Huron Symphony Orchestra

Guide for Musicians

This information is for persons who play with the Huron Symphony. Please take a few minutes to read this information and direct any questions you might have to any Symphony Board Members who play in the orchestra. Those Board Members are: Pat Erickson, Beth Neitzert and Julie Czmowski.

The Huron Symphony is a community symphony in its best sense. Orchestra members are drawn from Huron and surrounding communities. In addition, the orchestra is supplemented on concert dates by musicians from Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Watertown and other locations. These “import” players do not attend regular weekly rehearsals, but only attend the dress rehearsal and the concert.

NEW MUSICIANS

The Huron Symphony welcomes and encourages new participants. Musicians who are interested in playing with the Symphony should contact a Symphony Board Member (a list of their names and phone numbers appears at the end of this information) or conductor Hans Peterson at the following email address: Hans.Peterson@k12.sd.us

REHEARSALS

The Symphony’s regular rehearsal schedule is Monday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., in the band room at the Huron High School. As we have a limited number of rehearsals, members should make the commitment to attend all rehearsals. Wind players need to be at rehearsals as their parts are solos. If they know they are going to be absent from a number of rehearsals we need to make arrangements with an import player to perform with the group.

Dress rehearsals are held the date of the concert. For Sunday afternoon concerts, the dress rehearsal is scheduled for 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with the concert at 4:00 p.m. For concerts on other days, the conductor will announce the dress rehearsal and concert schedule well in advance.

In the event a rehearsal is canceled due to bad weather, local radio stations will be alerted and will broadcast the cancellation. You may also contact Hans Peterson if you need to find out whether rehearsal has been canceled.

CONCERTS

Concert attire is all black clothing. During the concert, players should not bring purses or other personal articles to their seat with them. Doing so presents an unattractive look to the audience. Players should not place music on the floor of the performing area during the concert. If extra sheets of music are not to be used, they should be left off stage.

MUSIC

The Huron Symphony utilizes music which it owns and occasionally rents music for a concert. Therefore, it is vital that those persons who have original copies of music return that music immediately after the concert. Please leave all music, including photocopies, on your stand after the concert and it will be collected and sorted.

SYMPHONY FUNDING

The Huron Symphony, like most community symphonies, must work hard to cover its expenses. Each year, the South Dakota Arts Council provides a small grant which may only be used for import player expenses. The remaining funds must come through season ticket sales, donations, etc.

Each Symphony player is entitled to receive one complimentary season ticket to be given to a family member or friend. However, musicians are also encouraged to promote the Symphony and invite family and friends to attend. Increased attendance will help us meet our expenses and further grow the Symphony.

SCHOLARSHIP

Huron Symphony League each year awards a $500.00 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who intends to continue participating in musical activities. This money may also be split among two or more seniors at the discretion of the Board.

The Huron Symphony League will also decide on the ‘Bruce Spillum’ scholarship to a graduating high school senior who intends to pursue music. This is a $500.00 scholarship given by the Spillum family in honor of Bruce Spillum.

A copy of the scholarship application will be available later in the season. Regular attendance at rehearsals and concert set-up/tear-down will be required to receive any scholarships.