Charter Mark standards

Each of the Charter Marks will cover five main areas of activity, common to all orchestras:

Management (e.g. duty of care, confidentiality, staff induction and training)
Venue facilities (e.g. backstage areas, quiet spaces, temperature, lighting)
Performance matters (e.g. rehearsals, programming, hours)
Travelling (e.g. transport, accommodation, seating, on-site services)
Additional services (e.g. hearing/eyesight tests, ergonomic assessment)

The information below outlines some of the key areas that orchestras should consider in respect of the health and wellbeing of both musicians and administrative staff.

Musicians

It is widely recognised that many orchestral musicians can suffer physically and/or emotionally as a result of their profession. Long and irregular hours, repetitive physical movements, exposure to extended periods of loud noise and cramped working conditions can lead to a range of ailments from burnout to performance anxiety, muscular damage and substance abuse. Taking steps to address these risks will benefit the health and wellbeing of individual performers as well as the orchestra as a whole. Some typical issues are outlined below.

Posture

Bad posture – playing a musical instrument puts an unnatural strain on the body and many people only address it when it becomes a problem
Seating – poor seating can contribute to the inherent demands made on the spine by playing some instruments. This can be a particular problem when touring and seating varies from venue to venue

Lighting

Bright and overly-hot lighting - an issue at nearly all venues and can affect vision over time
Small and/or poor quality music - libraries often send parts that are very difficult to read and cause unnecessary strain for players’ eyes

Noise

Since April 2008 orchestras have been asked to comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005). These new regulations have reduced the level of noise exposure at which orchestral managers must take action to protect the hearing of their musicians to 80dB. Above 85dB employers will be required by law to provide suitable hearing protection for their employees
Multiple variables – hearing loss is a real threat for orchestral musicians, and could mean the end of a career if serious. Positioning in relation to other instruments, venue acoustics, and the kind of ear plugs given to players are just some of the variables that can affect a musician’s exposure to noise

Heating

Changes in temperature – heating is often not turned on until the start of a rehearsal and the gradual change in temperature that results can affect players and instruments
Stage and backstage – it is important for backstage areas to be the same temperature as the stage as a sharp contrast could affect muscles and aggravate dormant problems

Backstage facilities

Relaxation – it is important but not always possible to create ‘quiet’ spaces for players to relax in either before or after concerts to reduce stress
Green Room – adequate lighting and heating are a must, as well as a constant supply of water and an urn for tea/coffee help to keep players hydrated, warm and alert

Emotional stress

Performance anxiety – this is often very difficult for management to resolve and can also affect those in management positions. Managers need to be aware of the issues at stake and know how to offer the right kind of support to their employees and colleagues

Other

Bullying, alcohol or other substance misuse – serious issues that orchestral managers should be trained to spot early and about which musicians should be encouraged to be open and honest

Management and Administrative Staff

Musicians are not the only employees in whose health and wellbeing an orchestral manager should be interested. The members of an orchestra’s management and administrative team are themselves often subject to conditions in which their health and wellbeing could be at risk if not protected.

Stage Management

Noise – members of staff who are required to work onstage in rehearsals will also be subject to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. From April 2008, their employer will be required by law to provide them with suitable hearing protection if they are exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dB.
Posture – members of staff who are required to move risers, pianos, staging etc should be trained properly so as to avoid the possibility of musculoskeletal damage resulting from this kind of work

Backstage Facilities

Adequate lighting, heating and space are not just important for players – there is often nowhere for an orchestra manager to sit, as in the case of one manager who reported that “I normally end up perched on our instrument box surrounded by paperwork and subs to give out and usually get very little done”

Emotional stress

Managing staff can be stressful, and for those at the front line working with the musicians themselves, the pressures are sometimes significant