The Orchestra Year

Our season runs from late August through March or April and is divided into two semesters (fall and spring). Students auditioning for the fall semester do not need to reaudition for the spring semester. Additional students may join mid-year for the spring semester as orchestra openings permit. Students are expected to continue their instrumental study while in the orchestra.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons 1:30pm-5:00pm at the Encino Community Center (4935 Balboa Blvd, Encino, CA 91316).

Except in the case of illness, permission to miss rehearsal must be obtained at least two weeks in advance. In order to participate in the concert, at most two rehearsals will be excused in a single semester.

First Rehearsal and Potluck

The first rehearsal of each semester includes a Potluck and general meeting which all parents, faculty, staff, board members and students should plan to attend. 

Mandatory Dress Rehearsal

The “dress” rehearsal, which takes place one week before the first concert of each semester, is a regular rehearsal except that attendance is mandatory for every orchestra member. (No special clothing is required.)

Performances

We usually give two performances at the end of each semester and occasionally schedule additional special performances.

Attendance at every scheduled performance is mandatory for each orchestra member.

Performance Attire

Concert Attire: ALL BLACK

• Semi formal attire – solid black, no patterns
• TOPS: Black shirt or blouse (long sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve)
• BOTTOMS: Black pants or skirt, or black ankle-length dress
• SHOES: Black closed-toe dress shoes
• Optional: Black jacket and/or black tie
• NO t-shirts, casual shirts, black jeans, jeggings or leggings
• NO sandals, flip-flops or other casual shoes and no bare legs
• NO excessive jewelry or accessories