Philadelphia Sinfonia Full and Chamber Orchestra Attendance Policy

An important goal of the Philadelphia Sinfonia mission is to achieve the highest level of artistic advancement. Regular attendance at rehearsals and all concerts is crucial to achieve a high level of performance. Therefore a strict attendance policy is enforced.

Concert Weekends: Attendance at every concert and dress rehearsal is mandatory.

Weekly Rehearsals: Members may not have more than two unexcused absences. Absences are excused for the following reasons only: illness, examinations (e.g. SATs), college auditions, or mandatory school events.

Music Festivals: We value regional music festivals (PMEA, SJBODA, NJMEA, DMEA events); therefore, in addition to the absences outlined above, members wishing to participate in regional festivals are allowed up to three absences for these events in a year. Any more must be discussed with the conductor.

In order to keep festival absences to three, wind, brass, and percussion performers are encouraged to choose between orchestra and band festivals.

At the conductor’s discretion, absence from critical rehearsals (such as dress rehearsals) may disqualify a member from performing at an up-coming event.

Recording Attendance: An attendance sheet is available at the front desk at each rehearsal. It is the member’s responsibility to sign the sheet each week as he or she enters the rehearsal space.

Recording Absence: Members must communicate any anticipated absence in writing – as early as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to the absence. Forms for this purpose are available at the front desk during rehearsals or use the form at the end of the Members’ Handbook.

In case of last-minute absence or lateness due to illness or other problem, call and leave a message with board president, Carol Brown (215-248-5814) and on the orchestra office telephone (215-351-0363).

Frequent Absences: Frequent or consecutive absences are particularly detrimental to orchestra rehearsals. Special arrangements must be made if a musician will be absent more than once in any given month. We ask musicians to be thoughtful about their use of the absence policy.

Late Arrival and Early Departure: are strongly discouraged by the conductor and the Board of Directors.

Tracking: In order to help the orchestra and its members understand our policy, we track absences and keep members apprised of their status.

Exceptions to this policy will be made by the conductor, in consultation with the board, on a case-by-case basis.