Dues

One of Redwood Symphony's strengths is its members' tradition of generous financial support. We request a donation of $200 per player: $50 in required annual dues supplemented by an additional $150 donation. This contribution level may be beyond the means of some players; we hope that other players will consider a more generous donation to help bridge this gap. We also urge orchestra members to explore their employers' matching charitable donation programs. All dues and donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions.*

We accept payment by check (at rehearsal) and PayPal.
  See detailed instructions for paying by PayPal.

* That is, if you pay the $50 require dues and an additional $150 as a donation, the entire $200 amount is tax-deductible. Note: We believe this information is accurate, but use of any information from this site is for general information only and does not represent personal tax advice either express or implied. You are encouraged to seek professional tax advice for personal income tax questions and assistance.

Attendance

Please note that the following is not a rigid limit. It is simply meant to be a set of useful guidelines for members to know what is acceptable for maintaining our playing quality. As always, the ideal is for everyone to make all rehearsals and concerts, on time.

Upper limit* on missed rehearsals:

• Strings: seven absences per season. Winds/percussion: five absences per season

Upper limit* on missed sets per season:

• Two

* The above limits obviously don't apply to sets or rehearsals for which a member isn't needed.

 Additionally:

• More than one absence in a set is excessive. In the event this happens, the Music Director has the right to drop the Member from the set if it is determined that the quality of the performance may markedly suffer.
• EVERYONE is required for the dress rehearsal, no exceptions. This is perhaps the most important rule of our organization.
• Winds and percussion have an obligation to obtain subs and to get their music to rehearsals.
• All musicians are requested to give notice of a missed set at the earliest possible time, to facilitate the obtaining of a sub.  Before each set, the rehearsal schedule is sent out with an R.S.V.P. request for those not playing; please respond quickly so that Eric has adequate time to properly staff each section.
• In the event that a player is dropped in the middle of a set because of excessive absences, both the absences and the missed set will be recorded, because of the grave inconvenience this causes the orchestra. In these cases, it is usually too late to replace string players, and the subs found for wind and percussion players are rarely as good as the originals.
• Players who have temporary personal issues (illness, pregnancy, travel, etc.) may take a leave of absence without incurring any penalty.

Tardies

Members are requested to arrive at least ten minutes before the start of rehearsal. Percussionists may require up to a half hour. Members who are tardy (in their seats after rehearsal has started) will be requested to bring refreshments for the following week or to come one half hour early to help set up chairs and stands.

Please contact the Orchestra Manager if you'd like an update on your attendance record. It might be a good idea to keep your own records as well.

When members exceed the above limits, a dialogue will be initiated with the Music Director.

Social Expectations

• Any personality conflict issues should be brought to the Music Director’s attention quickly.
• Please remain after rehearsals and performances to help put away equipment, chairs and stands.
• Volunteer at least once a season to bring rehearsal goodies.
• Try to sell tickets; put out the word on Redwood Symphony via Facebook, YouTube, Yelp, etc