Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't played in some time. Can I still join?
The band is open to players of any skill level. Though we often play quite difficult music and things can go by rather quickly for some members whose skill may be somewhat limited, don't feel intimidated. We feel that an important purpose of this band is that it serve as a learning experience for everyone.
We only ask that you be aware of your own limitations and use good judgement regarding what you can and cannot play. During rehearsals, play everything and try your best, but on performances we ask that you not attempt to play those parts that are beyond your ability. This band is large ennough and we have many fine musicians, so all the parts will be well covered.
Are there auditions?
No. All you have to do is show up with your instrument and be willing to do your best.
What kind of music do you play?
We try to play as much music that is specifically written for band as we can. We tend not to play many orchestral transcriptions or popular music, except on special occations. We try to play new music and often have premiered new pieces. We have developed close relations with many top composers and arrangers and often receive new works before formal publication. For a list of recent music, check our Past Programs list.
How do I get music?
For your first rehearsal, please find someone to share a music stand with. After the rehearsal, locate your section leader and ask that they prepare you a folder for the next rehearsal. If your section leader is not there, check and see if anyone else in the section can make you a folder. If that fails, ask the director.
How long are the rehearsals?
We start with a downbeat at 7:00 PM sharp (try to be on time) and rehearse until 9:30 PM. There are no breaks. Socializing usually takes place at a local resturant or watering hole on an informal basis after rehearsals.
Where do you perform?
We do not have a single venue for our performances. Many of our concerts are part of various concert series presented by local church and arts organizations and take place at at their selected locations.
We regularly perform at the following: Foundry United Methodist Church and St. Timothy Lutheran Church in northwest Houston - Missouri City First United Methodits Church in southwest Houston - The Kinkaid School in the Spring Branch-Memorial area.
How many concerts do you play?
It varies from year to year. Typically anywhere between 6-10 per year.
There seems to be quite a few people in the band who play my instrument. Should I wait for an openning in that section?
No. Come and play. We do not strive to be a wind ensemble with one or two people per part. Much of the character of our band which sets it apart from many other groups is its big band sound. Occationally we may be overbalanced in a section, but usually by performance time, individual scheduling conflicts often solves this problem with no intervension. We may, on occation, ask, on various soft passages within a particular piece, that section play with only one or two perons to a part.
If I come, where should I sit?
We ask that a new members sit at the end of the sections, regardless of how well he/she may play. Once you have been here a while, you will have had sufficient opportunity to let your skill be known and appropriate adjustments to the section order may then occur. We place a high value on dependability and expect that our top musicians not only be able to play well, but attend rehearsals regularly and play most of our concerts.
How are chair assignments made?
We tend to leave this issue up to the members of each section and allow them to make such decisions among themselves. Experence has shown that the better players are readily recognized and will have sufficient opportuny to move up within each section (maybe not as quickly as they would like). We also believe it is important that the second and third parts are covered by skilled players and that not all the best players be on first. We therefore encourage rotation between sections.
Chair placement is not based solely on tehchnical ability. How long you have been with the band and how dependable you have been in attending rehearsals and performances plays a significant role.
What do you wear for concerts?
We play both formal and casual concerts, but in recent years, the number of formal concerts has significantly outnumbered casual concerts. Our formal concerts are concert black - meaning tuxedo for men (black tie, no tails) and long black for women [see Concert Dress page] . Although we have had many tee-shirts/golf-shirts made with various Houston Symphonic Band logos and emblems made over the years, we do not require any such outfits be worn at any concerts.
Do I need to buy a tuxedo (men) or a formal long black dress (women)?
It would probably be a good idea, but if you don't have or can't afford them, don't feel pressured. Check around and see if you can borrow formal attire when it is required. Sometimes, at the director's discretion, close may be good enough (e.g. dark jacket and dark long tie), but when we really need formal, you may need to rent an outfit for a performance.
If I can't attend a performance, may I still come to rehearsals?
Yes! Please do. The purpose of the band is to give you an opportunity to play. We only ask that you let us know if you cannot make a concert so we can arrange that all parts are sufficiently covered.
Can high school students join?
One of the primary purposes of the Houston Symphonic Band is to provide adults the oportunity to continue their musical interests after high school or college. Since most high school students already have a band or orchestra where they can perform, we do not generally encourage high school students to join. Also younger students often feel out of place in an organization geared toward the interests of adults.
With that said, students are welcome if recomended by a current band member and are approved by the director.
Can college students join?
We have always allowed college students to join without prior approval or recomendation, but as with high school students, the Houston Symphonic Band is primarily an adult organization designed to give adult members of the community a resource to continue and advance their musical interests. We also know that college is demanding of a student's time and a student's ability to attend rehearsals and performances with any regularity are often significantly impaired. We therefore encourage all students to take advantage of the performance opportunities available at their respective schools.
For those who can make to time to attend rehearsals and performances on a regular basis, our group can serve as an important addition to the college student's musical education.