Respect your colleagues

Treat your peers with respect and kindness. More than likely, you will work with them throughout your career. Remember, we are all on this journey together, and you want to be remembered as a supportive colleague.

Respect your teachers and stage crew

The BUTI faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting you throughout your time here (and beyond). Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or requests for advice. This is an opportune time for learning, absorbing information, and honing your craft. Be sure to treat all BUTI faculty and staff with the utmost respect.

Respect the instruments

Avoid using hard mallets for practice, particularly on xylophone and marimba. Exercise extra caution when playing in the low register of these instruments. Care for the instruments as if they are your own. Once an instrument is damaged, replacement or repair is often difficult and expensive. Never leave instruments outside. This area experiences frequent, unannounced rainfall. Science Building bathrooms are off limits for instruments and practice.

Pay it forward by making sure instruments are returned to their expected storage locations in all of our facilities.

Timeliness

Punctuality is paramount at BUTI. Students are expected to be fully set up and warmed up prior to the start of any rehearsal, including those for orchestra, wind ensemble, and percussion ensemble.

Come prepared

To ensure you're fully prepared, obtain your parts in advance from your teachers and listen to reference recordings. Write down crucial information such as required instruments, instrument switches, shared instruments, and counting. You can never be too prepared. Let's uphold our tradition of being the most prepared and professional section in the BUTI ensembles.

Be responsible for your instruments and tasks

As young professionals, you are responsible for ensuring you have all the instruments you need. Do not assume an instrument will be provided. Plan ahead, particularly when sharing instruments, and communicate graciously with others about your needs. While we will do our best to coordinate equipment, please do not assume anything. Bring all small instruments (cymbals, triangles, snare drums, etc.) for YAO and YAWE rehearsals.

Abide by all BUTI rules

We encourage you to enjoy your time away from home and have fun, but please remember that underage drinking has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. You will be caught. In previous summers, students have been immediately dismissed from BUTI for drinking or drug use. Be responsible and don't let us down. Additionally, please be careful when crossing roads into town, as there are many irresponsible drivers who may not see you.

Attend as many concerts as you can

It is a huge privilege to get to see the BSO and TMC orchestras week after week. Take it all in!

12 Rules of Percussion Studio Etiquette

1. If you open it, close it.

2. If you turn it on, turn it off.

3. If you break it, admit to it.

4. If you unlock it, lock it up.

5. If you can’t fix it, find someone who can.

6. If you borrow it, return it.

7. If you value it, take care of it.

8. If you make a mess, clean it up.

9. If you move it, put it back.

10. If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.

11. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.

12. If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.