2008/2009
Musician Handbook

Mission Statement

We, the Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony, are committed to providing the optimal musical experience to our participants. We will educate, encourage, and challenge our musicians to participate at the highest level possible. It is our intent to strengthen the arts in the community by affording opportunities for participation by Musicians of all cultural backgrounds and musical abilities. It is our further intent to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and involvement in the arts.

Program Structure

GWYS offers three levels of performances:

Ø      Debut Orchestra – for newer musicians and/or those new to orchestra/ensemble music.

Ø      Symphonette – For those musicians who have been playing for a few years and may have participated in band/orchestra programs.

Ø      Principal Orchestra – For musicians, who have confidence/competence in reading music and strong ability on their instrument.

Chamber Music is offered to qualified Musicians at an extra cost with a signed attendance agreement.

Student musical ability, intonation and the needs of each level of the symphony will determine placement. Musicians will be mailed their placement notification prior to the first rehearsal.

Rehearsals & Breaks

Weekly rehearsals are scheduled as follows:

Ø      Debut: 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Ø      Symphonette: 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Ø      Principal: 10:00 am -12:30 pm

Ø      Principal Chamber Ensembles: 9:00 am –10:00 am

Ø      Younger Chamber Ensembles: 9:30 am –10:00 am or 12:00pm-12:30pm

Musicians are expected to be seated and ready to play at the start of rehearsal time. Therefore, Musicians are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled start time to prepare their instrument and music. Late arrivals will be asked to wait until break time before joining their group.

Sheet music is provided for Musicians, and should be kept in good condition, with any rehearsal notes made in pencil only. Musicians should bring their own stands and a sharpened pencil to each rehearsal.  Musicians will turn in music after a concert or as instructed by their conductor.

Each week there is a short break during the rehearsal. At this time Musicians may leave the rehearsal room to purchase a snack or visit the front desk or lavatories. Musicians are not to leave the building at this time nor roam the hallways of the school. Musicians should not disturb other groups that are still in rehearsal. Musicians found outside of the designated areas will be asked to return to their rehearsal room.

Musicians are expected to be mindful of the time during breaks and to return to their rehearsal room promptly. Musicians returning late may be asked to wait in the rehearsal room without rejoining the group. In these circumstances, Musicians must wait with their group. Under no circumstances will a student be dismissed during rehearsal without a parent or guardian.

Publicity Guidelines

From time to time, photos and/or videos are taken of our student musicians. These photos/videos are used for publicity and/or GWYS information.  If you do not want your child to be identified by name in any publications, photos, or videos, please check off the box on the registration form, or put your request in writing to the board.

Tuition

The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony is committed to providing a quality musical education to all children who are interested in participating. Student tuition represents over 65% of the income needed to support this program. Therefore, the Symphony depends on prompt payment to cover weekly expenses. Tuition must be paid before the first concert of each season and is non-refundable. If there is any tuition outstanding, the student will not be allowed to play in a concert unless approved by the Board of Directors.  There will also be a required donation for our Concert Program, in lieu of fund raisers, which can be made as a cash donation, submitted personal ads/fees, or business ads/fees.

If necessary, the GWYS Board of Directors will review the tuition requirement of individual Musicians based on their need. If there are extenuating circumstances that might affect your ability to pay the full tuition, please write a letter to our treasurer explaining your situation.

Attendance

Musicians are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and concerts. Musicians will check in at each rehearsal at the attendance table. They should arrive At 9:45 am and be seated and ready to perform by 10:00am Regular attendance is important to the quality of performances and Musicians are encouraged to make their orchestra commitment a priority in their schedules. If a student is to be absent he or she must notify their conductor or a board member, or call the GWYS phone at 203-525-3939 by 9:45 the morning of rehearsal. Musicians with more than three absences per concert period will be contacted and may not be allowed to participate in that concert.

Concert/Performance Information

The GWYS will have two main concerts this season, one in January and one in May or June. Concert tickets are available at the front desk at least three weeks before the concert. The tickets are sold for each concert.  A free concert at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury is also scheduled.  Each group will perform at least once each semester at a community location according to the calendar.  Concert attire is required for each performance.  During each concert, musicians not on stage will be required to sit in a designated area quietly while other musicians perform.

Concert Dress:  Musicians must wear the following at any performance

Debut and Symphonette :
Boys:    White dress shirt, Black pants, Dark tie, black socks, Black dress shoes
Girls:  White blouse, black skirt (below knee length)/black slacks, black shoes

Principal : 
Boys:    Black dress shirt, Black pants, Dark tie, black socks, Black dress shoes
Girls:  Black blouse, black skirt (below knee length)/black slacks, black shoes

A newsletter is passed out to each student at the third rehearsal of each month. The newsletter contains information concerning concerts, concert directions, rehearsals, auditions, etc. It also may contain important, last minute changes to our schedule or policies. We also have a “Member’s Spotlight” section for news concerning our GWYS members. If you would like to have something printed in this section please hand the information in to the front desk by no later than the second rehearsal of the month.  Please make sure that you, along with your son or daughter, read the newsletter. There are always extra copies at the front desk.  Any other communications will be via flyers handed out a rehearsal or through phone calls made to parents.  GWYS will not contact the musicians directly outside of rehearsal time.

The GWYS phone is (203) 525-3939.

The GWYS Board of Directors is composed of volunteers who are dedicated to the growth and continued success of this organization. It is our desire to provide an enjoyable and challenging music experience for the young musicians of the GWYS. Please direct any comments, concerns, or suggestions to a board member listed below.  

Ø      Krisl Beres (President)

Ø      Ann Wood (Vice-President)  

Ø      Rosemarie Wilkes (Secretary)

Ø      Michael Fortunato (Treasurer)

Ø      Members-At-Large:  Dennis Donovan, Anna Jedd, Amy March, Ellie Kelly, Joanne Sforza, Timothy Simmons,  Nancy Waiculonis

Kennedy High School is a very busy facility with multiple activities scheduled at our rehearsal times. The following guidelines are to ensure the safety and comfort of our Musicians.

Ø      Upon arrival, Musicians are to wait in the main lobby until their coach or conductor arrives; Musicians will then go to their designated rehearsal room.

Ø      At break time, Musicians should have their snacks in the main lobby, an area which is supervised by GWYS parent volunteers. Musicians are not allowed to wander the halls, visit other rehearsal rooms or leave the school building. No one is allowed in the auditorium balcony at anytime.

Ø      Musicians are to use the “buddy system” when using the lavatories.

Ø      A first aid kit is available for minor injuries.  All other emergencies we will call 911.

Ø      At dismissal, Musicians are to wait in the main lobby until a parent or guardian arrives. Parents are asked to come into the building to pick up their children. Parents are responsible for their children after 12:00 (12:30 for principal orchestra members).

Ø      Students may ask to use the symphony phone for emergencies or If you need to contact your child during rehearsals, please call (203)-574-8159.