Wheeling Symphony
Youth Orchestra
1025 Main Street, Suite 811
Wheeling, WV 26003
304.232.6191
www.wheelingsymphony.com/youth-orchestra
www.facebook.com/wsyouthorch (like us on FB for up-to-date info!)
2015-2016 Handbook
CONTENTS
WSYO Mission Statement
General Information
2014-2015 Calendar of Events
Policies and Procedures:
Membership
Auditions
School Music Programs
Private Study
Artistic Standards
Facilities
Attendance
Arrival Procedure
Tardiness
Tuition Point System
Deportment and Behavior
Instruments
Music
Personal Belongings
Inclement Weather Cancellations
Concert Attire
WSO Concerts
Fundraisers
Parent Meetings and Newsletters
Mission Statement
The educational mission of the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra carries a two-fold purpose: our primary objective is to provide the best possible musical training to members of the orchestra with an ancillary objective of developing new audiences for symphonic music among youth.
General Information
Since it’s founding in 1986, the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra (formerly OVations Youth Orchestra) has provided educational opportunities and high-quality orchestral training for young musicians in the tri-state area.
WSYO members are from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and are selected through competitive auditions. Currently, players are coached by Dr. Matthew Inkster, who directs the Philharmonic, and Justin Jones, who directs the Sinfonietta. The Philharmonic also has professional musicians that coach the string sections: Christie Curley for violins, Michelle Stack for violas, and Rayce Leib for cellos and basses. The WSYO is governed by the Wheeling Symphony Society Board of Directors and the WSYO Steering Committee. Rehearsals are held weekly from September through April, with two free public concerts each season.
Highlights of past seasons have included a joint concert with the internationally renowned American Boy Choir and a side-by-side performance with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. WSYO string players have performed prior to the Wheeling Symphony Auxiliary’s Viennese Winter Ball and Patron Party, an the OVMC Gala. The WSYO has taken two international tours: to Australia in 1997 and to Europe in 1999.
In 2012, the WSYO added a younger ensemble, named the Sinfonietta. This ensemble is geared towards middle school aged students, but is open to all ages. Unlike the Philharmonic, the Sinfonietta does not require an audition for membership.
2015-2016 Calendar of Events
September 6, 2015 WSO Music Under the Stars / 7:30pm / Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater
(Oglebay)
September 13, 2015 First Rehearsals:
Sinfonietta from 4:00-5:00 – WPHS choir room
Philharmonic from 4:00-5:30 – WPHS band room
MANDATORY Informational/Parent Meeting 4:00 – WPHS
September 25, 2015 WSO Pops I: The Ultimate Rock Show: Moody Blues, ELO and More
September 27, 2015 Bluegrass Barbeque / 3-6pm / Oglebay’s Hess Shelter
October 9, 2015 WSO Masterworks I: Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony & Koh plays Bernstein
November 6, 2015 Masterworks II: Stravinsky’s Firebird, Sibelius’ 150th & Almond plays Mendelssohn
November 24, 2015 WSYO Concert / 7pm / St. Vincent de Paul Church
December 3, 2015 WSO Symphony on Ice / Wesbanco Arena
February 12, 2016 Pops II: Spectrum: A Tribute to Motown and R&B
March 11, 2016 Masterworks III: Schumann’s Rhenish & Angela Cheng plays Beethoven
April 22, 2016 Pops III: Time for Three
April 19, 2016 WSYO Concert / 7pm / Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church
May 20, 2016 Masterworks IV: Symphony Fantastique, French Festival, Fuchs, & Biegel
June 2016 Splash Into Summer Cocktail Party Fundraiser
Unless otherwise noted, all WSO concerts are at 8:00pm at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling. For Masterworks programs, Concert Talk is held in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom at 7:00pm.
WSYO members receive free admission for all Masterworks concerts. Please call the WSO Office at (304) 232-6191 to reserve your tickets.
Policies and Procedures
Your compliance with the regulations outlined herein is vital to the professionalism and musical integrity of the WSYO. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in immediate dismissal from the orchestra.
Membership
Membership in the WSYO Philharmonic is by competitive auditions. Renewal of membership each season is not automatically guaranteed but is determined by the Music Director. Membership in the Sinfonietta is open to everyone and does not require an audition.
Auditions
Philharmonic auditions will be held each August to determine membership in the
orchestra. The auditions will be adjudicated by the conductors of both ensembles.
School Music Programs / Private Study
Our program supports and cooperates with the music education community. All members of the WSYO ensembles are encouraged to participate in their school music program, if and when they are available. We expect our members to be role models and music emissaries in their school ensembles.
All members of the WSYO ensembles are expected to study privately. If necessary, the WSYO’s artistic staff can offer suggestions for choosing a private teacher. Suggestions are not necessarily endorsements.
Artistic Standards
The WSYO is dedicated to promoting and striving to maintain the highest artistic standards. It is our expectation that all members endeavor to attain their full musical potential.
The musical progress of all members will be evaluated on a continuing basis throughout the season. This will be done by way of observation during rehearsals, sectionals and concerts.
Facilities
WSYO members will respect the rules, premises, and property of Wheeling Park High School and any other facility where rehearsals, concerts or other activities take place.
Attendance
Professional responsibility is critical to musical excellence. Absences from rehearsals are detrimental to the orchestra’s progress and counterproductive to personal growth, regardless of how accomplished one may be. We understand that absence may on occasion by unavoidable and have accordingly developed the following policies:
1. All members are expected to attend all scheduled full orchestra rehearsals and performances.
2. Members must notify the Manager of any excused absence one week in advance of the expected absence.
3. No member will be excused from a dress rehearsal or any rehearsal scheduled within seven (7) days of a concert.
4. Missing a dress rehearsal or concert is grounds for dismissal.
5. More than two (2) unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the orchestra.
Tuition Point System
(For Philharmonic ensemble only)
The following rubric is based on a total of 500 points, wherein each point represents $1 of the $500 tuition that would be required to finance the WSYO without outside funding. Most points can be earned by attending WSYO rehearsals, concerts, and fundraisers. The remaining points can be earned by selling tickets to WSYO fundraisers, selling program ads, and soliciting donations and sponsorships. At the end of the season, members who have not reached 500 points will be billed $1 for each unearned point. Additional point-earning opportunities may be posted on the WSYO website throughout the season.
Earning Points
Submit Student Info Form 10
WSYO Rehearsal and Concert Attendance (per event) 15
WSO Concert Attendance
MUTS/Pops 5
Masterworks (Concert Talk) 10 (5)
Bluegrass Barbeque (Sept. 27)
Attendance 15
Per Adult Ticket Sold 20
Per Child Ticket Sold 5
Cocktail party (per ticket) 50
Submit End-of-Year Survey 10
Solicit program ads/sponsorships/donations: points in the amount of the dollar value of the item solicited.
If a member requests a donation and is unsuccessful, he or she may receive ten (10) points by submitting a copy of the solicitation letter and response, if possible.
Donate a basket for the Bluegrass Barbeque raffle: points in the dollar value of the basket; please submit documentation to the Manager.
Notes:
1. This system is meant in no way to diminish the importance of attending rehearsal. The attendance policy defined
in this handbook still applies. Each member has up to two unexcused absences. Excessive absence will result in dismissal from the ensemble.
2. Members must check in with the Manager when they arrive at rehearsals and concerts. In the event that the
Manager is absent, a sign-in sheet will be circulated.
3. If rehearsal is canceled for any reason, all members will receive point credit for that rehearsal.
4. Students who report an excused absence will receive point credit for the missed rehearsal.
5. Winds/Brass/Percussion will receive credit for rehearsals they are not required to attend at the beginning of each
term. Otherwise, the point system will not be altered.
6. If a student joins the WSYO midyear, an amended point system will be provided.
7. Students attending WSO concerts must check in with a WSO staff member in order to receive credit. A sign-in
sheet will be provided.
8. Point tracking will be available on the WSYO website.
Deportment & Behavior
Youth Orchestra members should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times during rehearsals, sectionals, performances and other youth orchestra functions. This means alert, observant, and courteous attention; enthusiasm for activities; cooperation; respectful good manners; punctuality and dedication; and attention to all directions given by the conductors, coaches, and orchestra staff.
Failure on the part of any member to behave in an appropriate manner may result in that member’s dismissal from the WSYO. Behavior which may result in dismissal includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Excessive absenteeism.
2. Failure to comply with the concert dress policy.
3. Failure to comply with instruction of conductors, orchestra staff, or staff of the rehearsal/performance facility.
4. Physical violence or threats of physical violence.
5. Acts of vandalism or theft from rehearsal or concert facilities.
6. Repeated acts of disruption during rehearsals, with disruption determined by the conductors.
7. Verbal, sexual, or any other form of harassment.
8. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or un-prescribed drugs.
Use of cell phones is prohibited during rehearsals and may result in the confiscation of such device for the duration of the rehearsal. Exceptions to these policies will be made only under special circumstances, for which a written request must be submitted to the Manager and subsequently cleared with the Music Director.
In case of illness or other unplanned absence, please email .
Arrival Procedure/Tardiness Policy
It is the responsibility of all WSYO members to be aware of all rehearsal and concert dates and times. A calendar of events is included in this handbook and is also available on the WSYO website.
Members should arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to allow time to unpack and warm up so that they are prepared to tune at the beginning of each rehearsal. Be prepared for rehearsal, with instrument, music, pencil, and receptive attitude. Members must be present for the entire rehearsal. Late arrival to or early departure from a rehearsal is not acceptable unless excused, as with absences.
Again, exceptions may be made under special circumstances. Should a conflict arise, members should consult the Manager.
Tuition
The WSYO does not charge tuition. However, student participation is essential to the success of the ensemble. Please refer to the tuition point system outlined in this handbook that will be used to track student involvement.
Instruments
Members are responsible for their own instruments. Do not leave instruments or bows unattended where they might be accidentally damaged. Do not leave instruments on your chairs during breaks. Instruments should be stored in cases during breaks and any other time they are not needed.
All instruments should be insured. Most homeowner policies can include a rider to cover instrument insurance. There are also companies that specialize in instrument insurance. If you have questions, please see the Manager, Music Director, or one of the symphony staff.
Personal Belongings
Please do not leave personal belongings or items of value unattended, particularly in public areas or at concerts. The WSYO is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Inclement Weather Cancelation
In the event of a weather emergency, the Manager will notify all members via email of cancelations. If you prefer to be notified via telephone, please inform the Manager. In the event of inclement weather, it will be up to WPHS administrators and WSYO staff to decide whether we will have rehearsal. Please watch your email for updates on these days.
Concert Attire
Gentlemen:
Philharmonic: Tuxedo (if you do not have a tuxedo, then a black suit will work).
Sinfonietta: Black dress pants, long-sleeve white dress shirt, long tie, black shoes, and black socks.
Ladies:
Philharmonic: Ankle-length black skirt or black slacks, white blouse with sleeves, black stockings and black shoes.
Sinfonietta: same as above.
Please note:
No sneakers or sandals.
Ladies’ shoes should be closed heel and toe.
No low-cut blouses.
Jewelry must be minimal.
No cologne or perfume should be worn.
Members who do not comply with concert attire guidelines may not be permitted to perform.
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Concerts
Members of the WSYO are strongly encouraged to attend the WSO’s concerts. All regular season concerts are free of charge for youth orchestra members, and accompanying adults receive half-price tickets. For more information or to reserve seats, contact Lauren in the WSO Box Office at (304) 232-6191.
A calendar of events is included in this handbook and is also available on the WSO website at www.wheelingsymphony.com.
Fundraisers
All WSYO members are expected to participate fully in all scheduled fundraisers. This includes attending events, selling tickets, and donating door prizes (where applicable).
Non-event fundraisers, such as sponsorship and donor solicitation, and ad sales, are essential to the financial stability of the WSYO. Information regarding sponsorships, donations, and ad sales will be distributed at the mandatory beginning-of-year meeting and is also available on the website.
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings will be held on the second Sunday of the month, except when otherwise noted. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings as often as possible.
A first meeting will be held Sunday, September 13 at 4:00pm at Wheeling Park High School.
A monthly parent newsletter will be emailed in the week following the meeting. Newsletter information should be sent to .
WSYO Steering Committee
David Miller, chair
Michelle Stack, manager
Laurie Adase
Sue Barbeau
Lynn Comerci
Matthew Inkster
Jason Koegler
Donna Niess
Denise O’Brien
Rebecca Palmer
Pat Pockl
Jenna Hastings-Schunn
Cathy Strasser
Bruce Wheeler
The WSYO Steering Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Main Street Bank in Wheeling, WV, at 4pm.