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

It is the goal of the YJSO for our members to come together for a positive and safe musical experience. Each member is expected to abide by the following:

Respect for all Members: Members are expected to treat each other with respect, kindness and courtesy. Members are expected to help foster a positive environment for each other to learn and grow as musicians and members of the community. They are to avoid discriminatory or harassing behavior, including verbal, physical, or psychological abuse or bullying.

Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy of others. Members are not permitted to spread rumors about YJSO members, staff or venues verbally, via social media, or any other method.
Respect for our Venues: The YJSO is a guest at our venues and members should conduct themselves as representatives of their school and the YJSO. Snacks, including chewing gum, are not permitted in the rehearsal room during rehearsals. All waste is to be deposited in trash cans. Brass players are expected to have spit towels for the floor and ensure that their rehearsal space is clean when they leave. Any member found defacing or destroying facility property will be held financially responsible and will face disciplinary action.
Reporting: If a member believes the Code of Conduct has been violated by another member, they must report the incident to the Staff or Board immediately so appropriate action can be taken.
Compliance: Depending on severity, verbal warnings to the musician will be given first, followed by an email to the parents. Incidents will be taken on a case by case basis with the conductors and review by the Board of Directors. Failure to correct behaviors may result in some or all of the following depending on behavior identified:

Seat demotion
Ineligibility to apply/audition for scholarships
Probation
Dismissal from the YJSO

7. CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that rehearsals remain focused, efficient, and productive by limiting distractions caused by cell phones and other electronic devices. We understand the importance of communication and accessibility, but it is essential that rehearsals maintain the highest level of attention and respect for the music and fellow musicians.

1. General Use

Cell phones should be silenced or turned off and placed in instrument cases during rehearsals. Cell phones should be left in cases to ensure the focus of the group and maintain the privacy of its members. Absolutely no photographs of members, staff, or venue shall be taken to violate this privacy.
Other electronic devices such as smart watches or tablets should also be silenced or turned off during rehearsal and placed in instrument cases.
If a member is found to be violating this policy a verbal warning will be given first, followed by an email to parents if it continues to be a problem. If it is a consistent problem, the electronic device will be held with a Board member to be returned to the musician at the end of rehearsal.
YJSO is not responsible for any damage or theft of electronic devices.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Concerts

The YJSO performs a fall and spring concert locally. On occasion, special performances may be held and are required if listed on the YJSO calendar at the beginning of the season. 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.

Fall and Spring Concert attire is as follows:

Black dress pants or black skirt (no shorter than mid-calf, must not rise above the knees when sitting)
Completely black socks or black hosiery high enough to cover ankles when sitting (no bare skin)
Completely black dress shoes, no other coloring on laces or soles, closed-toe
White long sleeve (to wrist) dress shirt, button front, with collar
Blue cummerbund and tie (available for purchase from the YJSO)

The following are NOT allowed:

Jeans or leggings of any color (including black)
Sneakers/Athletic shoes
Sandals or any type of open-toed shoe
Ankle socks

If there are any questions or clarifications requested about proper concert attire, please speak to a Board member.

Hershey Music in the Parks Concert attire is as follows:

Black dress pants or black skirt (no shorter than mid-calf, must not rise above the knees when sitting)
Completely black socks or black hosiery high enough to cover ankles when sitting (no bare skin)
Completely black dress shoes, no other coloring on laces or soles, closed-toe
YJSO Black polo shirt with YJSO embroidered logo (Polo shirt is provided by the YJSO)