seat.
Be mindful of others in rehearsal. Any behavior that distracts another’s attention from rehearsal is considered counterproductive. If a band member politely asks you to refrain from the behavior, please do so willingly knowing that this will lead to a better experience for everyone.
Stop when the conductor does.
Keep noise to a minimum and talk only when necessary to fix musical passages.
Be patient when another section is working out problems. Your time will come.
Write down instructions. This helps immensely since we only rehearse once a week.
Get to rehearsal early enough to put your instrument together, get a good warm-up and tune your instrument with a tuner.
When the tuning note is given, tune.
Music questions that only involve your part can be addressed during break. Try not to take rehearsal time unless absolutely necessary.
It is perfectly acceptable to show appreciation by applause when a fellow musician performs a passage well (provided that rehearsal is not interrupted).
While there are many of us who are qualified to conduct the group, the person in charge of rehearsal is the conductor on the podium. Show respect and gratitude to those persons by listening to their suggestions and following through on the performance plan.

Do not warm up beyond what’s necessary. Make sure you get to your spot with enough time to warm up, tune and put your music in order.
Play passages that you are familiar with. Do not use this time to woodshed.
While necessary talking is allowed during rehearsal, talking during a performance is the same as playing a wrong note. Every sound that we make IS our performance.
Be mindful of esthetics. Not only of the musical kind, but also of your surroundings. Clutter, cases, paper and other things that do not belong on stage should not be within eyesight.
After a piece is over, pay attention to the conductor in case that your section or an individual is asked to stand for recognition.
Acknowledge applause from the audience by making eye contact. Let them know you appreciate their participation.