This page contains a framework for the way the band operates. We hope that this will articulate what you, as a member, can expect in terms of norms and conventions.
In no particular order:
Website/Communiques
If you’re here, you’ve found our online presence! Congratulations!
All communication to band membership is managed through this site and is self-managed. On both the main landing page and the Members page, there is a place to sign up your email address to receive updates. You may unsubscribe at any time. Please note: when you first sign up, an confirmation email will be sent automatically that you must acknowledge before your subscription is complete. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you don’t see it in short order, and reach out to us at info@mbmillenniumband.com if you encounter any problems.
We typically send out one email per week when the season is in session that details the pieces we’ll be focusing on for the next week’s rehearsal (we try to have this done within 2 days of the last rehearsal), details about location changes, concert details, etc, depending on what our activities are that week. In the off-season, you can expect the next season announcement (usually in March). If any special events arise, they may also be communicated, but we try to keep our outreach minimal.
Attendance
As a summer band, we expect that folks have other commitments happening, so we’re laissez-faire about attendance. We do very much care about our members, so we notice absences, but we’re generally happy to have you when you’re able to join us. We do ask that, if you’ll be away for a performance, you let us know in advance so we can ensure part coverage.
We understand the desire to play and not wanting to “let people down” by missing rehearsals/performances. However, if you are feeling unwell (in a contagious way), we ask that you stay away. Most of our performances are at assisted living facilities, which are considered a vulnerable population. In addition, the nature of playing an instrument means that we are sharing air and would appreciate your consideration of your bandmates (some of whom may also be vulnerable to infection).
We also ask that you be conscious of the music situation. Some parts only have one binder (and we do not have copies outside of the binders) so if you know you’ll be away, please consider leaving your binder with us so we can ensure part coverage.
Library
The librarian has worked very hard to organize this season’s music into binders (including ensuring page turns are as friendly as the publishers have allowed them to be). Please try to be gentle in return.
All binders will be transported to all events, so you won’t turn up and find there’s no music for you (unless your section mate has taken a binder and is away).
More recent score acquisitions (so the higher numbers) – if they are brand new purchases – have been scanned and are available in a digital format. If you would like to receive digital copies (pending availability), please reach out to info@mbmillenniumband.com. Be sure to include your instrument as well as the part you are requesting (e.g. 2nd Clarinet).
When you return your binder at the end of the season, please ensure that parts are in their binder of origin and that pieces are in the correct numerical order (as on the index). This saves our librarian a LOT of time in preparing music for our next season.
Part Assignment
While the binders are assembled by part, you are strongly encouraged to swap parts around.
Firstly, most parts are organised by tessitura (first is the highest, fourth is the lowest, 2nd and 3rd parts move around depending on the instrument and arrangement but generally fall between the outliers). Playing in one narrow register dramatically impacts your stamina. The section as whole will be able to maintain higher quality sound for longer if you’re mixing things up.
Secondly, swapping parts will develop different skill sets and help your own personal musical growth. Each part tends to more frequently play a position in the chord. The way you tune your note changes depending on which note of the chord you play, your musical line partners across the band may be different, your personal dynamic level changes (higher = softer volume), learning to lead a section versus fitting into the section, etc. To sum up, the role of each part is different in subtle ways and being able to adapt to those different roles is also a musical skill to build upon.
Concert-appropriate Wear
Our preferred performance wear is as follows:
- Forest green short-sleeved top*
- Black bottoms
*substitute: long-sleeved forest green, black short-sleeved or long-sleeved top
We do have polo shirts embroidered with the Millennium Band logo available for a cost of $25. If you would like to purchase one, please reach out to info@mbmillenniumband.com to make arrangements. (Announcements will be made at periodic rehearsals). It is not mandatory that you purchase a shirt.
Apart from that, it’s most important that you dress safely for the conditions. We often perform outside, so sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, sandals are all acceptable. If conditions are cool, sweaters/windbreakers are also fine.
Health and Safety
Any conditions that would foreseeably put the band’s health and safety at risk will be carefully assessed prior to going ahead with a performance (especially an outdoor performance). This includes, but is not limited to: high temperatures, air quality issues, severe weather.
As such, it will be important to ensure you check the blog on the day of a performance in case of cancellation. The executive endeavours to ensure cancellations are posted with as much notice as possible.
Concerns or Questions
If you encounter a situation where you need guidance, have a suggestion for efficiency/enjoyment, if something isn’t going well, or if you feel something needs attention or correction, we want to hear about it. This ensemble exists for you and we want everyone to have the best possible experience.
Please feel free to speak with any member of the committee (last names redacted for privacy reasons):
- Elizabeth (conductor)
- Dave (treasurer/percussion)
- Christina (member-at-large, clarinet)
- Bruce (gigs, alto sax)
- Jeff (librarian, trombone)
If you prefer, you can also reach out to us at the info@mbmillenniumband.com email account, which is continually monitored.