MPO Code of Conduct

Effective 1/1/2026

The Massapequa Philharmonic (MPO) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and responsibility during all rehearsals and performances. When using facilities owned by school districts, performing arts centers, or other host venues (including, but not limited to, the Massapequa School District and the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts), MPO members are guests and are required to comply fully with all venue-specific policies, expectations, and conditions of use—as well as generally accepted standards of professionalism. This document establishes baseline MPO standards and defers to venue rules where they are more restrictive.

1. Rehearsal & Performance Conduct

Punctuality & Preparedness

  • Musicians are expected to arrive with sufficient time to unpack, tune, and be fully ready at the scheduled rehearsal start time.

  • While occasional delays are understood, consistent punctuality is an essential component of ensemble professionalism.

Communication of Absences & Lateness

  • When possible, absences or late arrivals should be communicated in advance to:

    • The section leader, and

    • The conductor.

  • Timely communication helps us plan our rehearsals more effectively.

Use of Personal Devices

Massapequa Philharmonic maintains high standards for focus on performance and for maintaining a standard of professionalism among members and for our audiences.  All musicians participate in rehearsals and performances with the primary objective of achieving high artistic accomplishment.  Consistent with this objective, members avoid distractions from personal devices.

  • iPads and tablets may be used for reading music and other strictly musical purposes during rehearsal.

  • If needed, a member can keep a personal device in view to monitor communications.  However, texting, web browsing, email exchanges are not permitted during rehearsals or performances regardless of venue, except if the cell phone use is specifically for the operation of the orchestra (communicating with personnel who are running late or developing content for the orchestra’s social media pages)

  • If an urgent or emergency situation arises that requires texting, web browsing, email exchanges or calling, members must step out of the rehearsal area to address the situation.

2. Use of Host-Venue Instruments & Equipment

General Rule (All Venues)

  • All visiting musicians must supply and use their own instruments and accessories.

  • Use of any host-venue–owned instrument or equipment is prohibited unless express written permission is granted in advance by the venue’s authorized representative (e.g., school district administration, performing arts center management, or venue operations staff).

  • This rule applies even if instruments or equipment are already present in the performance or rehearsal space.

  • If you would like to use any equipment that is not yours in any venue, you must obtain permission from the Conductor or a Board Member.

Venue-Owned Equipment Covered by This Policy

Venue-owned equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Large percussion instruments (timpani, marimba, xylophone, chimes, bass drum);

  • Pianos and digital pianos;

  • Cellos and basses.

Requests for Authorized Use

  • Any request to use district-owned equipment must:

    • Be submitted in advance;

    • Receive express written approval; and

    • Fully enumerate each specific item requested for use.

  • Requests will be made by the Conductor or Board Members in advance.

Prohibited Items and Actions

  • Permitted use never includes mallets, beaters, sticks, bows, mouthpieces, reeds, or other accessories.

  • Use of student-owned or staff-owned instruments or accessories is strictly prohibited.

Conditions of Permitted Use (When Explicitly Authorized by the Venue)

When written permission has been granted:

  • Instruments may not be disassembled or removed from stands;

  • Cases and covers must be replaced at the end of rehearsal;

  • Instruments must be returned to the exact location in which they were found at the end of the previous school day;

  • MPO assumes full responsibility for repair or replacement of any damaged materials;

  • Percussion and keyboard equipment may only be played by musicians with appropriate training.

3. Expectations of Visiting Musicians

All MPO musicians must provide their own instruments and accessories, including but not limited to:

  • Keyboards, if not explicitly arranged as a rental item by MPO;

  • Bows, rosin, chair straps, rock stops, strings, chin rests;

  • Mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, neck straps, doubling stands;

  • Mallets, beaters, hammers, sticks, cymbals, hand percussion, instrument stands, and snare drums.

Borrowing, sharing, or using items found on school grounds is not permitted.

4. Facility Setup, Care, and Reporting (All Venues)

Room Setup and Breakdown

  • Regardless of the room’s condition upon arrival, the rehearsal or performance space must be returned to the setup required by the host venue, including any posted setup maps, diagrams, or written instructions.

  • Setup and breakdown are the responsibility of the MPO, not external custodial staff.

  • Failure to comply may result in revocation of MPO’s ability to use such venues.

Reporting Facility or Equipment Issues

  • Any equipment or instrument that is damaged, missing, or non-functioning must be reported immediately to a board member or the board’s designated representative, ideally before rehearsal begins or as soon as discovered.

  • All issues must also be reported to the appropriate venue authority as required by that venue’s policies (e.g., school district Fine and Performing Arts administration or performing arts center operations staff) before leaving the rehearsal or performance site.

5. Unauthorized or Improper Use

  • Improper or unauthorized use of host-venue instruments, equipment, or spaces is strictly prohibited.

  • Violations may result in disciplinary action against MPO possibly MPO’s inability to use the venue going forward.

6. Professionalism and Respect

  • MPO members are expected to treat all venues and rehearsal spaces with care and respect.

  • MPO members are expected to treat all venue staff with courtesy and professionalism at all times.

  • Food and beverages may be consumed only in areas explicitly permitted by the venue.

7. Commitment to Compliance Across Venues

By participating in MPO rehearsals and performances held at any host venue, all members acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy and with all applicable venue-specific rules and expectations. These standards protect our relationship with our host venues and ensure continued access to school facilities for future seasons.