Ithaca Concert Band

The Ithaca Concert Band is a non-profit volunteer organization whose members share a common interest of making music together throughout the community. Band members are adults from all walks of life: physicist, social worker, teacher, machinist, ornithologist, orthodontist, engineer, carpenter, homemaker, veterinarian, credit analyst, graphic artist and accountant.

Attendance

All band members are expected to attend rehearsals regularly. This is especially true of dress rehearsals (the rehearsal immediately preceding any concert). To be eligible to play in a concert, you must attend the dress rehearsal and at least one of the two rehearsals immediately preceding the dress rehearsal. Exceptions may be made only by the conductor, whose decision shall be final.

It is the band member’s responsibility to notify his or her section leader about any planned absences. Remember, your music folder must be at the rehearsal even in your absence, so plan accordingly. If you must miss a concert, notify your section leader as soon as possible so arrangements can be made to see that your part is adequately covered.

Concerts

CONCERT SCHEDULE: The concert schedule will be arranged and shared in advance of the concert dates. The tentative summer schedule will be announced the first week of June or earlier. When performance opportunities arise on short notice, the membership will be polled as to their availability. The board will then issue a decision based on the interest shown.

CONCERT ATTENDANCE: Members unable to perform in a concert must notify their section leader as soon as possible thereby enabling their part to be covered.

SET UP: All members are required to help with setting up and transporting of equipment. During the summer, a sign-up sheet will be posted at rehearsals. 

CONCERT VENUES: Our outdoor concerts require special planning by all members. Everyone should wear clothing appropriate for the weather and bring items such as water, sunglasses, and hats, as needed.

CONCERT PROGRAMS: Our concert programs are chosen by the conductor. Suggestions are always welcome.

CONCERT DRESS:

Winter Concerts: 
    Men: "tuxedo look" (tuxedo or dark suit with bow tie, white shirt), black shoes. 
    Women: Black blouse with black skirt or slacks, or black dress, black shoes.

Summer Concerts: 
    Men and women: White ICB polo shirt (available for purchase), white short-sleeve shirt or blouse, black slacks, shorts, or skirt, appropriate shoes. 

CONCERT PROCEDURE: Members should arrive at the concert location to allow time to unpack, warm up and become acclimated. Members usually need to be on stage 30 minutes before curtain time so the band can tune and warm up on stage. Extraneous noise and talking should be kept to a minimum. Members should check to see that music is in the proper order and necessary accessories (reading glasses, mutes, reeds, clothespins, etc.) are present. The concertmaster (first chair clarinet) gives the cue to stand and face the audience when the conductor enters. During the concert, stay alert – anything can happen or change. Watch the conductor. If the conductor motions for soloists or the entire band to stand, do so quickly being sure to face the audience and smile.