Wheeling Symphony
Youth Orchestra
1025 Main Street, Suite 811
Wheeling, WV 26003
[email protected]
304.232.6191
www.wheelingsymphony.com/youth-orchestra
www.facebook.com/wsyouthorch (like us on FB for up-to-date info!)
2014-2015 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: Justin Jones for violins, Michelle Stack for violas, and Molly Williams 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.
2014-2015 Calendar of Events
August 25, 2014
Auditions at WPHS
September 2, 2014
Music Under the Stars / 7:30pm / Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater (Oglebay)
September 8, 2014
First Rehearsals:
Sinfonietta from 5:30-6:30 – WPHS band room
Philharmonic from 7-8:30 – WPHS band room
MANDATORY Informational/Parent Meeting 6:30pm – WPHS
September 26, 2014
Masterworks I: Mozart and Brahms with Lianne Cole
September 28, 2014
Bluegrass Barbeque / 3-6pm / Oglebay’s Hess Shelter
October 18, 2014
Pops I: One Vision: The Music of Queen
November 7, 2014
Masterworks II: Spanish and American Music with Michael Ludwig
November 18, 2014
WSYO Winter Concert / 7pm
December 2, 2014
Symphony on Ice / Wesbanco Arena
February 14, 2015
Pops II:
March 20, 2015
Masterworks III: Famous Fifths
April 11, 2015
Pops III: Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II, Conducted
by George Daugherty
April 21, 2015
WSYO Spring Concert / 7pm
May 15, 2015
Masterworks IV: Krieger plays Rach 3!
June 2015
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 Conductor. 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. 28)
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 donation 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 Conductor.
In case of illness or other unplanned absence, please email [email protected].
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 7:00pm. 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. The following pages outline the tuition point system 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, Conductor, 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. If Ohio County Schools are closed
because of inclement weather, WSYO rehearsal is canceled.
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). See the schedule of
events on page 4 of this handbook.
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 Monday of the month, except when otherwise noted.
Parents are encouraged to attend meetings as often as possible.
A first meeting will be held Monday, September 8 at 6:30pm at Wheeling Park High School.
A monthly parent newsletter will be emailed in the week following the meeting. Newsletter
information should be sent to [email protected].
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.
This handbook has been produced for the reference and convenience of Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra members,
parents, and staff. The goal of the policies and procedures outlined herein is to facilitate the operation of an artistically
sound orchestra.