ABOUT THE BAND
Established in 1981, the Baltimore Symphonic Band, in residence at the Community College of Baltimore County – Essex Campus, utilizes the skills and talents of an all-volunteer membership to provide its audiences with the opportunity to hear quality band music ranging from marches to symphonic works. Musicians of all ages with a variety of musical backgrounds are provided with the opportunity to broaden and apply their musical performance skills. They participate in the band out of the love of playing and performing music.
The Band has performed all over the state of Maryland, including the Baltimore Inner Harbor Concert Series, the Bel Air Concert Series, the Aberdeen Concert Series, the Havre de Grace Concert Series, Charlestown Retirement Community, Oak Crest Village, Riderwood Village and at St. Joseph’s Church. In June of 2008, 2005 and 1999, the band embarked on international tours which included Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia, where it performed several concerts. In the role of community service programs, the band performs annually at Spring Grove Hospital, and at various neighborhood festivals throughout the area. The Band is a major participant and organizer of the Annual Maryland Community Band Day.
Under the musical direction of Christopher Wolfe, the band rehearses once a week from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. For additional information about the Band, see the website at www.baltimoresymphonicband.org. Anyone interested in attending a rehearsal should contact the Music Office at 443-840-1536 for additional information.
BALTIMORE SYMPHONIC BAND MISSION
The mission of the Baltimore Symphonic Band is to provide a quality community band in the Baltimore area –
one that allows for the musical growth of its members who are dedicated to making positive contributions to the musical environment. The Baltimore Symphonic Band seeks to reaffirm the concept of community bands in American music.
THE CONDUCTOR
Familiar to Baltimore audiences as assistant principal clarinetist and former conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Christopher A. Wolfe was educated at Peabody, where he studied both clarinet and conducting. His conducting teachers have included Haszlo Halasz and Leon Barzin. In 1982 Christopher Wolfe took second prize in the National Conducting Competition in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He has also won the C.D. Jackson and Albert Spaulding “Outstanding Musician” awards at Tanglewood.
In his capacity as founder and conductor of the Baltimore Symphonic Band, Mr. Wolfe feels very strongly that this musical ensemble exemplifies the essence of the community college concept, and has worked to foster continued growth and development in keeping with this objective.
EXPECTATIONS OF ALL MEMBERS
A. PLACEMENT
Individual Placement in the band depends on the need for the instrument, the member’s musical ability, and the member’s regular attendance at rehearsals and performances. The music director shall make all placements based upon the above criteria.
B. REHEARSALS
- All band members are expected to attend every rehearsal. When a member has to miss a rehearsal, a call or email must be made to the personnel manager and music director prior to the missed rehearsal. Attendance will be taken.
- Members are expected to be in their seats and ready for the first downbeat promptly at 7:30 p.m. Individual warm-ups should be conducted before this time.
- Members shall refrain from social talking while the conductor is on the podium. Quiet discussion about the music may be conducted during rehearsal.
- Members are expected to tap their toes inside their shoes rather than stomping their feet, and count to themselves.
- Members should take their music folders home after rehearsals in order to practice the music. Great care should be taken with the music to keep it in good condition and in the correct folder.
- If a member unexpectedly has to miss the next rehearsal, all attempts should be made to forward the music to that rehearsal.
- If members arrive late, they should be conscious about entering the seating at an appropriate time.
- Proper playing posture should be observed at all times.
- Members must attend at least two of the last three rehearsals prior to a performance.
C. PERFORMANCES
- The band performs classical symphonic band literature, concert band music, pops music, and holiday tunes at a variety of venues year round.
- All band members are expected to be at all concerts, ON TIME, throughout the year. Attendance will be taken.
- If a member is unable to attend a concert, the member should let the personnel manager and music director know (well in advance) as soon as s/he is aware of the conflict.
- If a member is unable to attend a concert, the member must make certain that the music is present.
- Members shall be in proper uniform according to the performance style.
- Members shall refrain from talking during the concert.
- Members shall refrain from extemporaneous playing on stage. Individual tuning shall be done off-stage. Only full-band tuning will be allowed on stage.
- Members shall refrain from tapping their feet and counting out loud while playing in a concert.
- Members shall refrain from waving to the audience from the stage and from any other conspicuous movements that would detract from the performance.
- Members shall stand and face the audience to acknowledge the audience’s applause when directed to do so by the concertmaster.
- Full attention shall be given to the conductor during a concert.
- Music shall be in concert order. Music should not be advanced until the band is seated after the audience’s applause.
- Cases will not be left on the stage during a performance. Only appropriate accessories are allowed.
- Proper playing posture shall be observed at all times. The section managers will determine a uniform rest position for the section.
D. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- When an individual takes a leave of absence for an extended period of time, s/he must inform the director, personnel manager, and section manager of this leave well in advance (if it is a planned leave and not an emergency).
- Upon his/her return, the member must contact the music director, personnel manager, and section manager to see if there is a vacancy in the section.
- Upon conferring with the section manager, the conductor will inform the individual whether or not there is a vacancy and when it would be best for him/her to return to the band.
E. UNIFORMS
FORMAL CONCERT DRESS
| Men | Women |
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CASUAL CONCERT DRESS
| Men | Women |
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* Casual dress – shirts are to worn tucked in.
** Accessories, perfume, and cologne should be kept to a minimum.
F. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The Office of Special Services provides support services and reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The Office offers an array of services that are geared to the individual’s unique needs and disability. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Special Services for an appointment, allowing staff ample opportunity to respond to the special service needs of the individual.
Services include the following:
- Sign Language Interpreters
- Readers
- Notetakers
- Brailled, taped or large print materials
- Adaptive equipment and assistive technology
- Study assistance
- Wheelchair and access assistance
- Academic advising
- Career planning assistance
- Information on tuition waivers
- Liaison with outside agencies
The Office of Special Services is located on the first floor of the Social Sciences/Human Development Building. For more information call 410-780-6741 or 410-238-4601 (TTY). (CCBC Essex LearningFirst)
G. MISCELLANEOUS RESPONSIBILITIES
Band members are expected to participate in Band fundraising activities.