Peabody Preparatory Children's Chorus > Peabody Children's Chorus Handbook > Becoming A Professional Musician >
Becoming A Professional Musician
We are often in the fortunate position of being able to send
out our singers to work with professional musicians. Our singers regularly perform with other arts
organizations and, later on, many of our students set off for college to be
music majors, minors, or to sing in their college chorus. Whether our students are rehearsing or
performing with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Peabody Symphony
Orchestra, the Baltimore Opera Company, or, in the future, singing at the
college level, they are and will be working with musicians who expect of them
a professional level of conduct appropriate to their artistic
achievement. One of the ways in which we
achieve this standard of excellence is by reviewing these suggestions for
concert etiquette and expected behaviors together.
Some tips on behaving in a professional manner:
As a chorus member
1. Be
punctual. Late arrivals are distracting
for others.
2. Be
prepared. A professional musician knows
(in our case, memorizes) the music and is ready to be a leader in
rehearsal. Bring your folders and
pencils to rehearsal when appropriate.
3. Be
responsible. Take care of your music
scores, your uniform, etc. Return bows
and ties after every concert. Return
music scores when appropriate.
4. Resolve
to look like a musician, even in rehearsal.
Sit/stand tall, pay attention and "put the song on your face." Please do not complain about being tired or
overloaded with homework. Chances are
you're not the only one in that boat.
5. When
you are on-stage for a concert rehearsal or concert, refrain from
scratching, yawning, playing with your hair (tie it back!), looking at your
watch, or putting your head in your hands.
If you make a mistake, do not wince or indicate in any way that
you've done something you wish you hadn't.
6. When
you are complimented for a performance, refrain from downplaying your
achievements; respect the opinion of the person who is praising you; in this
case, a simple, "Thank you," is appropriate.
7. Be
respectful and courteous to your peers at all times. We are all in this together. If you hear someone criticizing another
singer, try to counter with a positive remark. If someone is chosen
to sing a solo, please be supportive (if you were the soloist, what would you like another chorus member to
say?).
8. Remember
that whenever you are at an outside rehearsal or performance, or even just in
the hallway during a regular rehearsal, you are a representative for your whole
ensemble--and behave appropriately! Think
beyond your own particular needs; in making music you are an important part of
a larger effort; rejoice in the energy that comes from being a part of it, and
graciously accept the responsibility that goes along with your membership.
9. In
this connection, remember what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to
work on great music with other musicians, whether in your own group or together
with another ensemble, and take pride in your contribution.
As an audience member
1. Be
punctual. If you must be late, enter
during applause.
2. Cell
phones, beepers, pagers and watches that make noise should always be turned off
in a concert.
3. Don't
even think about talking, or worse, unwrapping a piece of candy, while any
individual or group is performing.
4. It is never polite to rush out of the concert hall during the final applause in order to "beat the crowd."
