Member Handbook

MUSICAL ARTS YOUTH ORCHESTRA MEMBER HANDBOOK

The Musical Arts Youth Orchestra'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 an audition process. Students through 12th grade and up to age 26 are eligible. New member auditions take place in May – current members must only fill out a Returning Student form in May. Seating auditions take place in August of each year. All MAYO members should participate in one audition per year.

Seating

Seating is decided at the beginning of the fall session. 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 12 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 and play in Symphony or Sinfonia.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required at all rehearsals. All students must check-in with the Orchestra Manager prior to rehearsal. If you are going to be absent, please email orchestramanager@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. POD members will follow the attendance policy for their community.

Communication

MAYO members should check the MAYO blog and Announcements on a weekly basis. MAYO staff will post the conductors rehearsal tips, practice tips, MAYO special events, and up to date news. Check www.mayomusic.orgà MAYO Beat.

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.

NOTE: Once a student receives a complete folder, he/she is responsible for the music. If you lose a part that needs to be copied during rehearsal
time, there is a 5 cents charge for each page copy.

Concert Attire

Ladies:

Long black dress/ long black skirt or long black dress pants, black long-sleeved blouse, dark socks, black shoes

Gentlemen:

Black pants and long-sleeved white shirt, dark socks, black shoes

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.