NEW MEMBER INFORMATION

Welcome to the Great Seal of Ohio Band! Regardless of whether you're just visiting to get to know us, or whether you've decided to become a member, there are a few things you'll want to know about the GSOB.

General

The GSOB is a non-professional, community band made up of members from around the Ross county and surrounding areas. In addition to our spring/summer concerts, we are looking at the possibility of performing several concerts throughout the year. We are a non-profit organization and our funding comes from local grants, donations, and a few paying jobs.

We rehearse almost every Tuesday everning (during concert season) at Unioto High School in  Chillicothe, Ohio.

As with most organizations, we have elected officers and many appointed positions. We also have people assigned to fund-raising, planning, production, library, equipment, publicity, etc.

Joining

There is no fee for joining the GSOB and we have no dues.

There are no auditions in this band. There is a very wide range of ability levels in the GSOB. We never have "challenges" for seat positions. Each section works out its own order. Some sections swap parts among members, some don't. Occasionally, the director might make a change to a part assignment if something clearly needs change, but this is rare.

Since no money changes hands, and since there is nothing to sign, you might wonder what it means to "join".

When you officially join the GSOB, you're making some commitments. You're committing to performances, rehearsals, continuity, etc. We're not asking 100% attendance, but we are talking dependability. In order to function successfully and live up to our own standards, we need to be able to count on each and every member.

Some examples of what we expect from our members:

  • Notify the personnel manager or musical director ASAP when you know you can't make a performance. We need to know as much in advance as possible in case we have to find a substitute.
  • We ask that you attend rehearsals on a regular basis.
  • Everyone is encouraged to take their folders home and practice. In most cases, if you have taken a folder home but then miss the next rehearsal or concert, this will cause real problems for the rest of your section and the band. Please arrange for your folder to make it to a rehearsal or concert even if you can't be there . Drop it off with another GSOB member or call one of the board members and we'll find a way to help you get your folder to the rehearsal or concert.

Although no one keeps track, your commitment to the band is really on a per-year basis.

As with most volunteer organizations, it's not always easy to get volunteers for the various jobs. Each band member is expected to help out a bit during the year. There are big, yearlong jobs as well as little, one-time jobs. No-one gets "drafted" against their wishes, but we expect all members to be willing to pitch in and help out with things like set-up or break-down for concerts, etc.

One thing you can probably guess is that as with most volunteer organizations like the GSOB, we're in a never-ending search for new funding sources. Many times, our new leads come from new members. Likewise, we're always looking for new opportunities to perform. Please let us know if you have any ideas for fund-raising or any leads on a possible performance.

If you decide that you'd rather not join the band, or decide to move on after having been a regular member, please let us know so that we won't keep you on our roster, etc.

Miscellaneous

For concerts, we wear white shirts with black pants/skirts.

If you have any questions about the band, please contact us greatsealofohioband@yahoo.com