Membership in the SOS Big Band:

We are always looking for talented musicians who share our vision and objectives to play big band music the way the original artists intended, and support the band's purpose and philosophy.  There are several levels of membership available to suit both the needs of the band and the needs of the individual such as Regular Member, Backup Member, Regular Substitute, On-Call Substitute, and Occasional Resource.  Regular Members obviously constitute the core musicians in the band.  These members are committed to meeting the full responsibilities of Regular Members as detailed in our Constitution and By-Laws.  Backup Members meet the same commitments and have the same responsibilities as Regular Members, however no regular "chair" is available for them.  Backup Members attend rehearsals, learn the music, and function as primary substitutes whenever a regular member is out.  Backup Members may be asked to sit-in or sit-out at a gig, depending on staging.  Backup Members are given 1st priority for Regular Membership whenever a regular chair opens up.  The respective roles of Regular Substitutes, On-Call Substitutes, and other Occasional Resources are obvious.

Our membership includes some of the finest amateur and professional musicians in the Southern New England area, from all walks of life, all of who share a passion for big band music.  Membership in the band is open to any individual who meets the criteria noted below;  The applicant for membership in the band must….

·        ….have sufficient musical talent and ability on their respective instruments to meet the demands of their particular position (“chair”) in the band;

·        ….make a commitment to improving their musical skills by personal practicing so that they are meeting expectations and improvement trend of the band;

·        ….be a reliable and dependable member in terms of consistently attending rehearsals and public performances, and

·        ….be willing to proactively support the administrative and other activities associated with maintaining and pursuing the objectives of the band.

Membership qualifications are determined primarily by the band's Music Director for all music-related criteria and secondarily by the balance of the band's Executive on recommendation by the Music Director and/or the General Manager.

Prospective new members are generally asked to visit one of the band's rehearsals or gigs to see if this is something the new member really wants to do.  Prospective new members are also asked to sit-in at some rehearsals.  Assuming all goes well, the prospective new member will be given an opportunity to join the band.

If a member cannot attend a rehearsal or public performance, they are to notify the GM AND make arrangements for a qualified substitute acceptable to the Music Director.  Excess absenteeism, as determined by the Executive Committee, will be grounds for dismissal from the band or other appropriate action.

The Executive Committee reserves the right to deny membership to any individual who they determine is not qualified vis-à-vis the above or any other criteria that they deem appropriate.

Return to Home Page >>>