MEMBER SECTION
 

Rehearsals
Rehearsals take place at U-32 Junior-Senior High School, Gallison Hill Road, Montpelier.

Rehearsal times:
Repertory 9:30 – 10:30am
Chamber 9:00 – 10:45am
Senior 11:00am – 2:00pm

Spring 2008 Rehearsal Dates:
Saturday, January 5 through Saturday, April 12
No rehearsal on March 1

**Senior Orchestra Rehearsal on Saturday, April 26, 10am-1pm at U32**

Dress Rehearsals
Wednesday, April 9 - Senior Orchestra at the Barre Opera House 6-9pm
Sunday, April 13 - Chamber Orchestra at the Barre Opera House, time 12-1pm
Sunday, April 13 - Repertory Orchestra at the Barre Opera House, time 1-1:30pm

Sunday, April 27 - Senior Orchestra at Northfield, 1:30pm

Concert dress not required for dress rehearsals

top

Performances
Spring 2008 Performances
Sunday, April 13 at the Barre Opera House - all three orchestras - 2:00pm

Sunday, April 27 in Northfield - Senior Orchestra - 4:00pm
 

Concert Dress:
Repertory Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra members should wear white tops, black bottoms, black shoes (NO SNEAKERS, please), black socks if wearing pants, and black bow ties for boys. If you need a bow tie, they can be purchased at Stephens & Co. on Main Street in Montpelier. 

Senior Orchestra Members should wear black tops, black bottoms, black shoes, and black socks if wearing pants.

top

Policies
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. 
 

School Music Programs:

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 Sarah Madru at 454-0188.  Sarah will call the short list of families without emails.  If you don’t have email or internet access, listen to the radio.

Tuition:

Spring tuition must be paid in full by the first rehearsal, unless other arrangements are made in advance.  If the tuition is unpaid, members may not participate.  You may also make arrangements to pay tuition in 2 installments by contacting Sarah Madru at 454-0188 or by email at sarah@gmys-vt.org.  Half the tuition is due by the first rehearsal; the remainder is due by February .

Please make checks payable to the Green Mountain Youth Symphony and send to GMYS at P.O. Box 384, Montpelier, VT 05601-0384. Or bring with you to rehearsal.

Scholarships:
Scholarships awarded in the fall automatically continue during the spring semester; there is no need to reapply.

Scholarships are available, and are granted on the basis of income and family size. To apply for a scholarship for the fall 2007 semester, families must complete a scholarship application form and return it to the GMYS along with a copy of their 2006 Federal Income Tax returns. For those who qualify for assistance, a scholarship covers half the cost of tuition.

Completed scholarship applications for the fall 2007 semester must be received no later than August 31, 2007.

The Vermont Violins Music Education Scholarship Fund:
Vermont Violins is offering scholarships to current GMYS string players to supplement private lesson fees.  GMYS will award three scholarships in the amount of $200 for the year ($100 to be distributed each semester) on the basis of financial need and conductor recommendations.  Students must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for one of the scholarships:

• String player (violin, viola, cello, or bass)
   

• Current orchestra participant during the fall 2007 semester
   

• Demonstrated financial need
   

• Intends to continue playing with the orchestra during the spring 2008 semester
   

• Has received a recommendation from his/her GMYS conductor
   

• Will use the scholarship only for private lessons with an instructor proficient on his/her chosen instrument

top

RESOURCES

Private Instruction

Instrument sales / repairs

Ellis Music Company

Gregoire's Violin Shop

Paul Perley Cellos

Vermont Brass

Vermont Violins

Web links

Northeast Fiddler Association

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra

Vermont Youth Orchestra

Woodbury Strings / Sap Run Fiddlers

top

P.O. Box 384wMontpelier, VT 05601-0384