WYO Policies

Auditions and Chair Tests

• All new and returning members must audition for orchestra seating. Each musician is placed where the conductor feels he/she can best benefit the ensemble as a whole, which can mean that the most advanced students are placed throughout a section.
  

Attendance

• Every student's participation is vital for a successful rehearsal. Attendance at concerts and dress rehearsals is mandatory. If you must miss a rehearsal please contact Colleen Coleman, WYO manager, by phone: 757-872-4772 or email: manager@wyomusic.org as soon as possible. Students who miss more than two rehearsals for a concert may not be invited to perform in that concert; exceptions will be made for illness or emergency.
  

School Support

• Students are strongly encouraged to support their school music programs by enrolling in available band and/or orchestra classes. The programs offered in the local schools are the foundation for the orchestras’ future.
  

Timeliness

• Students should arrive at least fifteen minutes before rehearsal to unpack, warm up, chat with colleagues, and gather focus. Running in to rehearsal at the last minute is stressful and disrespectful to your friends who arrived ahead of time. In a professional orchestra, musicians arrive up to an hour before the start-time. (If you know you will be late to a rehearsal, the WYO manager must be notified in advance.)
  

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.
• 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 bow tie, 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 should be turned in at the end of each concert. There is a fine for lost music.
  

Practice and Assistance With Music

• Students are expected to practice their orchestra music at home and come to rehearsal prepared. Students are encouraged to ask their private teachers for help with music when needed. The group encompasses a range of skill levels, so some may find their music challenging. If you are frustrated or confused by a certain passage or piece, please do not hesitate to ask for help from the section leader or the conductor. Please feel free to ask questions during rehearsal.