Welcome to an exciting year for the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra program. You were selected through a competitive audition process, where over 100 young musicians auditioned for this program. You play a critical role in the overall success of this ensemble! As you strive for individual excellence this season, please follow these guidelines to further enhance your experience and the experience of your colleagues.

Rehearsal and Concert Attendance Policies

Each of the concerts performed by the CSYO is prepared in a cycle with a minimum of seven rehearsals and each rehearsal is critical in preparing musicians for their upcoming concert.  Absence, lateness, or early departure detracts from the learning environment, disrupts the students’ learning process, and impacts the performance level of the entire ensemble. Each musician is expected to attend all rehearsals, arrive promptly, and remain throughout the rehearsals, unless otherwise notified. Perfect attendance is the recommended goal for each CSYO student!

·      To maintain your position in CSYO/CSYS, you may only miss up to five (5) rehearsals per season, and a maximum of two (2) rehearsals per concert cycle.

·      Acceptable reasons for absence:

o   Conflict with a mandatory school event

o   College audition/visit

o   Illness

o   Family emergency

·      Please complete an Absence Request online at least two weeks before your absence. The link to the absence form can be found on the CSYO website under the Current Members section. Students that are not at rehearsal and have not submitted an absence request will receive a phone call or email to their parents.

·      Dress rehearsals are extremely important.  We expect all students to be in attendance of the dress rehearsal. If you have a conflict on the date of the dress rehearsal, please complete an Absence Request form at least 4 weeks in advance or contact Mitsuko Flynn.

·      In the event rehearsal is canceled, CSYO will make an announcement no later than 10:00 am the day of the scheduled rehearsal via email.

·      Musicians are suggested to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsal to unpack and tune. Upon arrival, musicians must check-in. Failure to check-in may be recorded as an absence. Musicians must be in their seats ready to play their instruments five minutes before the rehearsal begins.

Practice Policy

The CSYO is a team and every member of the team is crucial to the success of the whole. Each member is expected to practice his/her individual part(s) at home.

·      Rehearsal will focus on intonation, ensemble, style, expression, and other orchestra performance techniques.   

·      Musicians are encouraged to listen to recordings of the works being rehearsed to become familiar with his/her/their part in context of the work.

·      Musicians are encouraged to practice with a metronome regularly and incorporate what was discussed at rehearsal.

·      Be prepared to learn, practice, and refine your part over the course of the concert cycle.

·      Students that regularly attend rehearsal unprepared may be reseated or in extreme circumstances, dismissed from the program.

Concert Attire

Students have two different formal uniform options:

·   Long black skirt/dress or pants (to ankle when seated), modest black top (no sleeveless dresses or tops), black close-toed shoes, black stockings.

·   Black dress pants, long-sleeve white tuxedo shirt, black jacket, black bow tie, black dress shoes, black socks. 

*Note: If you are uncomfortable with these options, please contact your director to discuss a third option

Rehearsal Etiquette and Code of Conduct

Every student is asked to contribute to a collaborative environment.  Students are expected to adhere to the following. Students that violate these expectations are subject to expulsion:

·      Demonstrate cooperation and respect to CSYO conductors, staff, volunteers, and parents.

·      Stay engaged between playing to allow instructions to be heard.

·      Be respectful towards fellow musicians and show respect for the rights, privacy, and property of others. Harassment, bullying, or hazing of any nature will not be tolerated.

·      Students are responsible for their own property, instruments, music, etc. We strongly suggest that students should not use other students’ instruments nor lend their own to others.

·      Vandalism or theft of school, venue, or personal property will result in expulsion

·      Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are strictly prohibited and will result in expulsion

·      Be respectful of the rehearsal space and concert venue. No food or beverage (except water) is permitted in the rehearsal room or concert venues.

During all rehearsals and performances, students must refrain from:

·      Eating (chewing gum) and drinking (other than water)

·      Unnecessary talking during rehearsal

·      Running and horse-play

·      Wearing hats, headphones, or sunglasses

·      Recording rehearsals or performances without prior permission

·      Disruptive playing of instruments

·      Rudeness to fellow students, staff, volunteers, or parents

·      Cell phone use of any kind. Cell phones must be turned off and stored away during all rehearsals and performances.