2011 – 2012
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Maxim Eshkenazy, Conductor
Alex Navarro, Manager
Executive Committee
Karen Blockley, President
Marci Maynard, Vice President & Music Librarian
Julia Haney, Secretary
Helen Hess, Treasurer
Regina Pryor, Past President
| Directors-at-Large | Advisory Council | |
| Bee Barmann | Doug Davis, *CSUB | |
| Audrey Boyle | Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall | |
| Jean Dodson | Eleanor Heiskell | |
| Lynne Eid, parent rep. | Dennis Herbst | |
| Rita Gomez, parent rep. | Mike Stone, *Bakersfield City School District | |
| Amy McGuire, *Panama Buena Vista School Dist. | ||
| Alex Navarro | ||
| Lee Pophal | ||
| Kenward Vaughan, Webmaster |
*representative
Table of Contents
Welcome!
Welcome to the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra! Membership in this group will enrich your musical skills by allowing you to perform great symphonic literature with some of Kern County’s finest young musicians. Your acceptance into the BYSO 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.
1 Purpose of this Handbook
This handbook was designed to acquaint you with the philosophy, policies, rules and expectations of the BYSO organization. Most of the provisions in this handbook were determined by the official action of the BYSO Board of Directors; all are the product of careful thought and consideration. The BYSO 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.
2 BYSO Objectives
The objectives of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra 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.
3 Membership
3.1 Eligibility
Membership in the BYSO is open to students in the 7th grade through the sophomore year of college, unless exceptions have been approved by the conductor.
Members shall be enrolled and in good standing in their school instrumental groups where available.
High school students in the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra are required to participate in the BYSO.
3.2 Auditions
All students must audition in September for membership for the current season. Special auditions may need to be held during the season to fill vacancies should they arise.
4 Discipline Policy
Members of the BYSO 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 BYSO.
5 Fees
A non-refundable audition fee of $25 is due at the time of application to the BYSO. Upon acceptance into the BYSO, a tuition of $225 is due and payable by check or cash by the first rehearsal. The fee helps pay for the facilities, conductor, manager, music, folders, coaches and other BYSO performance needs. Failure to comply will result in dismissal.
5.1 Financial Aid
A limited amount of tuition financial aid is available for people who qualify. Tp apply for consideration of finicial aid, please fill out our financial aid form. The form is found here. The form must be turned in to President Karen Blockley, or Treasurer Helen Hess before Sept.30, 2011.
5.2 College Scholarships
In order to be eligible for college scholarship consideration, BYSO member 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 BYSO Board of Directors.
6 Attendance Policy
Attendance at every rehearsal and performance is mandatory. The success of the BYSO 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 (whenever possible).
For those BYSO members who also play in the Bakersfield Symphony, youth symphony rehearsals are to be attended regardless of Bakersfield Symphony rehearsals scheduled at the same time.
If for a legitimate reason (illness, family emergency or required school activity), you cannot attend a rehearsal you must contact Alex Navarro immediately at 808-5067.
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.
ALL ABSENCES MUST BE EXCUSED ABSENCES (ILLNESS, FAMILY EMERGENCY OR REQUIRED SCHOOL ACTIVITY). AFTER TWO ABSENCES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL EVALUATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONCERT AND THE BYSO.
7 Dress Code for Concerts
Please come to the dress rehearsal already dressed in your concert attire.
Women:
- Full-length black dress with no slit above the knee. No sleeveless, plunging neckline, or backless dresses or blouses. Black dress pants (no skin-tight pant) with a black blouse are acceptable but not preferred.
- Black hosiery and black dress shoes; no open toe shoes; no sandals.
- No sequins, lettering, contrasting trims, or distracting jewelry or hair ornaments.
Men:
- Black jacket and black pants (not jeans) or a black tuxedo.
- White button-up dress shirt and black bow tie; no long ties.
- Black socks and black dress shoes (no athletic shoes).
IF YOU ARRIVE FOR A CONCERT DRESSED INAPPROPRIATELY, YOU WILL BE SENT HOME TO CHANGE, OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM.
8 Concerto Auditions
Concerto Auditions for the following season are held in the spring. Students may audition on only one instrument, performing the piece they would play with the orchestra. A student chosen to solo with the BYSO on season is not eligible to audition the following season.
9 Music Folders
Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra members will be issued music folders and music prior to, or at the first rehearsal of the season. Members are required to keep their folders and music in good condition. Always bring your music folder to rehearsal, even if you do not plan on using at that rehearsal! All folders must be turned in the day of the concert. Music for the next concert will be issued to you at that time.
10 Parent Volunteers
Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer for the many tasks necessary to make the BYSO successful. To volunteer, please speak to any one of our Board Members of the Executive Committee or Directors at Large. You may also email us at : kbvc@ismytravelagent.com
11 In Closing
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 BYSO, please contact the orchestra manager, Alex Navarro at 808-5067 or Karen Blockley, Board President at 203-2233 (message will be returned promptly) . You may also email us : kbvc@ismytravelagent.com