CYSA 2010-2011 Handbook

Contents

Participation Policy

While certain subjects in the schools system are considered to be part of a core curriculum, music is generally viewed to be an elective program. As a result of this, the continuing health of the school music program during times of financial stress depends solely on its popularity within the schools. The single, clear sign of this popularity is the student count. The music program exists because many students chose music. Often this choice is difficult.

The stated objectives of CYSA are "to support and enhance the school music program, providing talented musicians with an exceptional music experience". To help achieve these objectives, CYSA has adopted a rigorous participation policy. Membership in CYS or CJS requires membership in the student's school or district band or orchestra class, or in a nearby school in the case of home school students. Adoption of a more lenient policy would be to provide an alternative to the music program, not a supplement. Such an approach would be competition to school music and a threat to the regional community of music teachers. CYSA will never do anything to knowingly harm the school program.

Under extreme circumstances, a review committee, in consultation with the affected band or orchestra teacher, may waive this requirement. Possible exceptions could be a scheduling conflict with a class required for graduation or a lack of possible transportation. Choosing not to be in a school music program because of a conflict with other electives, choosing not to attend classes at available times, or choosing not to travel even though reasonable transportation options are available are not considered extreme situations. Under some circumstances it may be possible either to attend or possibly assist the teaching of an alternate, perhaps lower-level class. Under extreme circumstances, and on a one-time basis only, arrangements may also be made to carry out an independent-study equivalent to regular music classes. In all cases, agreement of the affected teacher is required.

If you wish to appeal for a waiver or for an independent study equivalent, please obtain a review form from either Mr. Charles Creighton (541) 757-5763 or CYSA President Sukanya Rengaswamy (541) 757-4356. Please include a letter describing the conflict and suggested solution, including a copy of your class schedule (for cases of class conflict).

Student Membership Requirements

  1. Membership is by audition only. All new members must audition with the music director or conductor. Returning members must audition each season for chair placement.
  2. Each member must belong to her/his school district band or orchestra if one is available.
  3. Musicians are eligible to belong to CYSA through age 19.
  4. Each musician is required to participate in ticket sales for season concerts. CYS members are required to participate in and sell tickets for the annual fundraiser concert (or Classical Cabaret). Parents of all musicians are expected to contribute time toward the fund-raisers of their orchestras.
  5. Each member must agree to abide by the attendance policy.
  6. Members will be in their seats, warmed up, and ready to play, ten minutes before each rehearsal begins.

Attendance Policy

Since its first season, the Corvallis Youth Symphony Association has been recognized for the excellence of its musical performances. High quality demands a commitment of faithful attendance and industrious concentration at each rehearsal. Anything less is not considered acceptable for a group of this caliber. Any absence adversely affects the quality of the performance and the reputation of the group.

If an emergency arises or if you are ill and unable to attend, please call a registrar or the music director as far in advance as possible. Usually, the music director and registrar cannot be reached at home after 5:30 pm on rehearsal nights.

As soon as possible after rehearsal begins, the registrar will call all absentees who have not been excused.

Illness is excused. Homework is not. After each rehearsal, the registrar will report to the director which students were absent and whether or not they were excused. If an absence is not excuse, the director will discuss it with the student. Traditionally, many students have been committed to various other activities. Problems can arise when commitments conflict.

Students who might have school conflicts (e.g. sports and school activities) need to carefully study their calendars to determine the seriousness of the conflicts. If your conflict requires you to miss the concert, dress rehearsal, or several rehearsals, you should not consider participation in the Corvallis Youth Symphony or the Junior Honors Symphony this season. If this situation arises, please inform the conductor as soon as possible so replacements can be found or professionals hired.

If the conflict is less severe, consult with the music director as soon as possible to determine what arrangements can be made.

CYS Attendance/Tardiness Procedure

All students are expected to attend all rehearsals.

Students are expected to be in their seats, ready to tune by 6:20 pm.

If a student needs to be excused from a rehearsal, or will be late, they must get pre-approval from Mr. Creighton. Immediately after receiving permission from Mr. Creighton, the student is to send an email to both Mr. Creighton at charles.creighton@corvallis.k12.org.us and the registrar Mary Kleinhenz, at mkgluon@comcast.net

If under rare circumstances (illness) at the last minute the student cannot make the rehearsal, or will be late, the student is to call the Registrar Mary Kleinhenz, (541) 766-8945 (before 5pm), and Mr. Creighton, (541) 757-5763 (after 5pm).

It is imperative that this procedure be followed. Both attendance and tardiness have become an issue, and it is not fair to Mr. Creighton or the other musicians to have some musicians missing or interrupting when they come in late.

Concert Dress

CJS

  • Women: Long black skirt or black pants, white blouse, black shoes, and minimal jewelry.
  • Men: Black slacks, long sleeved white shirt, black bow tie, black socks, black dress shoes, and minimal jewelry.

CYS

  • Women: Long (at least calf length) black skirt or pants with black top, or long (at least calf length) black dress; black shoes, black stockings, and minimal jewelry. Conservative dress only. No sleeveless, spaghetti straps, strapless, or bare backs. No bare midriff. No flip flops or casual sandals.
  • Men: Black tuxedo jacket, white tuxedo shirt (no ruffles), black slacks or tux pants, black bow tie, black socks, black dress shoes, and minimal jewelry.

Fees

The fee for participation in CYS is $385.00 a year. A limited amount of financial aid is available for cases of need. Please contact the Registrars for details.

For families with more than one sibling per orchestra, there will be a $10 deduction for the second child. (i.e. for CYS child #1's fee is $385.00, child #2 and on will be $375.00. The discount does not apply if one sibling is in CYS and the other is in JHS.) Tuition is non-refundable.

Contributing to CYSA

We encourage all families to be sponsors of CYSA. The sponsorship is considered a tax-deductible donation to a non-profit organization. Categories are as follows:

  • Contributor: $10 - $24
  • Advocate: $25 - $49
  • Friend: $50 - $99
  • Sponsor: $100 - $199
  • Patron: $200 - $499
  • Director's Club: $500 - $999
  • Director's Circle: $1,000 - $1,999
  • Benefactor: $2,000 and above

All supporters will be listed in programs for one calendar year following donation (unless otherwise instructed).

Where the Money Goes

This year CYSA has a budget of approximately $170,000. The money is used to purchase equipment, instruments, and music; to print programs, tickets, and posters; to rent performance halls; to pay salaries; to hire professional section coaches and teachers; to provide scholarships and tuition waivers for deserving students; and much, much more.

Scholarships and Awards

A number of scholarships will be give annually for music camps, tuition waivers, and private lessons. Criteria include the student's achievements, citizenship, and commitment as a CYS or CJS member, the needs of the orchestra, and parental involvement. Please contact the Music Director, Scholarship Coordinator or the Registrar for more information.

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Thanks for helping us raise funds in this manner.