Membership is open to skilled players, grade 11 and up, by audition / interview.

Attendance Policy
Be here. We need all of us to sound our best. If parts are missing, it greatly affects what we can do. If you need to miss, make sure that it's God's idea for you to miss, and let the director know ahead of time.

Spiritual Preparation
Scripture teaches that only those with clean hands and a pure heart may stand in His holy place (Psalm 24:3-4). Orchestra members need to be right with God to be usable by Him.

We also need to be growing in our walk with Him, through personal prayer and study of His Word. It is vital that orchestra members hear the message each week; playing in worship is only part of the reason we attend. Everyone is also encouraged to attend Sunday morning Bible study. An orchestra Bible study class meets after the music portion of the second service is finished.

Musical Preparation
In 2 Samuel 24:24 we are encouraged to make costly sacrifices to God. Orchestra members should be ready to play what is needed each week. Regular playing during the week is essential to musical growth. Players are encouraged to take music home when extra preparation is necessary.

Punctuality
Players need to be ready to begin at the given time, which necessitates arriving in time to warm up and get music together. Professional players usually arrive 30 minutes early for this preparation. Orchestra members with families and jobs need to do their best to arrive early enough to be prepared to begin on time. As a group, we will begin on time and end on time.

Rehearsals
Wednesdays | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the orchestra room

All orchestra members need to attend rehearsals. Rehearsals are for the benefit of both the individual player and the group as a whole. Each player improves and the group improves from the participation of strong players.

We are a "family" in orchestra, but please make sure that conversations during rehearsal do not disrupt the work being done.

Services

Dress for all services is concert black for ladies (always with modesty) and tuxedo for men. Orchestra members are encouraged to bring their Bibles and a notebook.

Morning schedule

8:15 a.m.      Pre-service run-through / rehearsal, tuning, prayer
8:45 a.m.      Move to the pit through the back doors in the north hallway
8:55 a.m.      Raise the pit
9:00 a.m.      Service
10:35 a.m.    Report to the pit for second service
10:40 a.m.    Raise the pit
10:45 a.m.    Service

While we are playing during the service, please avoid watching the image screens. They distract us from keeping our attention on the music and the conductor.

After the music, the pit is lowered and we leave through the back door. Orchestra members then go to hear the message in the sanctuary, orchestra room or one of the overflow areas -- or they go to Bible study.

Lord's Supper Services

We hold these services usually four times a year. Dress is the same as for morning services. The orchestra usually remains in the pit throughout the service.

Evening Schedule

5:45 p.m.      Run-through / rehearsal, tuning, prayer
6:15 p.m.      Move to the pit
6:25 p.m.      Raise the pit
6:30 p.m.      Service

Special Events

Many orchestra members participate in the Atlanta Passion Play and dinner theatres. Selection of the players is by the director.

Chamber Recitals
Twice each year we hold recitals, in which all members are invited to play solos and in ensembles. These are great opportunities to improve in what we do every week.