The Ensembles
INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS
The WVYS faculty, through sectionals and full orchestra rehearsal, work
to
improve the student's performance level. To realize the full benefit of
the curriculum the student must participate fully in the program. When
students become members of the West Virginia Youth Symphony, they agree
to:
Ø Read and abide by all guidelines outlined in the
handbook, particularly those that pertain to attendance, tuition and concert
apparel;
Ø Be on time to all rehearsals with music and a pencil (see attendance
policy);
Ø Notify the general manager if an absence is necessary;
Ø Exhibit proper behavior and respect rehearsal/concert facilities;
Ø Perform in all regularly scheduled concerts during the season;
Ø Practice on a regular basis;
Ø Study with a private music teacher and to perform in a school
ensemble.
PRIVATE and/or SCHOOL STUDY
All members of the West Virginia Youth Symphony are expected to advance
their musical training with private music lessons and participation in
their school instrumental music program. The WVYS staff will be happy
to assist students in selecting a teacher. Members who do not study privately
or in a school ensemble will not experience the advancement benefits enjoyed
by others.
All WVYS members must participate in their school instructional
music program if one is offered in their WVYS instrument. Students will
be responsible for providing their guidance counselors with a form which
will enable the counselor to : verify participation, certify that a program
does not exist, or explain why the student’s schedule does not allow
for participation.
Home Schooled students are eligible to participate in Kanawha County Schools
music programs and we encourage this. Home Schooled students are required
to receive private instruction, especially if they are not participating
in a school program.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE AND DRESS
West Virginia Youth Symphony members are required to attend all Youth
Symphony concerts. Parents can do their part by making sure that students
are properly dressed and arrive on time with music in hand and ready to
perform. The concert performance is a chance for students to show their
families, friends, peers and the general public their command of compositions
and playing skills.
CONCERT DRESS IS BLACK AND WHITE. Musicians must wear a white dress shirt, dark shoes and black dress pants or black skirt that is at least knee-length and not slit above the knee. No tennis shoes or tank tops are allowed.
SECURITY/EMERGENCY
Parents should always let their children know where they will be and how
they can be reached during rehearsals. Parents must provide an alternative
contact name and number in the event the parents cannot be reached during
an emergency. Emergency information is to be recorded on the Student Information
Form to be filled out at admission to the program.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In order to make the WVYS a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all
members, the following attendance policy will be strictly enforced in
the 2006-2007 season:
1. Any member who needs to miss all or part of the WVYS rehearsal MUST
notify
the general manager prior to rehearsal.
2. After three absences, a letter will be sent to parents and student.
For orchestra students driving themselves, a letter will be sent after
each absence or tardy.
3. After four absences, one of the following may happen: the student may
not be allowed to perform in the concert; the student may be reseated;
the student may be dismissed from the WVYS.
4. If a student misses the dress rehearsal for the concert, it is possible
that s/he will not be allowed to perform.
5. Lateness, especially habitual lateness, will be counted as an absence,
and s/he may be re-seated.
6. Tuition is non-refundable in the case of a dismissal.
7. If a student should be dismissed, s/he may apply for re-admission the
following semester, at the discretion of the conductors.
REHEARSALS
All regular rehearsals are Monday evenings at Horace Mann Middle School.
Youth Orchestra rehearsals are conducted by Robert Turizziani from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the band room.
Youth String Ensemble rehearsals are conducted by Colleen Tan from 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm in the Portable Room 9.
Youth Winds rehearsals are conducted by David Williams from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the art room.
Cadet Strings rehearsals are conducted by Ian Jessee from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the cafeteria.
If Kanawha County schools are closed due to inclement weather, rehearsals for that day will be canceled.
Directions To Horace Mann Middle School:
If you are traveling on I-64 E —Take Exit 98 (35th Street Bridge Exit) After crossing the bridge, stay on 35th street until you reach the traffic light. Turn left at the light onto MacCorkle Avenue and proceed to 43rd Street. Horace Mann is a beige brick building that takes up the block between 43rd and 44th streets) Turn left on 43rd , proceed one block to Noyes Avenue, turn right onto Noyes Avenue. (Use the Noyes Avenue entrance.)
If you are traveling on 64 W – Take the MacCorkle Avenue Exit. There are two ramps on this exit. Get in the left lane and take the ramp going west. At the bottom of the ramp you will go right onto MacCorkle. Stay on MacCorkle until you reach 44th Street Horace Mann is a beige brick building that takes up the block between 43rd and 44th streets.) Turn left onto 43rd, proceed one block to Noyes Avenue, turn right onto Noyes and use the Noyes Avenue entrance to the school