2024-25 Musician Handbook: Rehearsal Basics

What should I bring to each rehearsal?

• Music stand
• Instrument
• Music and folder (distributed at the first rehearsal)
• Any necessary accessories (bow, strings, rosin, mute, rock stop, mouthpieces, reeds, etc.)
• Sharpened pencil with a good eraser

Printed Music

All music distributed throughout the season is the property of GTCYS and must be returned at the end of the season – no exceptions. Parts are reused from season to season – you may be playing from a part that was used in the first GTCYS season in 1972!

GTCYS members are responsible for the condition of their music and folder and will be charged a fee if these items are lost or willfully damaged. This fee varies by orchestra and is typically $35. If parts are damaged during the season through normal usage (broken spine, loose pages) please contact your Rehearsal Assistant or GTCYS’ librarian directly so that the part can be properly repaired or replaced if necessary.

All members are required to bring their own pencil and eraser to every rehearsal. It is an important part of the orchestral experience to learn how to mark orchestra parts (bowing, breathing marks, articulations, fingerings, tempo changes, etc.). Lightly mark music with plain pencil only, and never use ink or colored pencils. Any marks in the music other than plain pencil will result in replacement fees.

Safety

GTCYS’ staff is present at all activities, but we cannot always control the presence of outside guests at our host venues. Accordingly, we encourage parents and students to monitor and report any unusual guests or behavior to our staff.

For Percussionists in All Orchestras

All percussionists must bring the following equipment to the first rehearsal of the semester. Percussion equipment for subsequent rehearsals and concerts will be determined by you and your conductor.

• Snare drum with case and stand
• Snare drum sticks
• Timpani mallets (1 pair, felt: general purpose)
• Bell/Xylophone mallets (1 pair: plastic)
• A-440 tuning fork or pitch pipe (Philharmonic and Symphony percussionists should use tuning fork)
• Small black hand towel (for holding mallets on metal stands at rehearsal)

Philharmonic and Symphony percussionists should also bring their own:

• Timpani mallets (at least 2 pairs, including general purpose and staccato)
• Yarn mallets (1 pair, general purpose)
• Triangle beaters
• Wire brushes (if needed)

Additionally, all percussionists will need to bring their own bell set (glockenspiel) with stand for Spring Festival. If you have questions about any of the items on this list, please ask your private teacher, school music director, or email jessica@gtcys.org.

A percussion coach will assist your section at several rehearsals throughout the season. Please refer to your Season Schedule for accurate Percussion Coaching dates. Inform your Rehearsal Assistant at least a month in advance if you anticipate missing such a rehearsal.