Monroe Summer Orchestra: Member Code of Conduct
Incorporated into the Monroe Summer Orchestra’s Bylaws in Section §12, the Code of Conduct was approved by the MSO board on January 16th, 2026. Members are advised to familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct. Parents of members under the age of 18 are also advised to read through it. A musician's participation in the MSO is tantamount to them agreeing to the terms of the Code of Conduct.
1. Member Eligibility
The Monroe Summer Orchestra (hereinafter, “MSO”) is a community orchestra open for all individuals who play instruments typically associated with a classical orchestra. Except for piano, for which the MSO can only have one pianist, there is no limit for the quantity of instruments in a section. Although the MSO does not utilize auditions or have age limits, any individual who has not yet entered high school and did not play in the July 2025 concert (“Humble Beginnings: A Monroe Mixtape”) is only eligible to play in future concerts if their teacher provides a recommendation through form MSO-1.[1] If a teacher fails to provide this recommendation before a cycle begins, the MSO board will construe this to mean the prospective member is not eligible. A “member” refers to any instrument-playing or conducting participant within the MSO. Please see paragraph 15 for further criteria.
2. Membership Dues
The MSO does not collect dues (membership fees) from members.
3. Organizing Music
When a concert season begins, the MSO, through its board members, will send music to instrument sections. Members must print and keep copies of their music. Should a member not have the ability to print music, they must notify the board members before the rehearsal, so the board members can make copies. The Board may distribute copies to musicians. If the Board members distribute any original parts to members, members must return those original parts
4. Learning Music
The MSO is a community orchestra; therefore, it is not an educational organization. Members must to learn the music diligently and quickly during rehearsals. If members find portions of the music challenging, they should notify their section leaders, who will consult with the music director. The MSO Board reserves the right to remove or recommend removal of any individual who is unable to play the repertoire.
5. Instrument Upkeep
Members must bring their own instruments to rehearsals; the exception being percussion and pianos, as well as double basses if needed. If a member is unable to bring their own instrument, they must notify the MSO Board, so the Board can reserve an instrument from the venue. Members must be respectful of their instruments as well as any others. The MSO does not take any responsibility for any lost or damaged instruments or parts. Any liability for instrument theft or destruction is solely and exclusively within an offending member’s capacity.
6. Member Behavior
All individuals in the MSO must act professionally. This means that members must obey directions set by the Music Director, Co-Chairmen and other Board members, as well as section leaders during rehearsal. This includes sitting where assigned by Board members and section leaders. In addition, conversations during rehearsal should be only about the music, and all conversations during rehearsal must be soft and unable to disrupt the rehearsal.[2] For concerts, members must adhere to the dress code that the Board announces.
7. Courtesy to Other Members
Members must be respectful to one another. The MSO does not tolerate bullying, sexual harassment, or any other kind of behavior that a reasonable person would find inappropriate. While the MSO does not have an anti-fraternization policy, members must act appropriately if fraternizing. Members must also be courteous to the rehearsal grounds; the MSO forbids vandalism or any other property destruction. Any liability for property theft, vandalism or destruction is solely and exclusively within an offending member’s capacity. While the MSO does not regulate individual members’ speech, the MSO expects members to speak properly with each other. Members must remember that this is a community orchestra where they should only participate if they desire.
8. Cell Phone Usage and Personal Electronic Device Usage
Although individuals may check cell phones and other electronic devices during rehearsal, and even record themselves playing, these devices must be silent and cannot disrupt rehearsals. Members may not use electronic devices on stage during concerts, except for projecting music. If a member uses an electronic device for personal reasons while on stage during a concert, even if they are not playing, the MSO Board will vote to remove that member and prohibit their return for future cycles.
9. Consent to Photography and Filmography
The MSO will film and photograph every concert as well as some rehearsals. Members must consent to appearing in videos and photographs unedited. The MSO will not engage in selectively blurring or cropping out any member from videos or photographs. Members may take their own photos and videos of rehearsals and post them wherever they please.
10. Performance Eligibility
The MSO Board reserves the right to determine each member’s eligibility to perform in each concert. This will include an individual member’s attendance record as well as subsequent feedback from the section leader. The MSO Board reserves the right to remove members from performing if the Board feels it necessary.
11. Absence Policy
As a community orchestra, the MSO does not require members to be present for every rehearsal. Still, the MSO expects members to attend rehearsals regularly. Members should notify Board members, specifically one of the Co-Chairmen, when they know they cannot attend a rehearsal. If a member is repeatedly absent and fails to notify the Board, the Board reserves the right to remove that member.
12. Tardiness and In-Rehearsal Absence Policy
Members should also notify one of the Co-Chairmen if the member knows that they will be late for a rehearsal. The Board will not penalize individuals who come late, but as part of courteous conduct, the member who arrives late must set up quietly and not disrupt rehearsal. Although members may get up from their seats during rehearsal if needed, such as to use the restroom, a member’s prolonged or repeated absences during rehearsal may trigger review by the Board.
13. Community Service Eligibility
As a community orchestra with the goal of serving the community, any member seeking community service hours may receive them from participating with the MSO. The member will earn hours based on their attendance at rehearsals and the concerts. The Board will apply discretion in totaling the hours.
14. Resolving Code of Conduct Violations
If any member finds another member to be violating the Code of Conduct, the finding member (hereinafter, “applicant”) must notify a Board member about the offending member (hereinafter, “respondent”) privately.[3] The Board member will ask the respondent to stay after the following rehearsal, and the applicant will have the option of staying as well. The Board member will inform the respondent of the violation, and provide the respondent a chance to reply. The Board does encourage, but does not require, resolution between the applicant and respondent without the Board’s intervention. The MSO reserves the right to dismiss any members for violating the code of conduct.
15. Adherence to the Code of Conduct
All members must agree to the Code of Conduct. A member’s participation in the MSO is tantamount to agreeing to the Code of Conduct. In addition, for members who are under age 18, the member’s participation also signifies that at least one parent or guardian agrees to the Code of Conduct. If an individual does not agree to the Code of Conduct, the Board will find the individual to be ineligible for membership. Similarly, if an individual under age 18 does not have agreement from one parent or guardian for the Code of Conduct, the Board will find the individual to be ineligible for membership.
[1] If an individual has graduated from middle school, they are not eligible to play without their teacher’s recommendation until they enter high school. For example, if an individual graduates from middle school in June 2026, and their teacher does not provide a recommendation for that individual’s participation for the July 2026 concert, that individual cannot play with the MSO until the first cycle after they enter high school.
[2] “During rehearsal” means when the Music Director is conducting or when announcements are ongoing. It does not include before and after the Music Director starts/finishes, and it does not include any breaks.
[3] “Privately” refers to any communication made directly to a Board member outside the majority’s presence. For example, an applicant approaching a Board member after rehearsal, even if there are a few other members present, is “private.” On the other hand, raising one’s hand during rehearsal to discuss the violation is not “private.