Membership
You can now renew your membership or join the CCO. Musician members and non-playing members are welcome. To renew your membership or to become a member you must: complete an application for membership (form attached), sign a Media Consent (form attached), and pay fees. You can return your forms by email to emitchell1727@gmail.com or give them to a Door Volunteer at a rehearsal. Potential musician members can attend two trial rehearsals before they need to make a decision about joining, and their fees become due.
Other things you need to know:
(i) Fees - a small increase since last year. $120 before the December concert (3 concerts), $80 between January and the March concert (2 concerts), and $40 from March 24 to the June concert (1 concert). Students pay one half of this amount. Financial hardship should never interfere with being welcomed into the CCO community - please email or speak to the Chair if you need a reduction or waiver: emitchell1727@gmail.com
(ii) Paying fees - first choice: pay your fees by e-transfer to treasurer@ccorchestra.org, Please include a note with your e-transfer saying “Membership fees for _______________(your name”. Fees can also be paid by cheque or cash to the Door Volunteer or any Director you see at the rehearsals;
(iii) Membership Application - required (attached). Please give to a Door Volunteer;
(iv) Media Consent Form - required (attached). Please give to a Door Volunteer;
(v) The CCO’s Vaccination Policy and its COVID Safety Policy are currently in abeyance. For now, the Door Volunteers will not check vaccination status and face masks are strongly recommended, not required. A surge of infections is expected in the fall - musicians should self-monitor and not attend rehearsals if they are ill or have symptoms. The Door Volunteer will have extra masks.
Code of Conduct
Individuals have the right to be treated with respect, fairness and dignity in the orchestra. The orchestra will endeavour at all times to provide a safe, healthy and inclusive environment, which is supportive and productive participation and engagement in advancing the objectives of the organization and our LGBTQIA+ community. The orchestra will also be supportive of the personal goals, dignity and self-esteem of every person in the orchestra.
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In addition, every member has a right to freedom from harassment and discrimination by any orchestra staff, offices of the organization or by another member. Anyone who believes they have experienced harassment or discrimination are encouraged to immediately discuss the situation in complete confidence with any Director of the Board. A conflict resolution process is fully described in the orchestra bylaws.
In adopting these values, we strengthen the culture of our organization and reinforce its values.
The Board of Directors is voted on at the Annual General Meeting on an annual basis and is comprised of both orchestra members and community members. Minutes of the Board meetings will be shared with members, and any member is welcome to attend Board meetings.
Rehearsals
Playing members are expected to attend all rehearsals. Regular rehearsals are usually held at the 519 Church Street Community Center from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p. m.
Any member who misses more than three rehearsals for any concert may be asked not to play the concert. It is preferable that a substitute is brought in for any rehearsal that is missed. Section heads are responsible for assembling a list of all players in their section who will be playing each concert so that the complete list of names can be included in the program.
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If you know you will be unable to play a concert, please let your section head know as soon as possible.
A reminder: please do not wear any scents (such as perfume or cologne) during rehearsals or the concerts.
Concerts & Concert Dress
CCO has three concerts per year.
On concert night please arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert. We have a single dress rehearsal on Friday directly before the concert. these will be held at the concert venue at 7 p.m.
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Classically, orchestral concert dress followed either an “all black” or a “black and white” for men. Given our history, however, you may choose either style of dress, as you prefer. Our goal is twofold – we’d like you to be comfortable and we want CCO to look smartly dressed.
Ticket
Ticket sales are a vital part of the orchestra’s financial viability. Every member is required to buy two tickets, at $20 per ticket, for each of the three concerts. The idea, of course, is to sell or gift these on to relatives and friends.
Volunteering
Your orchestra is almost completely run by volunteers, and we need your help! Maybe you know a community member who might like to volunteer? You don’t need to be a member to help out the CCO. Here are some ways in which you, or someone you know, could volunteer to help CCO:
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Personnel Manager: keeps a roster of players and coordinates searches for concert subs.
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Production Manager: coordinates front of house activities during a concert.
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Marketing and Social Media: creates a buzz about upcoming concerts.
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Secretary to the Board: produces minutes of Board meetings.
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Sponsor/donor care: communicates with and keeps track of donors and sponsors.
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Volunteer Coordinate: keeps a roster of volunteers and arranges for them to help out, particularly on concert night.
Your orchestra depends on volunteers. Please speak with us about how you might help out with even a small amount of your valuable time.
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We are also looking for Volunteers who will act as ushers and ticket-takers for the 2022 December 10 concert.