Member Handbook

Rehearsal Information

§         Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  A schedule is distributed with specific dates for rehearsals, concerts, breaks, and other activities.   

§       Band members are required to pay a modest participation fee, with the exception of those enrolled for college credit.

§         Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:00 p.m., so band members are asked to arrive early enough to tune and warm up before rehearsal starts.  The band room is open at 6:00 p.m. Please pitch in to set up chairs and stands if needed, and be courteous to those warming up and tuning.  Because the group meets only once a week, a lot of music is squeezed into a short amount of time.  Please come well practiced, prepared and attentive!

§         Attendance at rehearsals and performances is essential.  You have committed to be a part of a musical organization that depends upon each player’s presence to achieve full instrumentation, balance, and effectiveness. Refer to the rehearsal and performance schedule for dates and times.

§         If an absence is absolutely necessary, please call your section leader. If you cannot reach your section leader, call the MCC band room between 6:00 and 7:00 pm Thursdays at 231-777-0278. 

Ø      Students enrolled for college credit must report any absence to Gail Brechting at 616-847-8800.

§         Attendance at dress rehearsals is required in order to play in the concert.  Important last-minute music changes are often made so it is critical that all members are present.

§         Members must participate in at least half of the rehearsals for any one concert.  Any exceptions are at the discretion of director Gail Brechting.

§         The director will be available Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the MCC band room office. 

§         After rehearsal, an informal gathering of WINDS people can often be found at Someplace Else on Apple Avenue just west of Quarterline Road.  Everyone is invited and welcome.

Concert Information

§         Band members generally arrive 2 hours prior to concerts to set up, warm up, and do sound checks.  

§         Concert attire is formal.

§     Ladies wear all black.  Long or calf length dress, skirt and blouse, or slack suit.  Long or ¾ sleeves, no see through or lacy material.  Black hosiery, conservative black shoes.  Conservative jewelry, if any.  Avoid perfumes and colognes.

§         Men wear tuxedo style black suit.  Black coat, slacks, shoes, socks.  Absolutely no designs/stripes in the cloth. White pleated tux shirt, black bow tie, and black cummerbund should be purchased from the band, so that all are identical.

§        Moving equipment, chairs, and stands is a time-consuming part of preparing for a concert.  Please plan to help set-up and/or tear down at least one concert this season to help speed this process.

§        After each concert, please leave your entire folder in the folder box or be sure to be present at the next rehearsal to return music.  All folders must be turned in after the last concert of the season.  A $10 charge will be levied for all folders returned more than 30 days after the final concert.