Membership Handbook
Conditions of Membership
The musician must be in grades 5-8 in a public, private, charter, or home school. (younger or older students may be accepted at the discretion of the musical director and board)
They must be members in good standing with their school orchestra/band if such is available, otherwise they must have the recommendation of their private teacher.
They must take weekly private lessons for the instrument they play in YJSO.
Members must audition and be accepted into the orchestra at the discretion of the musical director.
2. Membership Information
The YJSO makes every effort to keep musician information confidential, however it is important that we be able to contact players when necessary. Please report home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and private music teacher changes to the board as soon as possible.
Parent meetings are mandatory and at least one parent should attend.
Virtually all communication is done via email or REMIND. Be sure to add yjsoboard@gmail.com to your address book and subscribe to REMIND. Also check the home page of this web site for news, cancellations and more.
3. Fees
All members must pay the membership fee of $150 by the first rehearsal. If two or more children are members of YJSO, a 10 % discount will apply.
In an effort to provide opportunity to all musicians regardless of socioeconomic status, Financial Scholarships may be available for those who qualify. Contact a board member for information.
4. Attendance
Near perfect attendance is expected.
A maximum of TWO Rehearsal absences per Concert Season are allowed.
Once TWO absences have been reached, you MUST meet with the Conductors to perform any portion of your music selected by the Conductor.
Seat placement may be affected if parts have not been learned.
Illnesses or injuries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Late arrival or early departure is considered 1/2 an absence.
Additional absences beyond 2 per season can jeopardize seat placement and could lead to a review by the Board, at which time there will be a decision for continued membership.
Attendance will be taken into consideration for the YJSO Summer Camp scholarship opportunity.
In the event of a missed sectional or dress rehearsal, orchestra seat is NOT guaranteed. Orchestra and/or concert seating due to absence is at the discretion of the musical director and the YJSO Board of Directors.
ALL absences should be filled out on the absence Google Form linked on the website as soon as possible.
5. Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be held at Advent Lutheran Church, 1775 E. Market Street, York, PA, 17402 and will start promptly at 9:00am.
Strings arrive 30 minutes early (8:30am) for tuning, Percussion arrives 45 minutes early (8:15am) to help set up. All others arrive 30 minutes early (8:30am) for tuning. Percussion is expected to help tear down and put percussion equipment away at the end of rehearsal.
Each member MUST bring a music stand to every rehearsal in case his/her stand partner is absent. Strings must share a stand with their stand partner. Members MUST have a pencil at their stand at rehearsals.
No cell phones or electronic devices of any kind are allowed at the student’s chair during rehearsals. Students must leave all electronic devices in their instrument cases or with a parent prior to tuning and taking their position.
There is usually a 10 minute break in the middle for students to use the restroom, have a snack, and socialize. Members are to adhere strictly to break times.
6. Conduct
Any member found defacing or destroying facility property will be held financially responsible and may be dismissed from the group.
Snacks, including chewing gum, are NOT permitted in the rehearsal room during rehearsals. All waste and trash are to be deposited in trash cans.
The YJSO is a guest at the venues, members should conduct themselves as representatives of their school and the YJSO.
Students should clean up after themselves. Brass should have spit towels for the floor.
7. Musicianship
Musicianship is at the heart of an elite orchestra. All students are expected to practice their parts at home and with their private teacher. Saturday rehearsals are meant for putting the parts together, NOT learning individual parts.
The conductor reserves the right to hear members play their parts at any time.
8. YJSO Property
Musicians may need at times to utilize YJSO resources.(ie stands, instruments, music) Students are expected to take care of these resources and return them in the same condition.
All issued music MUST be returned at the end of each concert or a charge will be incurred. Pencil markings may be made, but every effort should be made to minimize permanent markings on the music. Music not returned may result in a charge of $5 per musical piece missing.
9. Concerts
The YJSO performs a fall concert and a spring concert. On occasion, special performances may be held. Dress rehearsal is typically held the day before at the concert venue to prepare the musicians. Attendance at both of these is critical for the success of the orchestra and the advancement of the student.
Concert times indicate the start of the performance. Arrival time for musicians will be announced by the conductor at dress rehearsal.
Concert attire is as follows:
Boys:
Black dress slacks
White long sleeve dress shirt (button front)
Black socks
Black dress shoes
Blue cummerbund and tie (available for purchase from the YJSO.)
Girls:
Black skirt (no shorter than mid-calf) or black dress slacks
White long sleeve dress shirt w/ collar (sleeves MUST be at least 3/4 length). Bare arms are not allowed.
Black hosiery, black tights (or long black socks w/ slacks). No bare legs or feet.
Black dress shoes with closed toes
Blue cummerbund and tie (available for purchase from the YJSO.)
The following are NOT allowed:
Jeans of any color (including black)
Sneakers/Athletic shoes
Sandals or Any type of open-toed shoe
Ankle socks
IMPROPER DRESS WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE CONCERTS.