Contact/Join

Join Our Band: Q & A
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Q. Who can Join?

A. The No Strings Attached Community Band is always looking for new musicians to fill its ranks. Local amateur musicians from the Sudbury area who are at least of high school age, and who play (or in the past have played) a wind or percussion instrument are invited to join (high school musicians will be eligible to use their time in the band to meet their community service requirements). If you're considering joining, then we'd greatly appreciate it if you could let us know just prior to your first rehearsal that you plan on coming.

Q. What Level of Playing Ability Should You Have?

A. A very low minimal level of competency is normally expected in order to play in an amateur community band. Keep in mind, that some of our players had never even picked up their instruments in decades before joining us. Some new members may prefer to just sit and listen during their first few rehearsals prior to actually playing. Others may prefer initially to just rehearse with us, until they feel confident enough to play with us in a concert. New members will find that the atmosphere at rehearsals is very non-judgmental and supportive.

Q. When & Where are the Rehearsals?

A. Practices are usually held on Thursday evenings between 7 to 9 pm in the upper music room at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. The school is located on 275 Loach's Rd, just off of Regent St. (view map). It is expected that members should try to attend most rehearsals (if they can't make it on a particular night, or expect to be late, it is recommended that they at least try to let the conductor or their section leader know of this ahead of time).

Q. How Do I Get to the Practices?

A. Depending on where you live, you can usually hitch a ride with somebody to get to the practices. The rehearsal location is also accessible by local transit.

Q. Are There Other Social Activities?

A. Sometimes after concerts or practices, some members might like to gather together at one of the local eateries for a bit of extra socializing. We might even celebrate Christmas, or the end of a season, by holding a pot-luck at one of our member's homes!

Q. Is There a Membership Fee to Join?

A. There is a modest (tax-deductible) membership fee of $60 ($40 for students, $50 for seniors) to join the band. This fee helps to cover the costs of sheet music & insurance (Note: the band will consider waiving this fee in cases where the member must commute long distances in order to make it to practices, or in other cases of financial hardship). We typically don't begin collecting membership dues until October or November, when members are more certain about whether they will remain in the band.

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Sudbury Public Library, Main Branch, Feb. 26/04.

Q. Is There a Concert Dress Code?

A. The attire during concerts normally consists of black shoes & socks, black dress pants (or slacks/skirt), and a black (or very dark) long-sleeved dress shirt. Members may sometimes need to bring their own folding metal music stands to some concerts, although usually these will be provided at the concert location (& are always provided at rehearsals).

Q. Are there any other rules of "band etiquette"?

A. During rehearsals, members should attempt to watch and follow the conductor closely, and to cease talking or playing while the conductor is speaking. During breaks, members who wish to practice should do so quietly (perhaps using a practice mute) or should go to another room. Members should also attempt to arrive on time to both rehearsals and concerts. Past members who still possess any original sheet music should return such music to the band.

Q. Do I Need to Own my Own Instrument?

A. Owning your own instrument would certainly help when it comes to playing in any community band! However, if you don't already own an instrument, our members can provide you with useful advice on how to rent or purchase an instrument cheaply.

You can find affordable rates for instrument rentals in Sudbury at Long & McQuade. Often renting (or "renting to own") can be a good option for those new members who aren't sure how long-term their commitment will be to returning to playing.

Local instrument repairer/musician (& former LU faculty member) Allan Walsh can also provide new members with useful leads when it comes to purchasing decent new or second-hand instruments. He can even help you whip your old instrument back into shape!

Q. Interested in Joining?

A. For those who are considering joining our band, or who simply wish to find out more about the group, please contact our Conductor, Sandra McMillan at: [email protected].

You may also, if you wish, complete our optional online form (left) if you are contemplating joining (Note: your personal info will not be published on this website).