GYSO&C MEMBERSHIP POLICIES
Auditions
General auditions for GYSO ensembles are held in the spring. Auditions last 5 minutes and are closed to parents and other listeners. Information regarding audition procedures and specific dates is on our website georgiasymphony.org.
School Participation
Participation in a school music program is required, provided one exists.
Attendance Policy
The most valuable contribution musicians make to their ensemble is their presence at rehearsal. Membership in the GYSO&C is a commitment to faithful, consistent and punctual attendance. The success of the organization depends on the contribution each musician makes. Musicians in all ensembles are allowed no more than two absences per concert rotation, regardless of reason, including illness, school or other music activities, family vacations, homework and tests, college visits, religious holidays, etc. If a musician is unable to play his/her instrument (because of injury to either the student or the instrument), s/he should still attend rehearsal, bring music, sit with the section, and take notes. Starting promptly is very important. Musicians should arrive early enough to be seated and ready to play prior to the rehearsal start time. Percussionists in particular need to allot extra time in order to set up equipment prior to rehearsal. Arriving late or leaving early disrupts the rehearsal; every three occurrences will be counted as a single absence. The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus makes every effort to avoid scheduling conflicts with area school calendars, holidays, and GMEA events, but unfortunately we cannot always accommodate all the activities in our busy students’ lives. Please email Grant Harville (gharville@georgiasymphony.org) or call our office (770-429-7015) as soon as you become aware of a conflict. Our rehearsal schedule for the year is posted on our website. If a student exceeds the maximum allowable number of absences, continued participation in GYSO&C will depend on the discretion of ensemble director.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the season is $350, which may be paid in one lump sum or three installments of $120, $120, and $110. We never turn anyone away for financial reasons: if tuition is a hardship, please apply for financial aid.
Music
Sheet music is expensive. Some of the music we perform is rented and since replacement charges can range from to per part, you should handle your music carefully and return it on time, generally on the day of the concert. Students will be fined the replacement cost for lost, damaged or stolen music. If there is a problem with the music you have been assigned (damaged, marked with pen or colored pencil, etc), or if a particular piece is missing from your folder, please bring it to the Librarian’s attention immediately.
Code of Conduct
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus musicians are ambassadors for the organization, and the behavior of each musician reflects upon the entire group. Each student will be expected to use good manners, display common courtesy, and show consideration for others. A successful GYSO&C experience requires a cohesive group in which each individual accepts and follows the same standards of behavior. As a member of the GYSO&C, you will also be representing the GYSO&C in your schools. We expect the same code of conduct that is adhered to at the GYSO&C to be adhered to in all school settings.
Concert Dress
Ladies: Full-length black skirt or black dress slacks with black top with discreet neckline and long sleeves (past the elbow) or black dress (past the knee) with discreet neckline and long sleeves (past the elbow). If sleeves are short, a matching black jacket or black sweater with long sleeves must be worn as well. Black conservative dress shoes with black tights or black hose (no patterns). Jeans and corduroy pants are not acceptable.
Gentlemen: Preferred is tuxedo or black suit (no tails), white shirt with a black bow tie, black dress shoes and black socks. If acquiring a tuxedo or suit proves to be a hardship, dress is all black: black shirt (with collar and long sleeves), black pants, black shoes, black socks.
No perfume, cologne or aftershave.
The Four Things You Need at Every Rehearsal
1. Instrument: This includes bow, mouthpiece, working reeds, sticks and mallets, valve oil, extra strings, rock stop – anything that you need to insure that you will be able to play. For vocalists, this means a good faith effort to be in good voice.
2. Music: Do not rely on your stand partner. If you lose or forget your music, we cannot
guarantee a replacement part will be available for that rehearsal.
3. Pencil: Bring one and use it. Nothing is more frustrating for conductors or your fellow
musicians than reiterating the same rehearsal points every week.
4. Accessories: Brass and string players should have mutes; oboists should have tuners.
Everyone should have any equipment needed to fulfill their duties.
Seating
Seating procedures are at the discretion of each individual conductor and may change throughout the season. Our seating philosophy is intended to provide fair opportunities, new perspectives, and the greatest learning experience for all players. Seating is generally based on audition, as well as maturity, leadership, and the rehearsal habits of the player. Wind and brass seating may rotate on a piece-by-piece basis, at the discretion of the ensemble director.
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