For the members and families of the United Strings of Color ensembles.

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Welcome to the United Strings of Color organization. Our success depends on a joint effort between the Director, coaches, musicians, and parents.  Please take time to become familiar with the contents of this handbook, as it will contain valuable information that you will need throughout the year.  Acceptance into a United Strings of Color ensembles comes with responsibilities, and we depend on musicians and their families to be fully informed.

 

The United Strings of Color is unique in our geographic area because we concentrate on learning and performing music by African diaspora composers. While learning musical skills, our participants also explore the historical contexts that provide a broader meaning to this music. There are no fees required to participate, but we do require a strong commitment to rehearsals and agreed-upon performances.

 

The program includes a weekly commitment of a rehearsal or performance which are scheduled, as much as possible, at a consistent time. On occasion, performances may be at a different time or day of the week. Performances are scheduled after everyone agrees that their schedule allows them to participate.

 

This handbook will cover:

• Responsibilities of membership including attendance

• Concert Dress

• Volunteering

 

Membership

Membership is open to African diaspora musicians 21 years of age, or younger, with enough skill on the violin, viola or cello to be able to hold their own playing one on a part. Ability to read music is essential. To organize groups of similar skill-level musicians, a video audition will be required once per season.

 

Responsibilities

1. Each member is expected to be a good representative of United Strings of Color whenever participating in an USC ensemble activity. This includes behavior during breaks as well as before, and after rehearsals and concerts. 

2. Absences and conflicts must be reported to the Director as soon as you become aware of them.

3. Each member, and their family, is expected to read e-mail and text messages for pertinent news information.  

4. Each member should own a portable music stand and bring it, upon request, with his/her name on each piece.

5. All members are responsible for practicing at home and seeking help from a private teacher, if possible, to learn their individual parts.

 

Attendance Policy

A music ensemble is a collective effort requiring every member’s full participation. The absence of one person affects the entire group. All musicians are responsible to their colleagues, themselves, and ultimately to the music itself. A serious commitment to the ensemble will ensure a quality musical experience for all its members.  The following guidelines are followed to accommodate unavoidable conflicts such as illness, death in the family, required school performances, and established religious holidays.

 

1. Members shall have no more than two absences per semester.

2. If a member accumulates more than four absences during the season, his/her membership in the ensemble will be reviewed and may result in termination.

3. No one will be excused from a concert unless it is for severe illness or death in the family.

4. It is the responsibility of members to notify the Director as soon as they are aware of conflicts with rehearsals and concerts.

5. Members will make every effort to be on time to rehearsals.

 

Concert Dress

1. For formal concerts, the dress is all-black.

2. For informal concerts, the dress will be USC tee shirts, purchased by families at cost from USC, and uniform bottoms such as jeans with no rips or holes, or shorts.

3. A mutual decision between ensemble coaches, or the Director, will be made prior to concerts to determine the appropriate dress.

 

Volunteer Needs

1. Parent Liaison: Person who will help keep communication strong between the members of the group, the Director, and the regular coach.

2. Concert Equipment: Volunteer to help with transportation and set-up and/or tear down of concert equipment, as needed.