The La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras
2007-2008
Member Handbook
The mission of the La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras is: to provide a
unique opportunity for youth to develop and showcase their artistry in the
symphonic tradition and to enhance their lives and the cultural environment of
the communities we serve.
It is the expressed belief of the Board of Directors that the opportunity to
participate in the La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras programs requires a
serious commitment on the part of its members and their families.
The La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras accepts applicants based on their
musical ability, without regard to sex, race, religion, disability, or national
origin.
All members of LYSO are required to read this handbook and abide by all of its
policies. Parents or guardians of members are asked to ensure that their child
abide by these policies and meet the professional expectation of this
organization.
This reference guide will provide members and their families a comprehensive
resource for the La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras. Included are
rehearsal and performance schedules, rules and regulations, general guidelines
and other pertinent information. Should you have questions or issues that are
not addressed in this book, please don’t hesitate to contact the business
manager at (608) 788-0159 or manager@lyso.org.
Also, keep in mind that up-to-the-minute information is always available on our
website at www.lyso.org.
History
of the LYSO
In 1967 Frank J Italiano brought a group of young musicians together – this was
the beginning. Two years later, in 1969, the La Crosse Youth Symphony Society
became incorporated. The La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras have grown and
changed over the years, but it still has the same purpose today as it did 40
years ago: to give the youth of the area a way to gain valuable musical
experience, to obtain different insights into the techniques of their particular
instrument from a faculty of professional musicians and teachers, and finally,
to give our youth the enjoyment of performing in an orchestra and an
appreciation of the arts – whether as a performer, a future teacher or an avid
audience participant.
In the fall of 1983, the Youth Symphony added the Philharmonic Orchestra. There have been other groups added over the years, such as the Preparatory Strings, the Discovery Orchestra, the Premier Orchestra and various Chamber groups. This year we have gone back to just two groups, the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Audition Requirements and Procedures
Membership Requirements
Orchestra membership is based on musical ability as well as the orchestra’s
specific needs for the season. Young musicians from 5th grade through
12th grade who play an orchestral instrument may audition. Everyone
must audition each year, regardless of previous participation. Student placement
is competitive and is ranked in order of artistic quality. With two orchestras
to fill, there are many opportunities for talented musicians.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is a place where motivated and interested students
can enjoy a full orchestra experience with other motivated and talented
students. A full orchestra is a combination of winds and strings coming together
to create a symphony orchestra. The Philharmonic Orchestra is an intermediate
level group specifically designed for the young musician who has had playing
experience and desires the challenge of excellent music but is not yet ready to
play the most difficult of orchestral repertoire. The Philharmonic Orchestra
will challenge the middle school and early high school level musician. Wind and
percussion players, along with string players, gain from the experience of
playing full orchestral repertoire which is not always possible in a school
setting. Our mission is to improve, motivate, and develop our members’ talents
to their fullest. We look forward to having you in our group. Expect
Excellence!!!!
The Youth Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of young musicians
through the 12th grade that have demonstrated an ability to perform
at an advanced level. Members enjoy the enrichment and challenge of performing
with other serious and dedicated musicians. Technical skills include all keys.
Woodwind and brass players will be required advanced accuracy of chromatic
scales, clef reading and transposition where applicable. String players will be
required all scales through at least three octaves, ability to play fluently
through all positions, advanced bowing (e.g., spiccato and sautillẻ) and clef
reading ability, where applicable. Percussion players: requirement includes
mallet instrument techniques (two octave scales), knowledge of timpani (tuning
and technique). Four timpani, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone and snare drum will
be provided. Students are asked to bring their own mallets.
Audition Schedule
Auditions will be held:
Saturday, September 8, 2007
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 9, 2007
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, January 27, 2008
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM New Member
Auditions Only
To schedule an audition go to our website at
www.lyso.org, fill out the registration Form under Membership Info and hit
the submit button. It’s that easy, no need to mail anything in and no audition
fees. Audition time will be sent in the mail.
Adjudicators
The adjudication panel consists of LYSO conductors and faculty. This panel will
determine the placement of the musicians. The panel’s decisions are final.
Audition Requirements
(What to play at the audition)
Other Audition Information
-
Auditions are closed to parents and the public.
-
During the auditions, students will be judged on intonation, interpretation,
tone, rhythm, technique and scale proficiency and required excerpts.
-
Student placement is competitive. Students are selected by the quality of their
audition performance.
-
All students must audition each season, regardless of prior participation in the
LYSO program. Students are evaluated on the basis of their audition and are
placed in an appropriate orchestra. Previous participation in the LYSO program
does not guarantee placement.
-
Orchestra placements may not be appealed.
Audition Tips
-
Be prepared. This is the most important
thing you can do. Don’t leave your preparation for the last minute! If you
haven’t started practicing, start now!
-
Have a positive attitude. Visualize
yourself going into the room and playing your best.
-
Arrive in plenty of time to warm up.
Double check you audition time and place and plan to arrive with plenty of time
to warm up. There will be many other musicians in the same room warming up, just
focus on your own warm up.
-
Eat properly and wear comfortable clothes.
Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before.
-
The judges try to make every student feel
comfortable in the few minutes allotted. However, please remember that there are
a lot of people auditioning and a time limit has to be observed. – In the
interest of time, the judges will stop players in the middle of their solos when
they have heard enough music to make their decision. This may mean that the
student plays for only 1 minute or so before being asked to move on to another
part of the audition. Players should not be offended or feel shortchanged when
this happens. It is not a comment upon their playing; rather, it is a necessity
because of the number of players to be heard.
-
Students should play their best material
first! If the solo selection has several sections of different speeds, players
should begin with the section that shows them off to best advantage.
-
Please understand that players are
accepted into the orchestras and seated based upon performance at the audition
and the audition alone. The judges are unable to “second-guess” a players’
ability and for the sake of fairness to all, can only evaluate the performance a
student presents at the audition.
Everyone wants you to have a successful audition. GOOD LUCK!
Audition results will be posted on the website (www.lyso.org)
by the Wednesday following the audition date.
School Participation Policy
The LYSO organization is firmly committed to the importance of school music
programs. They contribute greatly to the quality of the orchestras we are able
to present. LYSO members should be willing to share what they learn in our
orchestras by taking a leadership role in their school ensembles.
All members will be required to participate in their school orchestra or band
when these programs are offered. The Youth Symphony Orchestra and the
Philharmonic Orchestra should never be used as a replacement for participation
in a school music program and no exceptions will be granted.
In order to participate in the LYSO:
String Players - must be a contributing member of his/her school orchestra, if
one is offered.
Wind/Percussion Players – must be a contributing member of his/her school band,
if one is offered.
Each member must have a signed Teacher Endorsement form on file with the LYSO by
the 3rd week of rehearsals for a student to participate. Home
Schooled students will need to have parent’s signature on this form. Students
without a school orchestra will need the principal’s signature. This form will
be sent with audition packet.
General Policies
Membership Fees
There will be a fundraiser each semester that can be done to help offset the
cost of Membership Fees. All fundraisers will be voluntary – there will be no
required fundraisers.
Youth Symphony Orchestra
Membership fee is:
$400.00 per
year
($200.00 per semester)
Semester fees can be paid in two payments:
1st
Semester:
$100.00 due at the first rehearsal on September 15, 2007
$100.00 due
on October 13, 2007
2nd
Semester:
$100.00 due at the first rehearsal on Feb. 2, 2008
$100.00 due
on Feb. 23, 2008
If Membership Fees are paid in full by the first rehearsal on September,
15, 2007 you can take a 10% discount:
$360.00 per year.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Membership fee is:
$350.00 per
year
($175.00 per semester)
Semester fees can be paid
in two payments:
1st
Semester:
$100.00 due at the first rehearsal on September 15, 2007
$75.00 due
on October 13, 2007
2nd
Semester
$100.00 due at the first rehearsal on Feb. 2, 2008
$75.00 due
on Feb. 23, 2008
If Membership Fees are paid in full by the first rehearsal on September, 15,
2007 you can take a 10% discount:
$315.00 per year.
Family Discount:
Those families with more than one member in
the LYSO organization will receive a $25 discount for each additional member
after one member is paid in full.
Membership fees are
nonrefundable except in the case of extreme illness with Doctors excuse.
This is an all-inclusive
fee there are no additional fees for the audition, folders, music, etc.
A Late fee of $15.00 will
be charged on any payments not received by the above dates.
Checks should be made payable to: LYSO - NO CASH please.
Where
the Money Goes
The money is used to purchase equipment, music, to print programs, tickets and
posters; to rent performance halls and rehearsal space; to pay salaries; to hire
professional section coaches and teachers; and much, much more.
Financial Assistance
No student will be excluded from the LYSO program due to financial need.
Financial assistance is available to all members in the form of partial
Membership Fees waivers.
All requests for financial assistance must be made in writing and received by
September 15, 2007 (Feb. 2, 2008 for new students 2nd semester).
Applicants should state the amount requested which LYSO will review. NOTE: IRS
non-profit organization guidelines require the first 2 pages of the most recent
tax return to verify financial need. These will be viewed by a Board of
Directors committee and all information will be held confidential.
Financial assistance does not affect the standing or eligibility of a member in
any way. Recipients will be asked to assist LYSO in some way (such as rehearsal
set-up or tear down, helping with concerts, etc.).
Attendance
PARTICIPATION BY ALL
MEMBERS IS MANDATORY FOR ALL CONCERTS (including Run-out Concerts).
Our orchestras can only produce the highest quality performance when all
musicians are in attendance. Unlike sports teams, we have no “substitutes” and
our sound changes when musicians are missing. Therefore, all musicians are
expected to attend every rehearsal. We do understand that school music events
come first, however, they do count as an absence.
Any member missing a Dress Rehearsal (the last full rehearsal prior to each
semester concert) or any part there-of, unless for a Doctor’s excused illness or
extreme emergency, may not be allowed to participate in the concert and possibly
forfeit future membership.
There are only 10 to 11 rehearsals per concert cycle if excessive absences occur
(over 3) participation in the upcoming concert is at the discretion of the
conductor. The reason for the absence is not the issue rather it is the absence
itself and the subsequent lack of preparation. More than 3 absences per concert
cycle will mean you are not as prepared as the others and you may be asked not
to perform in that concert.
All absences need to be submitted on the internet (under Member Info – Absence)
at least 1 weak prior to the absence.
Personal Illness and/or Family Emergency - absence must be submitted on internet
prior to rehearsal (if possible).
If you are unable to play your instrument for any reason, you are still expected
to come to rehearsal, take notes and stay “in tune” with what’s going on in your
section.
Arriving late or leaving
early
A member will be considered tardy if not seated and ready to play when the
conductor begins the rehearsal. Two instances of tardiness will be counted as
one absence.
Leaving early will count as ½ an absence.
Members must use the absence form on the internet as soon as they know they will
be tardy or have to leave early (under Member Info – Absence).
Music Policy
Each LYSO member is
assigned a folder at the beginning of the season; keep you music in this folder.
Every player is responsible for his/her own folder and the music issued. Any
lost or damaged music will be charged to the member’s family. Since replacement
charges can run anywhere from $5 to $30 per part, you should handle your music
carefully and return it on time. It is the member’s responsibility to be certain
that he or she has all the music that has been assigned.
Members
will be charged $5.00
for each original piece of music that is either not returned or is damaged at
the end of the season. DO NOT use a pen,
hi-liters or markers on any LYSO music - ONLY PENCIL!
If a member
loses their folder/music
the LYSO charges $1.00 per page (for copied parts), and $5.00 (for original
parts) for lost music (rentals or out-of print could be more).
A musician who has failed to return music or pay replacement costs will not be
permitted to participate in orchestra activities until he/she has arranged for
replacement of the music.
Music is entrusted
to each orchestra member and must be handled with great care.
-
All outside string players in LYSO will receive original music; copies will be
handed out to inside players. Concerts will be played from originals only.
-
Non-musical marking of the music is unacceptable
-
Folders must be signed out at the beginning of each semester and returned at the
concert, or as instructed. A musician not performing in the concert must return
the folder of music prior to the concert. Copies must be turned in as well as
the original music. NOTE: the LYSO will not assume responsibility for personal
items left in music folders.
-
Musical markings or notations should be made in light to medium pencil ONLY.
NEVER USE INK TO MARK MUSIC (even if it is a copy)!
If you need to borrow additional music during a rehearsal you must sign it out
with the manager and return it at the end of rehearsal.
Rehearsals
You will find a full season schedule at the end of this handbook. Please refer
to the schedule often. Mark all dates on your calendar, and be sure that your
parents are aware of all these dates as well.
Sign In Sheet
An attendance sign-in sheet will be located
outside the door of each rehearsal room. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK OFF YOUR NAME
or you will be marked absent. Tardiness is disruptive to the rehearsal – please
arrive 15 minutes early to tune and warm up, and be in your seat at the start of
rehearsal.
What to bring to all
rehearsals
-
Your instrument with all its proper accessories (mutes, reeds, rock stops, etc.)
Think ahead remember to bring your instrument home from school on Friday!
-
Your own music and pencil with eraser – do not rely on your stand partner.
-
All string players should have an extra set of strings in their instrument case.
-
All woodwind players should have extra reeds in their instrument case.
-
Your own music stand (marked with name). Our rehearsal halls may not have enough
stands for both orchestras.
-
Come to rehearsals musically prepared. Know your music.
Use of rehearsal
facilities
-
NO
FOOD, GUM or DRINKS in rehearsal or sectional rooms at any time.
-
All members need to pick up trash and help put chairs and music stands back so
that all rooms are left in the proper order.
-
DO
NOT wander through the building before or after rehearsals or on break. Areas
for LYSO use are rehearsal rooms, sectional rooms, break area and restrooms.
-
You are responsible for keeping your instrument and other belongings safe during
a rehearsal. LYSO is not responsible for damage or theft of your instruments or
other belongings. Please do not leave instruments unattended or lying on chairs
where they can be knocked off and damaged.
Conduct
-
Be
in your chair, warmed up, tuned and ready for the first downbeat at starting
time.
-
When the conductor stops for a correction, cease playing immediately and pay
attention to what is being said.
-
Give your full attention to the conductor. No talking or disruptive behavior
while the conductor is on the stand. Social conversation should be limited to
breaks and after rehearsal.
-
Parents, families, music teachers and friends are welcome to visit any of the
rehearsals. However, if they are the cause of any disruptions during the
rehearsal, they will be asked to leave.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS ARE PRHOIBITED BY LYSO AND WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL.
ALL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN INSIDE THE BUILDING DURING REHEARSALS AND
BREAKS.
Concert
Ticket Information
Ticket sales offset the cost of renting the concert hall. Each family will
receive a packet of tickets to sell several weeks prior to each concert. Please
encourage family and friends to attend for their pleasure as well as the
performers benefit. Ticket money and any
unsold tickets must be turned in by the last regular rehearsal before a concert
or the member will be charged for all tickets given to them.
Fall Concert Ticket
prices:
Adults -
$6.00
Sr. Citizens - $3.00
Students - $3.00
Spring Concert Ticket
prices:
Adults -
$10.00
Sr. Citizens - $5.00
Students - $5.00
LYSO
Polo Shirts
Youth Symphony Orchestra members are required to purchase a LYSO Polo Shirt.
These shirts are worn for Run-Out-Concerts, ensemble performances, etc. Cost of
a polo shirt is $15.00. They will be on sale the 1st two weeks of
rehearsals of each semester. Philharmonic Orchestra members are not required to
purchase a Polo Shirt however these shirts are for sale to anyone who wishes to
purchase them.
Fundraisers
There will be a fundraiser each semester that can be done to help offset the
cost of a member’s Membership Fees. For example: sell a set amount of wreaths
and get $50.00 (or more) off of you membership fee.
All
fundraisers will be voluntary – there will be no required fundraisers.
Parent
Participation
The LYSO program could not function without the volunteer time that parents
give. Acting as ushers, chaperones, hall monitors and fundraiser volunteers are
just a few ways parents can contribute. Parents will be asked to commit to TWO
participation events per semester. Sign-up sheets will be at the first rehearsal
or each semester and at the parent/member meetings. If you do not commit to
anything, you will be called as needed throughout the semester.
Parent/Member Meetings
A meeting for all members and at least one parent/guardian is held at the
beginning of each semester. This is a required meeting for both the member and a
parent/guardian.
1st Semester meeting is: September 22nd at 12:30 PM
2nd Semester meeting is: February 2nd at 12:30 PM
Concert
Dress
Youth Symphony Orchestra
Girls: All Black – Black floor-length skirt or dress (must be long sleeved) or
black dress pants, black long sleeved blouse, black nylons and black dress
shoes.
Boys: Black tux or suit – Black bow tie, black socks and black dress shoes.
White long sleeved shirt.
Run-Out-Concerts: LYSO Polo Shirt
and NICE blue jeans (no holes), blue or black socks, nice shoes (tennis shoes ok
if no holes and clean).
Philharmonic Orchestra
Girls: Black and White – Black floor length skirt or dress pants, blank nylons
and black dress shoes. White long sleeved blouse or sweater.
Boys: black and White – black dress pants, black tie, black socks and black
dress shoes. White long sleeved shirt.
Run-Out-Concerts: Same as regular Concert Dress
Concerto Competition/Honors Recital
Concerto Competition
Each year, members from the Youth Symphony (only) may audition for the Concerto
competition. The winner will play his/her concerto with the Youth symphony
Orchestra at the Spring Concert. Repertoire must be approved by the Youth
Symphony Conductor. See the Business Manager for application. This audition
automatically makes a member eligible for the Honors Recital as well.
Competition Rules:
1.
1.
Contestants will be required to play a movement from a concerto from standard
orchestral repertoire or a composition of similar stature with an orchestral
accompaniment which is readily available.
2.
2.
Youth Symphony conductor must have approved the selection prior to sending in
the application.
3.
3.
All contestants must be a current member of the Youth Symphony Orchestra as of
the Fall Semester 2007.
4.
4.
Contestants must supply their own piano accompanist.
5.
5.
Two copies of the solo part must be supplied for the judges.
6.
6.
Audition length may be limited, depending on number of applicants.
7.
7.
Where the music calls for cadenzas, they must be performed.
8.
8.
Former concerto competition winners are ineligible.
9.
9.
Auditioning for the Concerto Competition does not guarantee a slot on the
Honor’s Recital.
10. No multiple piece or instrument entry will be allowed.
11.
The piece you audition with is the piece that will be performed if chosen.
No more than two winners performing different pieces will be chosen by a panel
of independent judges. The Youth Symphony Conductor will not have a vote.
Decision of the judges is final. The competition site will be open to the judges
and LYSO staff only.
Honors Recital
Every member in the LYSO organization may audition on any piece for the Honors
Recital. Members will be selected from every ability level to perform according
to their audition. See the Business Manager for application.
Honors
Recital Audition Rules:
1.
1.
Contestants will be required to play a solo with accompaniment.
2.
2.
Contestants must provide their own accompanist.
3.
3.
All contestants must be members in good standing of either the Youth Symphony
Orchestra or the Philharmonic Orchestra.
4.
4.
If chosen to perform at the Honors Recital, the contestant must provide his/her
own accompanist at the recital.
5.
5.
No multiple piece or instrument entry will be allowed.
6.
6.
Two copies of the solo part must be supplied for the judges.
Honors Recital winners will be chosen by a panel of independent judges. Decision
of the judges is final. The competition site will be open to the judges and LYSO
staff only.
Time Line for both
competitions:
Registration
Deadline:
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Auditions:
Sunday, December 2 – 2 PM
Audition
Fee:
$15.00 (non-refundable)
Honors
Recital:
Sunday, February 10, 2008 – 2 PM
Concerto
Performance:
Spring Concert – Sunday, April 20, 2008
Keeping
Informed!
Newsletter
The LYSO Newsletter “Music Notes” is published and mailed regularly during each
semester. Important information regarding, rehearsals, concert and fundraisers
are just some of the news items you can look for. Please be sure that both
parents and members read these publications thoroughly!
Announcements and Handouts
There may be announcements made at rehearsals or things may be handed out at
rehearsals. It is the member’s responsibility to make sure that
parents/guardians are informed of these after each rehearsal.
Last
Minute Information
When information changes at the last minute, LYSO will be in touch. Postcards
will be sent out if enough time for everyone to receive it. E-mail will be the
preferred method for last minute changes. Also, the LYSO website (www.lyso.org)
will be updated often with any breaking news (under Member Info).
Bad
Weather Cancellations or Delays
Bad weather is always a possibility. The LYSO does not want to lose any of its
much needed rehearsal time so before any activity is cancelled we will try to
just postpone it by an hour or two. The best way to keep on top of any delays or
cancellations is by going to the website (www.lyso.org).
All weather related information will be on the Home Page. There will also be a
message on the LYSO telephone at (608) 788-0159.
If you live outside of the La Crosse area, your weather may be far different
than in La Crosse. We do not want anyone trying to get to rehearsal if
conditions make traveling too dangerous. If we do not cancel a rehearsal, but
you feel that you can’t get your child there safely, please go to the website
under Member Info – Absence and let us know. We do not want to worry when
someone doesn’t show up.
LYSO
Office
The LYSO office is located in the Business Manager’s home. The LYSO telephone
number is: (608) 788-0159.There are not any set hours that the Business Manager
is working, it could be at 8 AM or 8 PM, so don’t be surprised if your call is
actually answered! If the answering machine does pick up please leave a message
and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Other
Communication
The best way to contact the Business Manager or either one of the Conductors is
through email. Email is checked daily and can be answered at any time (not when
both parties are home to talk on the phone).
Email
Addresses are:
Business
Manager – manager@lyso.org
Youth
Symphony Orchestra Conductor –
oliveira.enal@uwlax.edu
Philharmonic
Orchestra Conductor –
masran@viroqua.k12.wi.us
LYSO
Board of Directors
Jayne Rifenberg
President
Executive Director – La Crosse Day Care Centers, Inc. – Retired
Kathi Millard
Vice President
Wichelt
Imports, Inc.
Jim Haas