By CYNTHIA BAKER

Welcome to the 2003-04 school year! It's going to be an exciting one, with hundreds of concerts and events going on. Such a busy schedule makes it very difficult to find time and space for performances. With the demands on the recital halls at an all-time high, it's important that everyone understand the procedures for scheduling a recital.

First and foremost, the Concert Office must approve all recitals and public performances. Application forms, schedule information, and further details can be found in the Concert Office, which is located on the plaza level, next to the Juilliard Box Office. Recitals may take place Monday through Friday at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m., and Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and must be in Paul Hall or Morse Hall. (Other rooms in the school, such as the studios on the third floor, are not available for independent student recitals—with the exception of percussion students, who may apply for permission to perform in Room 309.) Priority is given to required graduation recitals, for which applications are due by the first week in October. All other recitals, including chamber music recitals, are considered "non-required" and are subject to availability.

Freshmen, sophomores, and Barnard-Columbia-Juilliard Exchange students may only perform a half or "joint" recital. Only registered Juilliard students and accompanists may appear on a recital program. Students may sign up for non-required recitals approximately two months in advance. A list of all sign-up dates is available in the Concert Office. If necessary, a lottery will be held for the remaining available recital times. Due to increased scheduling demands, student recital receptions are no longer allowed within the building. Recitalists are encouraged to make arrangements with the cafeteria or other local establishments.

Instrumental recitals should contain at least 60 minutes of music, but no more than 75. Required recitals should consist of solo pieces with accompaniment; only one chamber work may be included. Any piece that requires more than 12 people must be pre-approved by the Concert Office at least two months in advance of the recital date. Recitalists must provide at least one volunteer to assist the stage manager for any set-up with more than eight chairs or stands. Percussionists are required to assemble and disassemble all percussion equipment (although they may ask for the stage manager's assistance). All instruments and equipment must be removed from the hall immediately following the performance. Any unusual requests, such as for use of electronic equipment, percussion set-ups, or prepared pianos, should be submitted to the Concert Office immediately and are subject to availability. General concert lighting will be provided. Use of additional stage lighting, costumes, props, and special effects are not allowed. All audio- and videotaping of scheduled recitals must be pre-arranged at least two weeks in advance with the Recording Department, Room 319. The use of microphone stands, tripods, extension cords, camera lights, and flash photography is not permitted in the house during performances. (Due to increasingly tight schedules, the halls are not available for recording sessions.)

All recitalists are expected to fulfill their professional responsibilities in a timely manner. This includes the completion of all application forms, printed program information, staging diagrams, and performance preparation. Printed program information must be typed, signed by your teacher, and submitted at least two weeks prior to the recital date. Translations and program notes must be typed, ready for photocopying, and submitted to the Concert Office at least one week prior to the recital date. The Concert Office will post a copy of your program on the bulletin board outside of the Box Office. All recitals will be posted on the Juilliard Web site (unless indicated otherwise on the recital application form). When all paperwork has been completed, a 30-minute rehearsal time in the hall may be scheduled. Any cancellations or date changes must be made at least two months prior to the original performance date; all cancellations or changes made after this date will result in a $100 charge. (If changes must occur for medical reasons, the fee will be waived when a doctor's note is submitted.) Recitalists who cancel their original date are not guaranteed another date, especially in the spring semester.

In conclusion, always treat the recital halls with respect. Do not bring food or beverages into the halls, even during class time. Arrive early for your performance and always check in with the stage manager. Please be considerate of other recitalists and arrange to meet your guests in the lobby, not the green room. Remember that fellow artists use pre-show and intermission times to prepare for performance. Likewise, when attending a recital, never enter the hall during the middle of a piece; it is disruptive and disrespectful to the performers and the other attendees. The goal of the Concert Office is to produce events that are enjoyable for artists and audience alike. If everyone follows these guidelines, it is sure to be a dynamic season for the entire community.

Cynthia Baker is recital hall manager.