If you are aged 18 or over, playing at approximately Grade 8 standard or above, and are actively playing your instrument, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the form below to register your interest in joining the orchestra.
The Hibernian Orchestra brings together committed musicians from a wide range of backgrounds who share a passion for orchestral music and high-quality performance. As we receive a significant number of enquiries from prospective players each year, places are limited and membership opportunities depend on the needs of the orchestra at any given time. While we do not hold formal auditions, prospective members may be invited to participate in a concert project on a trial basis.
Before submitting your application, please take a moment to read the Guidelines for Players at the bottom of this page. These outline our expectations regarding rehearsals, attendance, preparation and membership, and will help you understand the commitment involved in being part of the orchestra.
Please Fill Out The Form Below to register your interest in becoming a player
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Guidelines For players
1. Membership
1.1. Anyone of the requisite standard is welcome to play with the orchestra: in that sense membership is open.
1.2. Membership of the orchestra is granted at the discretion of the orchestra committee and is not usually offered on the basis of audition. All invitations to play are conditional on a player’s standard and commitment, and are subject to review.
1.3. Members of the orchestra are those who have:
– played in at least one concert organized by the orchestra in the previous two years.
– provided the orchestra manager with contact details and the orchestra committee with information to facilitate public relations.
– paid a membership subscription in full in years when a subscription is introduced by the orchestra committee.
1.4. At any one time there may be players in the orchestra who have been invited but who are not full members.
1.5. Members are welcome to recommend new players at any time.
1.6. No member can claim to have a right to play in any particular concert. The final list of players in any concert is restricted by the requirements of orchestration and the need to maintain balance between sections. The decision of the orchestra committee on these matters is final.
2. Rehearsal Practice
2.1. Players are expected to arrive ten minutes before the stated rehearsal time to help set up for the rehearsal and to prepare for tuning.
2.2. Tuning takes place promptly at the scheduled start time (normally 8 pm).
2.3. Players are expected to attend all rehearsals; any player who misses more than two rehearsals for any one concert will be replaced at the discretion of the Orchestra Manager and Artistic Director.
2.4. Players who know in advance that they will be arriving late are asked to contact the orchestra manager so that rehearsal is not delayed waiting for their arrival.
2.5. The librarian distributes sheet music for private practice. Players are asked to prepare their parts privately at home so that the artistic director can get the greatest value from rehearsals with the whole orchestra.
2.6. Players should bring a music stand, pencil, eraser and mute (where appropriate) to all rehearsals.
3. Seating
3.1. The contribution of every player in the orchestra is valued. Seating is not organized strictly by standard. Rather seating lists are prepared so as to make the rehearsals and concerts as effective and enjoyable as possible.
3.2. All players should expect to rotate within sections, and in the case of first and second violins, between sections.
3.3. It is hoped that every player will be satisfied by playing at the highest possible level. Players with genuine concerns should talk first to their section leader and then to the manager. In the case of dispute the decision of the artistic director shall be final.
4. Other responsibilities of members
4.1. Players are expected to promote concerts and sell as many tickets as possible.
4.2. Players should make sure the manager has their most up-to-date contact details and notify him/her of any changes.
4.3. Members are encouraged to be welcoming and encouraging to new players, conductors and soloists.
4.4. Members are asked to keep rehearsal and concert venues clean and to help set up and tidy up before and after rehearsals and concerts.
4.5. Members should keep sheet music and other orchestra property in good condition and return it promptly to the librarian or orchestra manager when requested.
5. Management and committee
5.1. The orchestra is managed by an orchestra committee that appoints the orchestra manager, artistic director, leader and librarian.
5.2. The orchestra committee is the voice of the orchestra and is made up of members of the orchestra elected on an annual basis.
5.3. An artistic committee is elected annually to suggest the artistic programme for the forthcoming season.
5.4. Members are encouraged to become involved in the committees of the orchestra.
5.5. All the committee members are available at all times to answer questions or address the concerns of any member. Players should usually go to the orchestra manager in the first instance, but should feel free to approach any member of the committee.
5.6. The orchestra’s constitution is made freely available to all members and prospective members on request.