Policies

Handbook:

Download the 2015-2016 GMYS Student Handbook. Click here.

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend all rehearsals. In order to make an orchestra work it simply requires all musicians to be there. It is important to be in your seat ten minutes early so you can be warmed up when the rehearsal starts. We will allow three unexcused absences, but anyone missing more than that must talk to their conductor and gain permission first or they may lose their privilege to play in the concert. Please note that two late arrivals equal one unexcused absence. Excused absences include bad weather, music festivals, and college testing conflicts. The conductor will have the final decision about student participation in concerts. We’re sorry to be so tough on this, but without consistent attendance, it is almost impossible to make an orchestra work. Each player is important! If you plan on missing or being late for a rehearsal please email or call your conductor in advance to let him know. For those with sports conflicts, please talk to the conductor and make special arrangements. Though we don’t want kids to have to choose between sports and music, it is our expectation that players will split the difference with their sports team.

Behavior Expectations:

Reasonable standards of behavior are expected while rehearsing, performing, or participating in any event in connection with the Green Mountain Youth Symphony. Please demonstrate appropriate, respectful behavior toward GMYS staff, fellow orchestra members, and at all performance and rehearsal venues.
Specifically, please adhere to U-32’s rules for building use, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use is prohibited.
• All trash must be picked up and disposed of properly.
• No vehicles may be parked or driven behind the school – cars must be parked in the main lot.
• Chairs, tables, and other moveable equipment must be left/returned to original place.

Access to the main school facility is denied unless specifically arranged.
Failure to follow these rules may result in immediate suspension of building/facility use.

Discipline:

The conductor of each orchestra sets expectations for rehearsal and concert behavior. Failure to abide by the requirements will result in the following steps:

1. The conductor speaks to the student and parents concerning the problem.

2. If the problem persists, the conductor and music director may decide to expel the student from the orchestra. (Tuition is non-refundable.)
   

Performance Expectations:

Orchestra members are expected to practice their instruments and parts, and to work to performance level. Please speak with your conductor if you are having any difficulties with the music. They are there to help! In addition, we encourage all students to study privately with an instructor proficient on his/her chosen instrument. GMYS provides a directory of local private music teachers.

Concert Etiquette:

GMYS members and their families are expected to remain for the entire concert to support their fellow musicians (concerts generally last approximately 2 ½ hours). If this is impossible for the youngest musicians and their even younger siblings due to the length of the program, please stay to hear the group that follows yours on the program. This means Repertory Orchestra musicians should stay through the performance of the Concert Orchestra, and Concert Orchestra musicians should stay through the Senior Orchestra performance unless it is absolutely necessary to leave after the first half of it. While in the audience, please do not talk, change seats, walk around in the theater, or leave in the middle of a performance. All of our students work extremely hard throughout the semester and deserve our complete and respectful attention when they are performing. Thank you.

School Music Programs:

GMYS students are expected to participate in their school music programs, if available.

Communications:

Announcements, rehearsal changes, and concert information will be distributed by email and updated on our website. If you do not have email, please let Sarah Madru know so we can reach you by telephone in the event of a rehearsal cancellation.

Weather Cancellations:

In case of bad weather we will send emails to all families as well as put announcements on WDEV and WNCS as well as on our website. It is families' responsibility to check these resources for cancellations. If in doubt, call Leah Wilhjelm at 888-4470. Leah will call the short list of families without emails. If you don’t have email or internet access, listen to the radio.