WYO Policies

Attendance

• Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.
• Rehearsal begins promptly with tuning. If you are not in your seat when the A sounds, you will be considered tardy. Students are encouraged to arrive about fifteen minutes before rehearsal to set up, warm up and gather focus.
• Any scheduling conflict with a rehearsal or performance, partial or whole, must be reported to the Executive Director in writing (manager@wyomusic.org) as soon as it arises. Once received, the absence request will be forwarded to the conductor for approval. Last-minute absences on the day of a rehearsal should be reported to the Executive Director by phone at 757-345-8215.
• Repeated tardies or absences will jeopardize a student's standing in the ensemble:
  • Three tardies will constitute one unexcused absence. After two unexcused absences, students will receive a warning. Students who accrue three or more unexcused absences may be subject to a dismissal from the ensemble, with no tuition refund given. (New policy, 2011-12)
  • Whether excused or unexcused, missing more than two rehearsals per concert cycle may disqualify a member from performing in the concert.
    

School Support

• WYO members are strongly encouraged to enroll in the ensembles in their school music programs, as school programs build the foundation for skills necessary in orchestral playing and keep the performing arts alive in our community.
  

Rehearsal and Concert Conduct

• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a polite and professional manner at all rehearsals and concerts. This includes behavior in and around all parts of the building before, during and after rehearsals and concerts. Always keep in mind that we are guests in our rehearsal and performance spaces. We must show our appreciation for our hosts' hospitality by behaving politely and leaving facilities clean and neat.
  

Food and Drink

• Under no circumstances are we allowed to eat or drink in the rehearsal rooms. Only plastic water bottles will be permitted. Please keep all school areas litter free during break.

Concert Attire

Symphony Orchestra:

• Ladies: Long black dress, long black skirt or dress pants and black blouse (long sleeves preferred -- no sleeveless, please), black stockings and black dress shoes. No skirts shorter than calf-length.
• Gentlemen: Black dress pants, long-sleeved black shirt, black straight tie, black socks and black dress shoes.

  String Orchestra:

• Ladies: Full-length black skirt with black stockings or black dress pants with black socks, long sleeved white blouse and black dress shoes.
• Gentlemen: Black dress pants, long-sleeved white shirt, black socks and black dress shoes.
  

Care of Music

• Music should be kept in the folder distributed by WYO, and marked with a No. 1 or 2 pencil only. Please remember to take your music home to practice and bring your music folder and a pencil to rehearsals. Sheet music belongs to WYO, another local orchestra or is rented from a publisher. Originals (as opposed to Xeroxes) must be turned in at the end of each performance. There is a $15 fine for each piece of lost or damaged music.

Individual Practice & Private Lessons

• Individual practice between rehearsals is expected, and taking private lessons on your orchestral instrument is essential, as an increasing mastery of your instrument is assumed and indispensable to the ensemble. Students are encouraged to ask their private teachers for help with the WYO music when needed, and to ask their conductors and section leaders questions during rehearsals and breaks.

Tuition

• Tuition for the year is $250 for String Orchestras and $300 for the Symphony Orchestra. Payment is due in full at the time of fall registration, & no later than September 26. Members are expected to participate for the full season, and there will be no partial refunds for those who take off a concert cycle or discontinue mid-year.
  

** Weather Cancellation Procedure **

• If WJCC school is cancelled for the day, or if students are dismissed early and after-school activities are cancelled, WYO will be cancelled.
• If WJCC schools let out at a normal time, but the weather and conditions are becoming dangerous for the evening, a decision will be made and an email will be sent out no later than 5PM, A message with information will also be recorded on the WYO phone number: 345-8215. You may call that number for cancellation information. If we decide to hold WYO rehearsal as scheduled, but you decide not to attend, please do call and let us know your intentions.