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The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra program is administered in a manner
that is as close as possible to the way in which a professional symphony
orchestra operates. Your compliance with the organization’s regulations
is vital to the professionalism and musical integrity of the youth orchestra.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the immediate dismissal
from the orchestra.
1. Membership
Membership in the orchestra is by invitation only, following competitive
auditions. Renewal of the invitation each season is not automatically
guaranteed, but is determined by the music director, string workshop director,
sectional coaches, and/or executive director.
The musical progress of all members will be evaluated on a continuing basis
throughout the season. This will be done by way of observation during
rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts.
2. School Music Programs / Private Study
All members of the youth orchestra are encouraged to participate in their
school music programs, if and when they are available. Our program
supports and cooperates with the music education community. We expect
our members to be role models
and musical emissaries in their school ensembles.
All members of the youth orchestra are expected to study privately.
If help is needed, the youth orchestra can offer suggestions for choosing
a private teacher. Suggestions are not necessarily endorsements.
3. Artistic Standards
The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to promoting and striving
to maintain the highest artistic standards. It is our expectation that
all members endeavor to attain their full musical potential. The Music
Director, Executive Director, and/or members of the coaching staff may notify
youth orchestra members of musical deficiencies that require improvement,
particularly when it is perceived that improvement is possible. Orchestra
members so notified must show improvement within these deficient areas within
a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Music Director, Executive Director,
and/or members of the coaching staff. Failure to demonstrate improvement
in deficient areas within a designated time frame may result in dismissal
from the orchestra, at the discretion of the music director.
4. Facilities
Youth orchestra members will respect the rules, premises, and the property
of Heinz Hall or any other facility where rehearsals, concerts, or other
activities take place.
Please observe:
- No food or beverages are permitted on stage or in
the auditorium of performance facilities.
- Do not disturb the stage or rehearsal room set-up.
Some halls are operated by union stagehands. If assistance is needed,
inform the operations manager or other youth orchestra staff member.
- Visitors are welcome to rehearsals. Prior notification
is requested, especially for groups. Visitors are asked to check in
with the rehearsal or concert facility security guard.
5. Attendance
A guiding philosophy of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra is that professional
responsibility is critical to musical excellence. Absences from rehearsals
are detrimental to the orchestra’s progress and counterproductive to your
own personal growth. All members are expected to attend all scheduled
full orchestra rehearsals and performances, however, we understand that absences
may be unavoidable and have developed the following attendance policy.
- PYSO follows a trimester format.
See season schedule.
- Absences will no longer be distinguished as excused
or unexcused. Members are either present or absent.Members will be allowed only two (2) absences per
trimester, but not to exceed a total of five (5) for the entire year.
- In the case of unavoidable conflict, you must notify
the PYSO office in writing (letter, note, email or fax) at least one week
in advance of your absence.
- Absences may result in reassignment of parts, re-seating
in the section, loss of principal status, or in the case of exceeding the
limit of absences, expulsion from the orchestra.
- A student not able to meet the attendance requirement
for any trimester will be asked not to play in the remaining rehearsals and
performance(s) in that trimester.
- Missing a dress rehearsal or concert is grounds for
dismissal.
- Tours are not optional; when they are scheduled they are part of the season. Members who accept membership for the season are expected to go on tour during a tour year.
- Any exceptions whatsoever to the above policies will
be made on a case-by-case basis.
TARDINESS & LEAVING EARLY
Late arrival to a rehearsal is not acceptable. It is unprofessional,
irresponsible and extremely disrespectful to your colleagues.
Tardiness or leaving early is counted as one half (1/2) an absence. Students
are tardy if they are not in their seats, tuned, with their music on the
stands at the designated rehearsal time.
SUBSTITUTES
Woodwind, brass and percussion players must find substitutes to cover assigned
parts. If another member of the section cannot cover the part, students outside of PYSO are acceptable.
The PYSO member is responsible for getting a copy of the music to the substitute
in advance.
The PYSO office must be given the substitute’s name & contact information
at least one week in advance.
In the case of illness or emergency, please leave a message on the office
answering machine: 412-392-4872 or send and email.
6. Deportment and Behavior
Youth orchestra members should conduct themselves in a professional manner
at all times during rehearsals, sectionals, performances and other youth
orchestra functions. This means alert, observant, and courteous attention;
enthusiasm for activities; cooperation; respectful good manners; punctuality
and dedication; attention to all directions given by the conductor, coaches,
and orchestra staff.
Failure on the part of any student to behave in an appropriate manner may
result in that student’s dismissal from the PYSO organization. Behavior
which may result in dismissal includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Excessive absenteeism as per the attendance policy.
- Repeated failure to comply with concert dress policy.
- Failure to comply with PYSO volunteers, instruction
of conductors, orchestra staff, or staff of rehearsal facility.
- Physical violence or threats of physical violence
towards any conductor or orchestra member.
- Acts of vandalism or theft from rehearsal or concert
facilities.
- Repeated acts of disruption during rehearsals.
Disruption to be determined by the conductors.
- Verbal, sexual, or any other form or harassment.
- Use of alcohol, tobacco or unprescribed drugs.
In the case of dismissal, there will be no refund of tuition or tour fees.
7. Instruments, Music, and Personal Belongings
Instruments
Instruments belonging to PYSO must be handled with care. If any damage
occurs to a PYSO-owned instrument while in the possession of an orchestra
member, he or she will be responsible for the repair.
Members are responsible for their own instruments. Do not leave instruments
or bows unattended where they might be accidentally damaged. Do not
leave your instrument on your chair during breaks. Instruments should
be safely put into cases during breaks or when not needed.
All instruments should be insured. Most homeowner policies can include
a rider to cover instrument insurance.
Music
It is the responsibility of each musician to have his/her music at every
rehearsal. If you are a member of the wind, brass, percussion, harp
or keyboard section and will be absent from a rehearsal you are expected
to make every effort for your substitute to have your music.
Markings to your music should be made neatly and legibly in No. 2 pencil
only. Please bring pencils and an eraser to every rehearsal.
Leave music on your music stand after the last concert that it is needed.
Personal Belongings
Please do not leave personal belongings or items of value unattended, particularly
in public areas or at concerts. PYSO and Heinz Hall are not responsible
for stolen or lost articles.
8. Arrival Procedure / Rehearsals
It is the responsibility of all PYSO members to be aware of all rehearsals,
concert dates and times. Members should arrive approximately 15 to
30 minutes early to allow time to unpack and warm up. Five minutes
prior to the start of rehearsal, each member should be seated, ready to tune.
Please check the PYSO website each week
and click on “Members Only” for up-to-date schedule changes, announcements,
etc. Information
will be posted by noon on Friday. It is your responsibility to check
the website each week. If you do not have access to the PYSO web site,
please ask for a printed bulletin. Additional announcements may be
made at rehearsal.
At each rehearsal, there will be at least one 15-minute break. Feel
free to bring or purchase a snack or beverage, but please keep all food and
drinks away from the facility stage and auditorium.
9. Concert Attire
FORMAL
Gentlemen: Tuxedo or black suit. Black bow tie, white long sleeve button
down dress shirt, black shoes and solid black socks.
Ladies: Long black dress (must come below the knees when seated) with
sleeves, or black slacks and solid black blouse with sleeves. Black
shoes.
Please note:
- All black shoes must be polished leather, shiny black.
- No cologne or perfume.
- Ladies shoes should be closed heel and toe.
- Ladies blouses - nothing low cut.
- Jewelry must be minimal.
10. Weather Emergency Cancellations & Postponements
In the event of a weather emergency, which necessitates the last minute cancellation
or postponement of a rehearsal, call the PYSO office 412-392-4872 to check
for an announcement. Every effort will be made to record the announcement
at least 4 hours prior to the beginning of rehearsal. We will try to notify
you of last minute cancellations via email, but please call the PYSO office
if you have any questions regarding cancelled or postponed rehearsals.
The PYSO website may not always be up to date.
DO NOT ASSUME rehearsal cancellation based on Pittsburgh city schools or
other area schools being closed.
11. Membership Dues and Scholarship
Annual membership dues are $500. Members may be assessed additional
fees for trips and/or tours, when applicable.
Some scholarships are available. Scholarship forms may be obtained
from the PYSO office and must be submitted by certain deadlines.
12. Travel / Parking
In general be prepared to pay to park in downtown Pittsburgh. Free
street parking may be available on weekends in designated areas, such as
meters. Car pooling and/or public transportation is recommended.
Please allow for additional travel time for such things as:
- Baseball and other sports games
- Parades
- Races, Walks
- Construction and Detours
- Inclement weather
Members are generally expected to provide their own transportation to rehearsals
and concerts, including outreach concerts, unless outside of the Pittsburgh
metropolitan area. Maps and directions will be provided.
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