Rehearsals & Orchestra Policy

2022-23 season rehearsals began on Sept. 17th. We plan to continue rehearsing on most Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. --12:30 p.m. through to the spring except for a few weeks break over the Christmas holidays. String musicians interested in becoming members of the CCSO are welcome to contact us at: info@cowichancamerata.org .

New members please read the updated orchestra policy:

Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra (CCSO) Information & Policy Statement

Fall-Winter 2022 and Winter-Spring 2023 Terms (Updated Sept. 28, 2022)

This orchestra began in autumn 2006 as an opportunity for string players of varying abilities to gather and produce beautiful music for the community. Commitment to practice and attend rehearsals consistently is expected to achieve best possible performances at end of term concerts. While pandemic public health orders mandating masks, social distancing and vaccinations have currently been dropped, it is still important for everyone’s health and safety to stay home if sick and to maintain good hand hygiene at our gatherings. CCSO Board policy is to follow all public health orders that may arise.

Potential new members are requested to have a meeting with the Music Director (accompanied by a board member if possible) for evaluation purposes to determine readiness to play with the orchestra and whether lessons may be recommended before joining.

Orchestra dues for the 2022 fall-winter and winter-spring indoor sessions have been set at $100/adult and $80/youth (< 19 years of age) per term. Dues provide necessary funds for paying our conductor and covering other operating costs including venue rentals and insurance. Please pay the treasurer before October 15, 2022 and January 31, 2023.

Most rehearsals will be held on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. (in a location TBA). A commitment to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsals (30 minutes before concert performances) is required in order to set up your own chair, music stand and tune up instrument, etc. Members who must miss a rehearsal should notify their section leaders if possible or else the Music Director. Rehearsal audio recordings may be made available to catch up on the Music Director’s instructions. The Music Director reserves the right to inform certain members if they have not attended enough rehearsals and are not sufficiently prepared to perform in concerts with the orchestra. Please mark your calendars for a special weekend of rehearsals and performances on Mayne and Saturna Islands planned for Friday p.m. November 25th through Sunday p.m. Nov 27th. Performance dates have also been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10th at St. Peter’s Quamichan Church Hall in Duncan and Sunday, Dec. 11th at Oceanview Church in Ladysmith.

Ongoing operations of the orchestra are handled by an elected or appointed board of directors. Please consider serving on the board of directors. Our website www.cowichancamerata.org and Facebook page Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra are periodically updated with information including upcoming concerts. Those interested in joining are welcome to contact us at info@cowichancamerata.org . Your signature below indicates that you agree to abide by the orchestra policies outlined above, that you assume any risks of participating and that you are aware that rehearsals and concerts may be recorded (audio and visual) for learning purposes and publicity.

Email: _____________________________________________________. Cell Phone #: __________________________.

____________________________________________ (print member name). Home Phone #: _____________________.

________________________________________ (signature of member/guardian). Date: _______________________.