Membership Policies

Policies and procedures for members of the Young Artists Philharmonic

SEATING AUDITIONS

Musicians in the Young People’s Symphony and Young Artists Philharmonic will have periodic opportunities to audition for their seating placement. Please note that these auditions take numerous factors into consideration, including technical accuracy, musicianship, and sensitivity to musical context. Contact your individual conductor for advice on how to best prepare for these auditions. The results of the seating auditions are judged by the professional musicians on staff at YAP, and are final. Any student disappointed in their result should contact their conductor to learn how to improve for the next opportunity to audition.

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

All YAP students are expected to enroll in a music/ensemble class at their school, and remain in good standing. Exceptions to this policy only apply in the case that there is no such program available to enroll in. Any other exceptions are made rarely and on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Orchestra Administrator at maria.stich@youngartistsphil.org for more information.

PRACTICE

Practice is essential to putting on exciting performances. Every member is expected to set aside personal time on a weekly basis to practice his or her orchestral parts. Members are expected to have mastered their music at home, and worked through difficult passages with their private instrumental teachers.

PRIVATE STUDY

In order to ensure that the standard of musicianship remains high, all students must study music with a private teacher (group lessons at school do not meet this requirement). If you need help locating a private teacher, contact your conductor. Scholarship assistance may also be available to help in this area.

MUSIC

YAP members should take care not to lose their music, and should not rely on the conductor having extra copies. Losing music may incur a small re-printing fee.

CELL PHONES / ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phone use, or the use of any electronic devices is prohibited during rehearsals and during concerts except in the case of an emergency.

TUITION

Membership tuition for 2022/23 is $950. If a student joins the orchestra mid year, the tuition fee may be prorated accordingly. Tuition is due at the first rehearsal, with checks being the preferred method of payment.

SIBLING DISCOUNT

Families that have more than one child in the orchestra will receive a $100 discount per additional family member.

REFUNDS

Tuition fees for members who choose to withdraw, or who become ineligible are non-refundable.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Visit the “Auditions” page and click the “Scholarships” tab for more information

CONCERT TICKETS

It is expected that all families support the organization through the purchase of tickets at each YAP concert.

REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE

Members in the Young Artists Philharmonic are expected to make a commitment to every rehearsal and concert. Absences greatly affect the experience of the ensemble as a whole, and make musical continuity between rehearsals difficult. Nevertheless, we understand that conflicts sometimes arise. Students are allowed two (2) excused absences during each concert rehearsal period, and 6 total. Attendance at all dress rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case by case basis. In order for an absence to be “excused,” you must notify Orchestra Administrator (maria.stich@youngartistsphil.org) 24 hours before the rehearsal. Musicians should take care to arrive with enough time to unpack, tune, and warm up before the start of rehearsal. Excessive tardiness may be classified as an absence at the discretion of the conductor or staff.

CONCERT ATTENDANCE

All YAP musicians must attend all the concerts. Absence from a concert may result in dismissal from the Orchestra for the season.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

YAP typically bases its inclement weather cancellations off of the school district cancellations. If any of the local schools cancel, then YAP will be cancelled as well. A notification will go out to the email addresses on file for each family, alerting them to the decision

CONCERT DRESS

Correct concert dress gives our performances a professional look and keeps the audience’s focus on the music. Please refer to the following concert dress guidelines. A musician who arrives at a concert dressed in a manner which does not conform to this dress code may be denied participation in the concert or be seated in the back of his/her section.

YOUNG STRING ENSEMBLE

GIRLS:

  • Long solid black skirt (ankle-length) or long black dress pants
  • Long-sleeved solid white top
  • Black shoes – no sandals
  • Black stockings / socks
  • No bare arms, midriffs, legs or feet
  • Cellists, bassists, harpists: Long solid black full skirt or long solid black loose fitting dress slacks.
  • No jeans, tight fitting, or hip-hugger pants will be allowed.

BOYS:

  • Plain, black dress slacks
  • White long-sleeved shirt
  • Dark tie
  • Black shoes
  • Black socks
  • No sneakers

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SYMPHONY & YOUNG ARTISTS PHILHARMONIC

GIRLS:

  • Long solid black dress or skirt (ankle-length) or black dress slacks
  • Long-sleeved solid black top
  • Black shoes – no sandals
  • Black stockings
  • No bare arms, midriffs, legs or feet
  • Cellists, bassists, harpists: Long solid black full skirt or solid black dress slacks.
  • No jeans, tight fitting, or hip-hugger pants

BOYS:

  • Black suit
  • White shirt
  • Black shoes
  • Black socks
  • No sneakers
  • Boys in Young People’s Symphony wear dark ties
  • Boys in Young Artists Philharmonic wear black bow-ties

 

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