1. Definition

• Membership application is open to anyone over the age of 18 who shares the same goal as given in the mission statement.
• Membership consists of two categories:

1. Active performing member: One who is selected for any given specific concert planned.
   
2. Supporting member: One who may not participate in a specified concert, but wishes to participate in future concerts. They will be informed of all updates of current and future plans.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent through email. Membership in both categories is complete upon full payment of both the application fee and active performing member fee.

2. Selection

• The selection committee has sole responsibility for the following functions:

1. Selection of both active performing members and supporting members from the pool of applicants.
2. Appointment of the principal chairs in the woodwind and brass sections and leadership of each string section including the concertmaster.
3. Seating assignment in the string sections.

• The selection committee may consult outside professional musicians for appropriate guidance if needed.
  
• While instrumental skill is a very important factor for the selection of membership, other factors also may be considered in the selection process so that our mission can be accomplished.
  
• The selection committee consists of five personnel:

1. One string section coaching staff
2. One woodwind-brass section coaching staff
3. One active performing member
4. One choral director or choral coach
5. Music Director

3. Selection Process

• This will be done at the time of the application process.

  • General performing members (active performing or supporting member):

    • General selection process will be contingent upon the self-assessment description provided by the applicant. In addition to the application, the following information for the objective assessment of your skill for is required:

      • A online video link (i.e. YouTube) of any musical performance approximately 10 minutes in length. Can be a solo performance or a group performance (please identify the performance role).

  • Seating will be evaluated based on the online video link submissions and will be determined by the Music Director and the Selection Committee.

4. Dues

• To encourage participation from diverse groups of people, we would like to keep membership dues to a minimum. Nevertheless, we have to ask for dues to assist in covering the cost of operation. The funding committee is working meticulously to maximize corporate and municipal support, but it is a very difficult time to do because of the economic climate. Looking ahead to the future, we would also like to establish financial aid for those in need of such assistance. The unique aspect of our group is the number and extent of the involvement of professional coaches providing a function similar to a music workshop.
• After much consideration, the following dues system was established for both orchestral and choir members:
  

5. Initial Application Fee

• $50.00
• This is one time non-refundable fee for all applicants.

6. Coaching Staff

The coaching staff is a group of professional musicians with the highest level of accomplishment in both performance and teaching. They will assist members in the capacity of providing musical guidance. This includes the selection of members, seating assignment, programming, markings in the parts, instrumental and vocal technical analysis for orchestral and choral ensemble, leading section rehearsals and active participation in the concert performance. The professional coaching staff meeting will ensure the uniformity of the section rehearsals to attain the highest level of orchestral and choral performance. In the case of choir members, we are in the process of negotiating so that soloists in the 9th symphony will also take part as coaches. In other words, the coaches will take a very active role similar to that of a music workshop or camp. Coaching staff will be selected by the music director and will be compensated for their professional services.