AYO Attendance

Attendance Policy

Please report student absence in advance with this form. Email confirmation will be sent to families by the AYO Orchestra Manager after the request has been reviewed by the conductor. 

Consistent attendance at rehearsals is crucial to the success and musical growth of AYO. Any absence affects the ability of the rest of the orchestra to rehearse effectively. When a musician misses rehearsal, the whole section— and the conductor's ability to prepare the group — feels the gap.

It is the musician's and parent's responsibility to ensure that the AYO staff are informed about absences as early as possible. Each musician may have up to two (2) approved absences per semester. Absences must be requested and approved in advance by your ensemble's conductor using the AYO Absence Request Form. Approval — not just notice — is what makes an absence excused. Absence requests should be submitted as soon as a student becomes aware of a conflict. Whenever possible, absence requests should be submitted at least one week in advance. Requests submitted with less notice may not be approved except in extenuating circumstances.

For unplanned and same-day emergencies (illness, etc.), notify us as soon as possible by filling out the AYO Absence Request Form and emailing education@austinyouthorchestra.org

Rehearsals

• Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and arrive early and be ready to play.

• Students may have up to two approved absences per concert cycle, and these may not be consecutive.

• More than two absences—or two absences in a row—may affect a student’s ability to participate in the upcoming concert and may jeopardize continued enrollment for the season.

• Austin Youth Orchestra must be notified in advance using the AYO Absence Request Form. 

Concerts

• Attendance at concerts is required.

• A concert absence may only be excused for illness or family/personal emergency. Conflicts with other activities cannot be approved.

• Missing a concert without prior communication may result in dismissal from the program for the remainder of the season.

• Contact Megan Anderson, AYO Orchestra Manager as soon as possible if a situtaion arises. 

Our attendance policy is designed to support every student’s musical growth while ensuring that each ensemble can rehearse and perform at its highest level. Thank you for helping your musician honor their commitment to the group!