Starting and organising a musical ensemble
Starting and organising a musical ensemble
All musical performances must follow POR. This includes the appointment and training of all adults involved. All groups must have an Ensemble Manager/Leader who is responsible for making sure that the ensemble is set up for success. The ensemble will need to consider the following before starting:
Before starting a performance, its aims and objectives should be documented. This includes what is hoped to be achieved and what is needed to realise these objectives.
There may be short, medium and/or long term objectives.
Some example goals below may help you:
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Bring together up to 50 Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers to lead singing at a county camp, both at the camp fire and during an evening’s entertainment.
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Start a marching band with a minimum of 10 new members and 4 leaders/tutors over the next year to enable Scouts to have an opportunity to learn to play band instruments with a view to public performances at a later date.
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Create a choir of members from all around the country to perform at a national anniversary event.
Notify your line manager about your aims and objectives. Depending upon the scale of the event you will need to notify different people. This will be the Commissioner / Volunteer Lead as appropriate based on your aims and objectives and location within the Scouts structure. You will need their approval to progress.
Most young people involved in musical performance groups are Scout age or older. However there is no reason why Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs cannot be involved in musical performance groups. The age, maturity and abilities of any member must be taken into consideration and the legal aspects information below will guide you as to how the age of a young person might limit their participation in certain activities.
Have enough young people to give a public performance as defined above.
Numbers will vary depending upon the type of genre/ensemble from one person such as a solo bugler playing ‘The Last Post’ to 80+ members in a large orchestra.
Have enough finance to supply members with the required resources (instruments, specific uniform, rehearsal venue costs etc.) You may wish to appoint a treasurer if it is a large ensemble.
Public liability insurance is covered under the Scouts national policy, a copy of the certificate can be obtained from the Scout Support Centre. Consideration for insurance of any equipment or specialist activities is needed, Unity Insurance is owned by the Scout Association and supports Scout groups to ensure all insurance needs.
Have somewhere suitable for members to be taught and to practice.
Rehearsal Venue
The rehearsal venue can be in a Scout/Guide meeting place, school, church hall or community hall or equivalent. Consideration on the suitability of a venue should include:-
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Safety of the premises including fire regulations for the property (including maximum numbers)
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Size of the building to rehearse any movement that is required for the ensemble e.g. marching practice.
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Adequate toilet facilities
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Security
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Accessibility
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Ventilation
It is also essential to confirm with the owner of the building that it is insured for the purposes of the activity to be undertaken.
Performance Venue
Check out performance venues to establish aspects such as:-
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Any venue costs incurred
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Facilities you require, including space to get changed
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Space to store instruments/play under cover if wet
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Fire regulations
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Accessibility for the public to attend
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Parking and transport links
Make sure that you have understood all legal requirements (see below for more information)
Have sourced appropriate insurance for equipment / trips (see below for more information
The dress of the ensemble will be determined by a number of factors, including the type of performance and its context. Where it is appropriate to wear Scout uniform it should be worn as set out in POR. Other costuming or outfit options should be appropriate for the young people and the performance.
(see below for more information)
Take into account all Scout rules and procedures such as: Yellow Card, InTouch procedures, nights away permits and notification, data protection, mandatory training/learning, risk assessments and activity approval.
The ongoing support for the ensemble is likely to be part of the Group/ District/ County Programme Team.