Depping policy

Attendance

Full attendance is expected at every rehearsal, except where you have been told otherwise because you are not on all of the repertoire. It is not enough to be able to play your part: an absence is felt by everyone around you, and the orchestra cannot reach what it is capable of if people are missing.

Some things are genuinely outside your control, and reasonable absences are accommodated. What makes that possible is telling us early and finding a deputy.

Absence

• Tell the orchestral manager before the project begins, and provide a dep. Wind, brass, percussion and principal strings must provide one in every case unless it has been agreed beforehand.
• If your availability changes mid-project, say so immediately and provide a dep then.
• Short notice, including telling us on the day, is only acceptable for illness, an emergency or a bereavement. A dep is still required.
• Not turning up with no warning is not acceptable under any circumstances, and puts your place in the orchestra at risk.

Finding a dep

Finding a suitable dep for a rehearsal you miss is yours to do, as is making sure they have the music. We can often help if you are struggling, but only when we know well in advance.

Send the orchestral manager your dep's name, mobile number and email address, as far ahead as you can manage.

If this goes wrong

The policy is here so that participation is fair to everyone. Not following it can mean being left out of further projects.

Contact the orchestral manager promptly by email, phone, or text, and do not assume an absence is approved until they have replied. If you cannot reach them, contact the chair.