PLAY FOR A DAY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: When and where is Play for a Day?
A: March 10th, 2024 at Billinghurst Middle School 6685 Chesterfield Ln, Reno, NV 89523. Check-in opens at 1:00pm, rehearsals begin at 2:00pm, with a performance following at 6:00pm. The concert will last about 45 minutes.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: This event is presented free to the community thanks to a generous grant from the City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission and sponsors Chris & Parky May and Sandy Raffealli / Bill Pearce Motors.

Q: Do I need to register in advance?
A: Yes. The registration deadline for participants is March 1st, and no exceptions will be made. Anyone can come watch from the audience at 6pm.

Q: What is the purpose of Play for a Day?
A: Play for a Day is a creative outlet for musicians of all levels in our community. Through small and large group rehearsals, people will get a chance to interact, connect, and experience a day of making music together.

Q: What ages are allowed to participate?
A: All ages! If you can play the music, you can come! We hope to see a wide mixture of kids and adults from our community. Participants under the age of 15 must have a designated adult with them on site for the duration of the event.

Q: What instruments are allowed to participate?
A: All orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba & percussion. (Sorry, no saxophones or piano.)

Q: Do I need to bring my own instrument?
A: Yes. Instruments will not be provided, except for minimal percussion. If you need to rent an instrument, we recommend contacting a local music store.

Q: I play percussion. Can I participate? Do I need my own instruments?
A: Yes, we need percussionists too! However, we will only provide a limited number of percussion instruments. We will give priority to percussionists who are able to bring their own instruments.

Q: Do I need to bring my own music on March 10th?
A: Yes. Participants will need to print and bring their music with them. You will receive a link to download the music when you register for the event.

Q: For some music, I see there are “A, B, and C” versions of the music. How do I know which part to learn and play?
A: This is up to you. A is the original part, just as the composer wrote it. B is a little simpler, and C is the most basic arrangement. Pick the part you are most comfortable with and will have the most fun with! You can mix and match between pieces too if you want. For seating reasons, you need to stay with the same instrument for the whole day, but you can choose different levels of difficulty for each piece.

Q: I play violin. How do I know if I play 1st or 2nd violin parts?
A: To have the most amount of flexibility, we ask if possible, you learn both parts. If you have a strong preference, you may self-select which part you feel more comfortable playing.

Q: I play a woodwind or brass instrument. How do I know if I should play the 1st or 2nd part?
A: To have the most amount of flexibility, we ask if possible, you learn both parts. If you have a strong preference, you may self-select which part you feel more comfortable playing.

Q: What if I am comfortable with 3 or 4 of the songs, but not all of them?
A: If there is a song(s) you are not comfortable playing by March 10th, you are welcome to sit and listen to the music around you and rest during that song.

Q: My friend might want to sign up too. Is space limited?
A: The more the merrier! We do not anticipate the need to turn anyone away.

Q: I see there is a concert at 6:00pm. Who can attend? Is it free?
A: Anyone is welcome to the concert! Invite your friends and family to come hear you jam with the Reno Phil. The concert is free of charge, but donations are welcomed and 100% will go to the Reno Phil Education programs such as the Young People’s Concerts, Discover Music, RPA Kids, and the Youth Orchestra.

Q: Will there be food available?
A: We will have snacks, water & coffee available. You are also welcome (and encouraged) to bring your own snacks and water bottles.

Q: Where should I park?
A: Use the school parking lot or neighborhood street parking. There are no meters or restricted parking in this area.

Q: Is Billinghurst Middle School ADA accessible?
A: Yes. The school is fully accessible and there are no stairs, elevators, or ramps to navigate.

Have another question? Email education@renophil.com or call us at 775-323-6393