| 1. |
Who
can play in the orchestra?
The
Colleges of the Fenway Orchestra is open
to students, faculty, staff, and alumni
from the six colleges of the The
Colleges of the Fenway Consortium.
If you are interested in auditioning for
the orchestra, please let
us know.
top
 |
| 2. |
Are
there auditions?
Yes,
the COF is open by auditions, which are
held at the beginning of each academic
year. However, we do have openings throughout
the year, so please contact us at any
time in you’re interested in joining
us. Those who do not participate in the
orchestra are highly encouraged to participate
in a chamber
group.
top
|
| 3. |
What
are the audition requirements?
The Colleges of the Fenway Orchestra is open to qualified students, staff and faculty by audition.
Friendly, painless auditions are held for all instruments in September of each academic year to ensure that
all members are able to meet the challenges of the orchestra’s repertoire.
Additional auditions may be held at other times during the year depending upon current openings.
Returning orchestra members do not need to re-audition.
Audition Requirements:
--A short solo piece or excerpt from solo or ensemble
repertoire of your choice
--Major scales to 3 sharps/3 flats
--Sight-reading
COF Orchestra members are expected to:
--Have some experience playing in an orchestra, band, or
other instrumental ensemble
--Have adequate sight-reading skills
--Demonstrate clear intonation, articulation, phrasing and tone
--Demonstrate general musicianship
--Practice regularly between rehearsals
--Attend rehearsal regularly
--Perform at all concerts
top
|
| 4. |
What
level of proficiency is required to be
in the orchestra?
Interested
instrumentalists should have at least
an intermediate level of proficiency on
their instrument. Previous ensemble experience
is required, however if an individual
has an acceptable level of proficiency
on their instrument without ensemble experience
they may be able to join. The decision
is at the discretion of the orchestra
director and may require an audition.
top
|
| 5. |
I’d
like to take lessons on my instrument
while I’m at school. Where can I
do that?
Simmons
students can cross-register with the New
England Conservatory of Music, which is
close by. Other students should contact
the Community Education Division of New
England Conservatory of Music or the Longy
School of Music (Cambridge); both offer
a wide array of lessons and are open to
people of all levels.
top
|
| 6. |
I’m
a pianist. Is there an opportunity for
me to play with the orchestra?
Unfortunately, there are currently no openings for pianists. Please check our web site periodically for
updates as we will post our needs on-line.
top
|
| 7. |
What
type of music does the orchestra play?
The
Colleges of the Fenway Orchestra performs an eclectic array of music from the
standard European orchestral tradition, popular culture and contemporary works.
Please go to the orchestra web page to view some of the recent
concert programs.
top
|
| 8. |
How
many concerts does the orchestra perform?
The
COF orchestra currently performs two concerts,
one in the fall semester and one in the
spring. In the future, more performances
may be added.
View
concert information.
top
|
| 9. |
Where
and when does the orchestra rehearse?
The
location and exact day (usually Thursday) is determined at the beginning
of each year and is based on the availability of several locations. During the week
of the concert there may be an extra rehearsal.
Rehearsals
for Fall 2007 will take place beginning Thursday, September 27th at 6:30
at Wheelock College, 43 Hawes St., Ladd Room. The orchestra
will rehearse every Thursday unless otherwise
scheduled.
top
|
| 10. |
I’d
like to play in the orchestra, but I’m
very busy with school. Can I do both?
We
understand how busy people are. We do
require all musicians to attend rehearsals
regularly, but we do take exam schedules
into consideration. Your years at college
are good ones in which to learn how to
integrate music into your life. Even if
you aren't pursuing music professionally,
music can still play an important part
in your education and will hopefully be
something you continue your whole life.
top
|
| 11. |
What
other opportunities are available to me
if I am not in the orchestra?
The
Colleges of the Fenway Orchestra maintains
a database of consortium musicians. The
orchestra web page contains a message
board in order to help musicians find
someone to play with. We are available
to help musicians connect with each other
and encourage the formation of chamber
groups. Soloists and chamber groups interested
in performing can talk to the orchestra
director or personnel manager for assistance.
Take a look at the other COF performing ensembles, as well. If you are interested in a jazz band, please contact Ray Fahrner, Director of the Office of Performing Arts.
View
the message board. [Message
Board Instructions]
top
|
| 12. |
How
do I join the orchestra?
A
sign-up night for the orchestra takes
place in early September and is held at
one of the consortium colleges. Fill out
the form on our
web page and check the web page for details
regarding the date, location, and time
of the orchestra sign up night.
top
|
