# Ensemble Etiquette ## Percussion Ensemble Percussion ensemble is chamber music. Every part must balance with every other, moment by moment — and that only happens when every member shows up prepared. ### Attendance and Subs - Attend all rehearsals and concerts. - Do not accept commitments that conflict with them. - If an absence is necessary, make sure: 1. you contact the ensemble instructor via email or Slack; 2. your folder of music arrives at the rehearsal; 3. a competent substitute replaces you if possible — with all necessary mallets and auxiliary instruments, and knowledge of the setup. - Arrive at least 15 minutes before rehearsal for set-up and warm-up. > [!Warning] > Downbeat occurs at the **designated rehearsal time.** All preparation must be complete by then. Proper setup and warmup are each member's responsibility. ### Preparation - Come fully prepared: all instruments present, in working order, and properly tuned. Mallets, pencils, music markings, auxiliary and tuning equipment are your responsibility. - Practice your part outside rehearsal. An ensemble is only as good as its weakest individual performance. - **Contribute to scheduling sectionals whenever necessary.** - Be proactive: if a subsection is subpar, gather your peers and rehearse. - Be flexible and collegial. A sectional should *never* be punitive or demeaning — aggressive or condescending student "leadership" will be dealt with severely by the instructor and/or Coordinator. - If agreements can't be reached, ask your instructor for help. ### Rehearsal Etiquette - **Talking out of turn and inappropriate phone use will not be tolerated.** - Talk only about immediate ensemble requirements. - **Phone misuse triggers removal from rehearsal and final-grade consequences.** - **Your multi-percussion setup is your responsibility.** - Diagram when necessary and keep it consistent. - Recheck for improved setups as the music becomes familiar. - Your own setup comes first — then help peers with larger or more complex ones. - **Keep lists of all equipment and mallets for each piece.** - Do not trust memory. - Do not show up to rehearsal or performance missing gear. ### Mentality - **Bring a positive attitude and be prepared for criticism.** - Pouting, backtalk, and defensiveness will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from rehearsal and a private behavioral discussion. - You *will* be corrected — publicly and often. Get used to it. Being "called out" is not an attack on your character. Separate your musical execution from your self-worth. - **The objective is to _enjoy the process_.** - Laughter, jokes, and "bloopers" are part of what makes chamber music a highlight of our craft. - Know the line and don't cross it: ***enjoyment does not replace excellence and productivity — it enhances them.*** - Learn to make "[[The Switch]]" in rehearsal. Developing The Switch will make you an *elite* performer and beloved professional. ## Large Ensemble ### Set-Up Time - Arrive at least 20 minutes before start time. Set up carefully, help others, then warm up a little (after **everyone** is set). - Do not let casual conversation slow efficient set-up. - If classes prevent early arrival, tell the principal/section leader and arrange to give extra help with teardown. ### Do not leave rehearsals - Not playing in a work? Stay in the area — quietly remove unneeded equipment or practice in the Percussion Complex if appropriate. - Keep in touch with the principal. Conductors change rehearsal order and percussion needs — assume nothing from posted schedules. - Return at the end of rehearsal to store equipment. Do not leave before EVERYTHING is stored properly. - Tell the principal when you leave the premises. ### Check the band/orchestra boards and emails - Each section member is individually responsible for rehearsal information (order of works, equipment needs, etc.). - Check the rehearsal board yourself on the way in — don't just ask the principal. - Know what's going on. Be aware of the section's total needs. ### Always bring to every rehearsal - ALL necessary sticks/mallets, trap cloths, pencil, instruments, etc. - If you must borrow, arrange it well ahead of time — never on the spot. Avoid borrowing when possible, and always be courteous. - **Arrive with the music prepared carefully and completely.** Percussion parts contain many rests, so know ALL the parts — through score study and recordings — not just percussion. Rehearsal time is for sound choices, balance, and consistency. Do not waste it learning your part.