Ensemble Membership Requirements
The following information applies to members of every ensemble under the umbrella of HV CAMP.  Please be sure to read carefully.

  • All new members of each ensemble must complete a seating audition and theory survey.  The audition and survey are not for entrance; members who meet our requirements are automatically in!  The audition and survey allow members to be seated properly within ensembles and for proper repertoire to be selected.  New members must also pay a $15 audition fee; $10 of the fee is refundable at the end of the season (see below).
  • The membership fee currently stands at $55 ($50 dues plus $5 music deposit fee) per person, per season, per ensemble.  (The music deposit fee is not applicable for the jazz combos.)
  • Members are expected to pay the membership fee online prior to the start of each season.  In order to guarantee the proper organization and preparation of music for each member, the fee must be paid no later than one week prior to the first rehearsal.  Failure to do so may result in music not being ready for members to take home.  The fee is non-refundable (except for the music deposit fee and part of the audition fee; see below).
  • Members may not take music home with them until their membership fee (including the music deposit fee) is paid in full.
  • Members are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of rehearsal for enough set-up/warm-up time.
  • Members are expected to be adequately prepared for each rehearsal.
  • Members are asked to help set up seats prior to rehearsal (if applicable).
  • Members are asked to alert the musical director as soon as possible in the event of an absence from rehearsal or a member running late to rehearsal.
  • The musical director has complete control over what happens within the rehearsal environment.  The musical director may seat members however he/she sees fit.
  • Extraneous conversation and noises should be eliminated during the course of rehearsal.
  • All cell phones and other devices should be silenced during rehearsal.
  • Ego and poor attitude will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from ensemble(s).
  • Members are responsible for understanding their rights as prescribed in the by-laws.
  • Members must bring their own music stand and pencil to all rehearsals and performances.
  • Members must be at least 15 years of age.  Members are expected to have been playing their instrument for at least one continuous year and be able to competently read music.  Members should be familiar with basic scales and some theory.
  • To perform in any concert, members must attend the applicable dress rehearsal and attend at least 7 of 10 regular rehearsals for large ensembles and at least 6 of 8 regular rehearsals for small ensembles for that season.  (Members who cannot attend the dress rehearsal must discuss their conflict with the musical director well in advance of the dress rehearsal, usually within the first two to three rehearsals.)
  • Anyone under the age of 15 years old who is interested in joining must traditionally audition for the appropriate musical director and two others appointed by HV CAMP.  Entrance is not guaranteed.
  • Anyone under the age of 19 years old is required to submit the "Under 19" waiver each season to ensure there is an understanding of our requirements.


Examples of what is musically expected of members include the following:
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  • All members should be able to read in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time.
  • All members should be able to read eighth note, quarter note, half note, and whole note rhythms (notes and rests).
  • Melodic instruments should know scales through at least three sharps and three flats.
  • Percussion players (snare drum/bass drum/cymbals/auxiliary, etc.) should know proper techniques for playing their instruments.

All members (new and returning) are expected to register prior to each season of participation for legal purposes.  Payment is done online following registration.  Please use the Register link under the "How To Join" menu at the top of the page.

The cutoff to join an ensemble for a particular season is before the halfway point of the season (measured by number of rehearsals).  Following that point, anyone who wishes to join a particular ensemble that season must schedule a traditional audition with the musical director with consultation from the executive director OR wait until the next applicable season.

Music and folders are the property of HV CAMP.  Please make any markings lightly and in pencil for easy erasing.  Lost, stolen, or damaged property will require compensation from members.

MUSIC DEPOSIT POLICY:
Each member that returns his/her music and folder, all in good condition (defined as nothing more than normal wear and tear plus erased pencil markings), following each season is entitled to a $5 refund.  A member may elect to have that $5 roll over to the next season for the same ensemble and be used for the same deposit.  (Example:  a member cannot roll over the $5 from the Spring season of the Pops to be used for the Summer season of a jazz band.  A member can roll over the $5 from the Spring season of the Pops to the Fall season of the Pops.)

A member who chooses to roll over the $5 is not entitled to ask for it back for any reason except following the successful return of his/her music and folder in the following applicable season.  The deposit is considered lost in all other situations and/or discrepancies.

The musical director of each ensemble will make the final determination on the condition of music/folders.  Any discrepancy over the condition of music/folder will be decided by the executive director.  Members are not entitled to appeal any decision, as all decisions are final.

Members will be contacted via email within a few weeks following the final concert of each season regarding their deposit.  Members are asked to respond within a week of being contacted with their preference.

AUDITION FEE:
A $15 audition fee will be assessed for all new members to ensure the importance of the seating audition process (and the traditional auditions when applicable).

New members do have the option of only paying the audition fee first.  Those members can then pay the remainder following the audition.

New members will receive $10 of this fee back at the end of the season if they complete the following:
  • New members must complete the seating audition and the theory survey.
  • New members must attend enough rehearsals to be eligible to perform in the concert at the end of the season.
  • New members must attend the dress rehearsal.
  • New members must perform in the concert.