MUSICAL ARTS YOUTH ORGANIZATION MEMBER HANDBOOK
The Musical Arts Youth Organization's mission is to provide musical training to a wide array of students of all levels and backgrounds, to promote excellence while fostering individual development, and to prepare students not just as musicians but as community members.
Auditions
Membership in MAYO is decided through a placement audition process. Students through 12th grade and up to age 26 are eligible. Students must audition each year. The audition process is decided by the artistic director of that ensemble.
Seating (as applicable per ensemble)
Seating and/or ensemble placement is decided at the beginning of the fall and/or spring semester. The conductor has the right to change seating should a player exhibit poor attendance, inability to play the part, attitude, or inadequate home practice.
Partners for Schools
All MAYO members are encouraged to participate in their school instrumental program. MAYO is an extra-curricular organization open to a wide-range of students from Monroe and surrounding counties. Public, private and home-school students are eligible to become MAYO members. In addition, non-professional musicians up to age 26 are invited to audition.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required at all rehearsals. All students must check-in with a MAYO Representative prior to each rehearsal. If you are going to be absent, please email info@mayomusic.org with as much advance notice as possible. Musicians in a leadership role who miss more than three rehearsals per concert will be asked to resign from their seat.
Communication
MAYO members are responsible for checking the MAYO Announcements on the website on a weekly basis. Sign-up for the weekly blast (email news) is optional and requires the member to enter his/her email address. The weekly blast includes all important member announcements including rehearsals, concert information, board news, and invitations to special meetings.
Member Benefits
Student members receive weekly rehearsals, access to special clinics and workshops throughout the year, and the opportunity to perform and/or attend MAYO sponsored events.
All parents of members are required to attend the Annual Organization Meeting of the year (usually held during the first rehearsal of the season). Adult members (parents or students age 18 or older) are allowed to vote on items that pertain to their ensemble and as presented at the organizational meeting. Parents or community patrons can become more involved by submitting a nomination to join the board of directors. Regular board meetings are open to any member. (See the board page for a published schedule of meeting dates and special sessions).
Rehearsal Standards
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before rehearsal, take your instrument out, warm up and tune and be ready to start rehearsal promptly.
1. Bring your music folder and music stand to every rehearsal.
2. Learn your music!
3. Please take care of your parts. Bring a PENCIL to mark parts.
4. Be respectful to your conductor, and to the musicians around you - therefore you must not be loud and disruptive.
Concert Attire
The concert attire will vary from ensemble to ensemble. Please check back to learn more about this season.
Performance Standards
Arrive 25 minutes prior to your performance.
Concentrate! Keep your mind alert at all times.
Performances are both an aural and visual experience. You are performing from the moment you come on stage until you exit.
Enjoy the music! You are encouraged to listen to the other ensembles performing before and after your group.
