Rehearsals & Concerts Orchestra Policy

• For our 2024-25 season we begin rehearsals September 21st and continue on most Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through winter into the spring, except for a short break over the Christmas holidays.

• Winter concert dates January 18th & 19th, 2025.  Spring concert dates are yet to be finalized.

• String musicians of all ages interested in becoming members of the CCSO are welcome to contact us at: info@cowichancamerata.org .

Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra (CCSO) Information & Policy Statement for the 2024-25 Season

 (Updated Sept. 19, 2024)

This orchestra began in autumn 2006 as an opportunity for string players of varying abilities from a wide range of ages to gather and produce beautiful music for the community. Commitment is expected of each member to practice and attend rehearsals consistently to achieve best possible performances together at end-of- term concerts. If sick with fever or other symptoms of communicable disease, please stay home until feeling better. Any possible future public health orders affecting gatherings must be followed by our organization.

Those interested in membership 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 2024 fall-winter and 2025 winter-spring 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, 2024, and February 15, 2025, for the respective term's dues.

Regular rehearsals will be held on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. in the Duncan area. A commitment to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsals (30 minutes before concert performances) is required 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 assist with learning and to review the Music Director’s instructions. The conductor 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. Performance dates are set for Saturday afternoon, January 18th, 2025, at Duncan United Church, and Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at Providence Farm Chapel. Spring concert dates are being planned for around late April 2025, dates and venues TBA.

Ongoing operations of the orchestra are handled by an elected or appointed board of directors. Please consider serving on the board of directors for a two-year term. 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 . Please sign below indicating 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.

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