Guidelines and Requirements

CONDUCTORS

• Attend  Group Conducting Seminar with Maestro Dean Anderson
• Prepare orchestral parts
• Communicate with orchestra members
• Provide bowed string parts
• Plan rehearsal schedule
• Setup for rehearsals and concerts
• Private conducting lessons (optional)

SOLOISTS

• Solo concerto must have clean orchestra parts on IMSLP
• One-movement only per feature
• 1 pre-rehearsal with conductor
• Piece selected must not exceed current orchestra instrumentation

COMPOSERS

• Featured work not to exceed 7 minutes
• Instrumentation cannot exceed current orchestra instrumentation
• Parts must be printed (no handwritten) and clearly edited and marked at least 30 days before first rehearsal.

Equipment Requirements:

• Tablet for use in rehearsal and concert
• Tablet pedal
• Music stand

POLICY ON PLAYING OBLIGATIONS

The purpose of ACA is to provide a full orchestra experience for conductors, soloists, and composers. The program is designed to offer each member of the orchestra an opportunity to be featured one time per season in a concert performance. In general, it is quite challenging to find an opportunity for this specific kind of special feature. They must either receive an invitation from an orchestral organization, or they will have to pay significant costs to hire a full orchestra. In order to solve this issue, the ACA requires each featured participant to perform in the orchestra at least 3 times per concert season. This is why featured participants are required to perform adequately on an appropriate orchestral instrument.

Conductors/Composers/Soloists  (non-orchestral musicians or unable to perform in the 3-concert playing obligation)

For participants who are unable to meet the 3-concert playing obligation  there are spaces that can be given. However, there will be a tuition requirement or a recruiting requirement. The tuition will help cover the costs of hiring a musician to replace their obligation to perform in the orchestra as well as other administrative costs. Tuition costs may vary depending on specific circumstances. Recruitment is also another option in which the featured participant is able to fulfill the playing obligation. Recruited musicians must be at the level approved by the ACA Director. Questions can be directed to the ACA Director.