HILL COUNTRY COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

"WILLIAMSON COUNTY'S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know that many of you have general Hill Country Community Orchestra (HCCO) questions or possibly music-related questions. If you do not see the answer to your question here, then ask the question using the form below and we will respond as soon as possible. You also might see your question and answer posted on this page. (Note: Your name and email address will be confidential and not released to anyone for any reason.)

Q: How do you join the HCCO?
A: Check the web site for information concerning joining HCCO and for current openings. Then contact HCCO Director, Dr. Thomas E. Rainey for detailed information.

Q: Can you better explain the vacancy section?
A: You will notice that the vacancy section is divided into categories. Listed first are current openings that are available immediately. Next are listed sections that are filled, yet we would like to add a musicain or two to strenthen the sections. Third are listed sections that need 'reserve' players to be able to perform if a main member becomes ill or cannot attend a performance. Fourth are listed sections that are currently filled ... but ... there may be an opening in the near future ... due to a member moving etc.

Q: What is a 'reserve' player?
A: This is a musician who attends rehearsals and sits in with the regular session. Two rehearsals prior to a concert, the reserve musican can still attend rehearsals ... but ... will only finger through the music ... not playing ... so that ... the director can work on balance etc. for the next performance. The 'reserve' player ... by attending rehearsals will be able to take the place of a regular member in the event the member cannot make a concert etc.

Q: What if I do not fit any of the categories above but am still interested in joining the orchestra?
A:You should still contact HCCO to be put on a waiting list. At various times, we have individuals who move due to job changes, family circumstances etc. At that time we go to our pool of interested musicians on our waiting list ... contact then to see if they are still interested .. thereby, providing the opportunity for involvement.

Q: How important is it to attend rehearsals?
A: HCCO is looking for the dedicated amatuer musician who can make a committment of a year or longer. As stated in our By-Laws, the orchestra was founded to provide the amatuer musican to perform in a professional concert environment. The orchestra requires long term dedication to learn the repertoire of music in order to provide our audiences with quality entertainment.

Q: Do I have to audition for the orchestra?
A: Auditions are on a 'as needed' basis. Normally, Dr. Rainey visits with the propspective musician to determine their musical background, strengths and current playing ability. Prospective musicians often sit in with the orchestra during a practice to determine if they feel they would be able to meet the level of performance required of the members of the Orchestra. If there are numerous individuals interested in one section ... and ... capable of performinging adequatle ... then auditions may be held to determine who will fill the spot. This will be done before a small audition committee ... and ... interested individuals will recieve music to prepare at least two weeks in advance.

Q: How good a musician do I have to be to participate with HCCO?
A: One of the purposes of the Orchestra is to provide an opportunity for amateur musicians to grow in performance skills. The Orchestra is not looking for professional (performing) musicians but dedicated amateur musicians willing to work to improve their performance skills (although a professional who wanted to dedicate his or her free time on a long term basis would certainly be welcome).

Q: How often does the Orchestra perform?
A: The Board of Directors, under the guidance of the Director of Music, normally schedules three concerts in the fall and three concerts in the spring. The concerts are spaced about six weeks apart to give the Orchestra five practices to "detail" new pieces and to review the pieces already in the repertoire that will be a part of the next program. A concert can have either a one-night or two-night performance. The concerts are scheduled for either Friday and/or Saturday evenings.

Q: How can you support the Orchestra if you are not a musican?
A:The Orchestra needs individuals, other than musicians, to give freely of their time, talent, and money! In 2003, the Hill Country Community Orchestra as a Texas Corporation established an HCCO Auxiliary in the Bylaws to help support the Orchestra's operations. This Auxiliary is responsible for electing four Board of Directors who help run the affairs of the Orchestra: President of the HCCO Auxiliary, Director of Finances, Director of Concert Activities, and Director of Media Relations & Newsletter Editor.

Q: Are there dues for membership?
A: Membership dues are paid annually. Click on the "join Hcco" menu item.

Q: How do you become an Auxilary member?
A: Go to the Auxiliary membership page.

Q: How do you become a patron? A benefactor?
A: Go to the Auxiliary membership page.

Q: How long are the concerts?
A: The concerts are designed to last no longer than an hour and a half.

Q: What should I wear to the concerts?
A: This IS the Hill Country!! The usual attire is "dress casual" unless it is an outdoors concert. Then "very" casual is the dress code.

Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Many of HCCOs concerts are free. But the tickets for most concerts can be purchased at the door unless the seating is limited. Check the HCCO web site for ticket information.

Q: What about group discounts.
A: Since HCCO concert ticket prices are minimal, we do not offer group discounts at this time.

Q: Are symphony concerts appropriate for children?
A: This is an individual choice. Many smaller children (under 12 yrs old) may get restless. However, if the child is serious about learning an instrument or is already playing a musical instrument, he/she will enjoy watching the musicians, some of whom are probably barely older than the child!

Q: What provisons are made for partrons with disabilities?
A: Since all of our concerts are held in public places (churches, theatres, parks), these venues comply with federal ADA guidelines. We will post any information regardling disability access in the event there are restrictions.