The primary objectives of the Flagstaff Community Band rehearsals are to provide a safe and enjoyable musical experience for all participants, AND to improve the quality of the band’s performance. We welcome all levels of musicians to participate, regardless of their playing ability or musical background. While we strive to be the best performing ensemble we can be, no musician should be made to feel as though their participation is not appreciated. With those general goals in mind, please consider these rehearsal etiquette guidelines, and do your best to adhere to these standard music ensemble behavior expectations.

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1. Arrive early if possible, allowing time to warm up (warm-up at a reasonable volume please!) 

2. If you arrive late, do your best to join the rehearsal with as little disruption as possible. 

3. Please come to rehearsal having practiced your music as needed, and bring a pencil and your folder!

4. Please consider that we are a diverse group of individuals. Conversations should foster a welcoming atmosphere for all.

5. Part Assignments and Seating – While we welcome any band musicians to participate, regardless of ability level, the conductor may assign parts as he or she sees necessary. All parts are vital to the quality of the performance. Be a team player, keeping in mind that decisions made are to achieve the best balance and quality of performance.

6. Procedures during rehearsal:                                                                                                                                                                               a.Tuning – Be silent when others are tuning. Also, remember to be respectful by not making any visible negative reactions while others are       tuning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             b. Talking - Refrain from talking during rehearsal. If you must communicate to your neighbor, please do so as inconspicuously as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               c. Counting – It is fine to tap your foot quietly, and to count measures in your head or on your fingers, but please NEVER count rests out             loud. This can be extremely distracting.                                                                                                                                                                       d. Unless someone asks for your assistance, please avoid giving instructions to others. Demonstrate by example!                                             e.  Stop playing when the conductor stops the group                                                                                                                                                     f. Do not “practice” your part while the conductor is speaking or rehearsing another section                                                                                 g. Please make sure not to wear anything with a strong scent, such as perfumes and lotions.

7. Your section leader is your “go to” for anything.  Whether it be missing rehearsal or a problem within the group,  they are there to help you!

8. Lastly, enjoy the music, and be proud of your contribution to the group. Playing music in an ensemble is a privilege, and it should be a wonderful shared experience for all participants

                                                         Community Band Attendance Policy     

While the Flagstaff Community Band welcomes musicians of all range of levels, and also those who perhaps cannot commit to a regular rehearsal or performance schedule, we do aspire to respect the integrity of the music we play, and the time and dedication of the members of the band. With the group being so large, we need accurate information for performances in order to have the right equipment and to insure the band is well balanced for each performance. 

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Here’s what we need from you:

• Please let us know what concerts you are unable to attend by “signing out” for those concerts on this page of the website. If your absence is last minute, please get ahold of your section leader or call the band phone number at 928-235-6297

• When you are unable to make a rehearsal, letting your section leader know (whether it’s the week before or 20 minutes before the start of rehearsal) will help us with both set-up and to make sure that parts are covered. 

• If the rehearsal previous to a concert is missed, concert participation is at the discretion of the director.  When we are aware of an absence, it helps us to determine what parts may need to be covered at a concert, and knowing that information in time to rehearse any changes is important.