BYSO Handbook
Welcome to the Bakersfield Youth Symphony! Membership in this group will enrich your musical skill by allowing you to perform great symphonic literature with some of Kern County’s finest young musicians. Your acceptance into the BYS speaks highly of your musical accomplishments. The Board of Directors is excited to have you become a part of this important component of Bakersfield’s cultural life.
Index:
Purpose of this Handbook
BYS Objectives
Attendance Policy
Dress Code for Concerts
Concert Help
Discipline Policy
Membership Auditions
Solo Auditions
Eligibility
Fees
Scholarships
Music Folders
Parent Volunteers
Symphony Tickets
In Closing
This handbook was designed to acquaint you with the philosophy, policies, rules, and expectations of the BYS. Most of the provi-sions of this handbook were determined by the official action of the BYS Board of Directors; all are the product of careful thought and consideration. The BYS board reserves the right to change any regulation contained in this booklet as is made necessary by situations that may occur during the course of the season.
The objectives of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony shall be:
To provide gifted young musicians an opportunity to further their education in orchestral performance;
To introduce members to advanced orchestral literature;
To present performances for the enjoyment of the community.
Attendance at every rehearsal and performance is mandatory. The success of the BYS is dependent upon every member being present at all rehearsals and performances. Please be aware of the following regulations:
You are expected to be on
time and ready to play at 5:55
PM on Monday evenings and
are required to stay through the entire
rehearsal
which ends at 8:30 PM unless
you are dismissed by the
conductor or manager.
This includes sectional rehearsals
as well as full rehearsals. If
specific members are not needed for part of the rehearsal, they will be
notified in advance. Failure to
comply will result in a parent contact, demotion, or dismissal, as
appropriate, at the discretion of the conductor.
If for a legitimate reason
(i.e., school-related conflicts), you cannot
attend a rehearsal, or in the event of an emergency or serious illness, Dana
Svedberg must be contacted immediately;
please call him weekdays during the daytime at 393-7110,
extension 137, or his cell is 549-5670.
If you know that you are going to miss a concert, you must submit a letter to the Board of Directors for approval prior to the first rehearsal for that concert.
You are expected to resolve any work-related conflicts with your employer that may arise during the year.
Women:
Full-length black dress
with no slit above the knee. No
sleeveless, plunging neckline, or backless dresses.
Black dress pants with a black blouse are acceptable.
Black hosiery and black dress shoes.
No sequins, lettering, or distracting jewelry.
Men:
Black
jacket and black pants (not jeans)
or a black tuxedo.
White shirt and black bow
tie; no long ties.
Black socks and black dress shoes (no athletic shoes).
If you need more information on the dress codes, call the orchestra manager at 549-5670 (cell) or 393-7110, ext 137 (work).
ALL members of the BYS are expected to help after each concert by taking his/her chair and music stand back to the instrumental room at Stockdale High School. This small task helps tremendously in the time it takes to clean up the stage after each concert.
Members of the BYS must maintain a professional attitude. Anything less than exemplary behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This includes, in part, tardiness, poor attendance, inattention, excessive talking, eating during rehearsals, or general disruptive behavior. Students who have disciplinary problems will be referred to the board of directors for parental contact and possible dismissal from the BYS.
All students must audition in September for membership and seating for the current season. Special auditions may need to be held during the season to fill vacancies should they arise.
Solo auditions for the following season are held in May. Students can audition on only one instrument, performing the piece they would play with the orchestra. A student chosen to solo with the BYS one season is not eligible to audition for the following year.
Membership is open to students in the 7th grade through the sophomore year of college, unless exceptions have been approved by the conductor.
An audition fee of $25 is due at the time of application to the BYS. Upon acceptance into the BYS, a fee of $200 is payable by check or credit card. This fee helps pay for the facilities, conductor, manager, music, folders, coaches, and other BYS performance needs. Payment must be made by the second rehearsal, unless other financial arrangements have been made with the BYS Board Treasurer, David Swisshelm; failure to comply can result in dismissal.
In order to be eligible for scholarship consideration, BYS members must meet the following requirements:
At least two years of
membership that include one or more years from junior and senior years of
high school and/or two years of junior college.
A clean attendance record
for rehearsals and concerts. (See attendance
policy)
Award amounts are determined by the BYS Board of Directors.
Bakersfield
Youth Symphony Orchestra members will be issued a music folder and music at the
first rehearsal of the season. Members
are required to keep their folder and music in good condition.
All folders must be turned in the day
of the concert.
Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer for the many tasks necessary to make the BYS successful.
Each Youth Symphony member is entitled to one voucher, valid for the entire season, to be presented in the Symphony office by 4:00 the Friday before a concert, or at the ticket window of the Convention Center beginning at 6:30 PM. Plan to be in your seat by 7:45. No vouchers will be accepted after concerts begin at 8:00.
A member will receive a ticket for the price of $2.00. An accompanying parent may also purchase a ticket for $2.00. Others who may attend with the Youth Symphony player will be charged $32 for an adult ticket and $16 for a student.
The board of directors appreciates your taking time to read this handbook. We hope that it will be of help to you this year. If you have any questions about this handbook or anything else pertaining to the BYS, please contact Dana Svedberg, the orchestra manager, at 549-5670 (cell)/393-7110, extension 137 (work) or Helen Hess at the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Office: 323-7928.