Getting Started

NYPBS is a massive challenge and we work efficiently but that doesn’t mean we’re in a rush, and taking time to start right is important to us. Getting started at NYPBS involves a lot of little things which we try to address by the end of the first Rehearsal. 

Meeting everyone: One of the most important things about Rehearsal 1 will be meeting everyone in your ensemble for this year, as well as the rest of the team including, Trainee tutors, tutors and NPC Staff. 

Logistics: We’ll make sure you’re comfortable with where and when we rehearse and how NYPBS rehearsals work, including how we: sign-in; set-up; structure work; take breaks; pack down and what you need to bring going forward.  

Instrument: Before we can play together we need to make sure everyone’s set-up with instruments properly. If you’re a drummer this means learning what you need to know about using and taking care of NYPBS Drums. If you’re a piper this means getting your pipes into concert pitch, setting you up with an NYPBS chanter, providing you with the coveted bag cover and making sure you know how to set your pipes up for NYPBS. 

Access to Music Resources: We’ll make sure you’re comfortable with how to access our learning resources and we’ll train you in how our approach to reading music, including how to interpret detailed Concert Parts.

Dates in diary:We’ll make sure there’s no doubt about the project timeline and that you have all the right dates in your diary. 

Once we’ve set up the environment, you’ve met everyone and set clear expectations we can get to work, and maybe have a little fun along the way. 

Lunch Permissions: If you’re under 16 years old we’ll need permission from your parent(s)/ guardian(s) for you to leave unsupervised during lunch and other breaks at rehearsals. During sign-up of your first rehearsal we’ll have forms avialalbe for signature but you can also download our lunch permission form here.