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Membership
Announcements and Policies
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- Mission
The mission of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras is to enrich the lives of participants by providing a professional environment for the study, preparation, and performance of music; to complement participation in school music programs; to encourage and advocate art, music, and music education in the Piedmont Triad region; and to serve the community at large by providing high quality performances.
- Background Info
The GSYO is an educational project directed and underwritten by the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Created as an honors ensemble for the best and brightest young musicians from around the Triad, the orchestra celebrates its 35th season during 2005–2006. Funding comes from the GSO, GSO Guild, Friends of the GSYO, and tuition.
The GSYO is made up of four ensembles to serve a wide variety of ages and nurture students at all stages of musical development. Gregorio Midero leads the Allegro Strings for young and beginning string students. Karen Collins leads the Greensboro Symphony Youth Strings. The Classical Orchestra plays particularly challenging chamber orchestra repertoire and our flagship orchestra, The Youth Orchestra is a symphony orchestra playing the standard symphonic repertoire.
The GSYO was founded in 1971 by the Greensboro Symphony Society through the initial efforts of board member Sam Wilson. Its first conductor was Ray Garglio. Previous conductors include Jack and Gayle Masarie, Peter Wilson, Markand Thackar, Paul Phillips, Steven Karidoyances, Paul Anthony McRae, David Hagy, Charles Gambetta, and Cynthia Katsarelis. Bruce Kiesling now leads the GSYO in his fifth full season as Music Director.
In addition to three regularly scheduled full orchestral concerts and several chamber orchestra/youth strings music concerts this year, the GSYO offers occasional concerts for special audiences. Its ensembles perform throughout the community. Weekly rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons during the school year, although an occasional week-night rehearsal may be held in special circumstances. Professional musicians from the GSO provide coaching and assistance throughout the season.
- Attendance
Youth Orchestra
A youth orchestra is a large community of young musicians and their families who rely on each other for high standards and the well being of the whole. The members of this ensemble are outstanding young people with many commitments. Balancing these commitments is no easy task. The attendance policy aims to support the standards of our youth orchestra but give enough flexibility to allow families and members to commit to eight months of Sunday afternoons.
Each student is permitted to miss one rehearsal per month averaged per concert. In other words, each student may miss three non-consecutive rehearsals prior to the fall concert and two non-consecutive rehearsals prior to each of the Winter and Spring concerts. Attendance at sectionals, dress rehearsals, and concerts is mandatory. These are marked in red in the rehearsal schedule. Please plan ahead.
Should excessive absences become a problem, the Music Director may ask to hear a student individually, and the student may not be permitted to perform in the upcoming concert, or may be asked to leave the ensemble. If a student knows he/she will be missing a rehearsal, please fill out a absence request form.
Youth Strings
A maximum of 3 absences will be permitted during the first semester, and 4 during the second semester. If a student misses more rehearsals, OR any of the mandatory rehearsals, he or she will not be permitted to perform in the concert. Students must submit an absence request form at least one week in advance, or in case of an illness or emergency, call (336) 335-5456, ext. 230, before missing a rehearsal.
- Auditions
Auditions for the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras are held each September for the upcoming season. Students accepted to the Youth Strings may, with the permission of their conductor, audition to move to the youth orchestra in January. Under rare circumstances, outstanding string players may have the opportunity to join the Youth Orchestra mid-year. The Youth Strings often accepts mid-year additions.
If you are interested in auditioning for the youth orchestras next fall, you may fill out an online audition form. Your information will be sent to Peter Zlotnick, our orchestra manager, and you will receive information in the mail.
- Concert Attire (Read carefully!)
Youth Orchestra and Classical Orchestra
Gentlemen: Black pants (not jeans), black shoes, black socks, white collared shirt, black bow tie, and black jacket.
Ladies: Dressed in black, either mid-calf skirt (or pants-cellists only, no jeans) with either 3/4-length or long sleeved blouse (no spaghetti straps), and black hose and black closed toe shoes. In the case of a black dress: mid-calf length and long or 3/4 sleeves are appropriate.
Youth Strings
Gentlemen: Black pants (no jeans), white shirt with long black tie. Black shoes and socks.
Ladies: Dressed in black and white, either mid-calf skirt (or pants-cellists only, no jeans) with either 3/4-length or long sleeved white blouse (no spaghetti straps), and black hose and black closed toe shoes.
Dress codes are useless if they are not enforceable. In the event a musician arrives to the warm-up rehearsal in attire that does not fit the above guidelines, he or she will be asked to immediately call home and retrieve the correct clothing from parents, guardians, brothers, sisters, etc. If the musician is unable to produce the appropriate clothing, he or she will not be permitted to play the concert.
- Rehearsals
Generally rehearsals are held on Sundays at the UNCG School of Music:- Youth Orchestra - 2:00–5:00pm, Rm. 111
- Classical Orchestra - 1:00–2:00pm, Rm. 111
- Youth Strings - 3:30–5:00pm, Rm. 110
- Allegro Strings - 2:00–3:30pm, Rm. 110
- Honors Ensembles
Classical Orchestra
GSYO Classical Orchestra is an orchestra consisting of particularly devoted musicians from the Youth Orchestra. Admission is by the invitation of the Music Director based on the needs for each concert. We rehearse each Sunday from 1:30–2:20 in Room 111 at the UNCG School of Music and perform twice a year in the Recital Hall at UNCG as well as other performance opportunities.
Honors Quartets
Membership in the Honors String Quartets is by invitation of the Music Director. Members of the Quartets are awarded a half tuition scholarship and, in exchange, are called upon to perform in the community for Greensboro Symphony Orchestra functions (currently four times a year). The ensembles also regularly play in the community for a fee. One member of each of the quartets is designated the contact person, who will serve as the contractor for the ensembles' outside gigs. The contact person has the responsibility of informing the other members of the quartet of dates, times, etc. and being communicating directly with the organization hiring the quartet. No GSO/GSYO staff member will serve as a contact person for these paying gigs. Instead, the name of the contact person in the quartet will be given out to interested parties. The members also perform at the Youth Strings/Chamber Orchestra concerts. The Honors String Quartet is at times coached by the Music Director and/or other Greensboro Symphony members. All GSYO members are encouraged to participate in honors ensembles and may also receive coaching.
- Concerto Competition
Concerto Competition is open only to Youth Orchestra members. All students of the Youth Orchestra are encouraged to participate in the competition, which will be held the morning of Saturday, November 5th. Three members of the GSO will judge the competition from behind a screen. As many as three performing winners may be selected who will perform their concerto with the GSYO. As many as three honorable mention performers may be selected who will perform with piano accompaniment at a Chamber Concert.
Participants perform a movement of a standard concerto for their instrument. It is highly recommended that the student play from memory. Piano accompaniment is required and students should make their own arrangements to have an accompanist. The best pianists will require a fee, and this is usually a worthwhile investment. Names of outstanding pianists can be obtained from either of the conductors, who can help students locate suitable accompanists. Previous winners cannot perform as soloists with the GSYO in consecutive years but may still be considered for scholarships and perform at a Chamber Concert. The Sam Wilson and Friends of the GSYO summer institute scholarships are determined by the results of the concerto competition.
- Eligibility
Membership in all of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras is obtained by audition. Student musicians in grades 12 and under are invited to apply. Every member re-auditions each year and is placed in the appropriate ensemble(s). Members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. Auditions are held in September.
Because the GSYO was conceived as an enrichment program which complements public and private school music programs, members are required to participate in school orchestra or band programs unless there is a valid reason why they cannot and have the support of their school music teacher. Each year, GSYO musicians must complete the School Music Program Certificate and obtain the signature of their orchestra or band director whether they are enrolled in their school program or not.
- Fall Retreat
Each year, GSYO members participate in a retreat for intensive rehearsals, as a way to get to know one another better, and to schedule the Friends of the GSYO meeting to elect new officers. Attendance at the retreat is mandatory. The Music Director will consider excused absences, but missing the retreat counts as two absences. Students should bring their instrument(s), music, a pencil, and a music stand.
- Friends of the GSYO
The Friends of the GSYO is a non-profit organization made up of parents and guardians of musicians in any of the Youth Orchestra's ensembles. The Friends provides assistance and volunteer efforts for the ensembles. For details, see Friends of GSYO
- Ticket Policy
Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras Admission
In an effort to continue the growth of the audience for the GSYO, GSYO and GSYS concerts are free and open to the public. The GSYO musicians put in long hours practicing, rehearsing, and polishing music for each concert, and they deserve a large audience for their efforts. It's up to all of us to encourage family, friends, co-workers, teachers, and neighbors to attend GSYO concerts. GSYO concerts are also an excellent way to introduce young children to classical music. And with free tickets, the GSYO concerts are the greatest musical bargain in town!
Tickets to GSO Classical Concerts
Members of any GSYO ensemble receive two complimentary tickets to each Greensboro Symphony Orchestra Classical Series concert. To reserve tickets, call the GSO office at (336) 335-5456 by 5:00pm Friday for Saturday evening performances and by 5:00pm Thursday for Thursday evening performances. Members must pick up their tickets at the Will Call Office at the War Memorial Auditorium at least half an hour before the concert begins. Identification may be required.
- Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded by the GSO, the GSO Guild, and the Friends of the GSYO. Unless specifically noted, awards to GSYO members are determined by the Music Director in consultation with the donating organization. In all cases, dedication to the orchestra as evidenced by achievement, preparation, and prompt attendance at rehearsals and concerts will be a major consideration.
GSYO Tuition Scholarships
Full and partial tuition scholarships funded by the GSO, Guild, and Friends of the GSYO are available to financially deserving students. Students and parents must complete a GSYO Scholarship Application and submit it to the GSO office. All information on the application must be completed, and the form must be signed by the student and parent before it will be considered. The application will be kept strictly confidential. Awarded in the fall, tuition scholarships are available to both first-year and returning students.
Mary Ann Norman Bean Scholarship
Established in 1994 as part of the GSO Endowment Fund, this scholarship is awarded to a financially deserving member of the GSYO who has demonstrated outstanding achievement. The scholarship is awarded as a memorial to concert pianist and teacher Mary Ann Norman Bean. It is presented by the pianist's daughter, Nancy Michaud, at the Fall Concert.
Jane Armfield and Hermene Eichhorn Scholarships
These scholarships for private music lessons are awarded by the Greensboro Symphony Guild to GSYO members based on their dedication to the orchestra, industriousness on their instruments, and financial need. Scholarships are paid directly to the student's private music teacher. Recipients are expected to audition for the GSYO the following year unless they are seniors. The awards are presented at the Fall Concert.
Caroline M. and Clayton Lee Scholarship
Established in 1986 by Caroline M. Lee, this GSO Guild scholarship recognizes a high-school violin or double bass student who has demonstrated outstanding musical achievement. Presented at the Spring Concert, this award must be used for tuition at a recognized summer festival or for college.
Samuel G. Wilson Scholarship
Established in 1987, the Wilson Scholarship is awarded to a non-senior high-school member of the GSYO for tuition to a recognized summer music festival. Although the recipient for this Guild scholarship is selected at the Concerto Competition, the recipient may not necessarily be one of the winners selected to perform with the GSYO. The recipient must meet the requirements of being a non-senior high school student who plans on attending a recognized summer music institute and must not be a recipient the previous year. The award is presented at the Winter Concert.
Jean Trimble Sullivan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given by the Guild to a graduating senior or seniors who plan to continue the study of music at an institution of higher learning. The winner or winners are chosen on the basis of musical excellence and dedication. The award is presented at the Spring Concert.
Conductor's Award
Funded by the Guild and presented a the Spring Concert, the Conductor's Award is given to a graduating senior or seniors who have been in the GSYO at least three years and have made an outstanding contribution to the orchestra.
For the following Friends of the GSYO scholarships, a request form must be completed. The form will be included in a Friends newsletter and available at rehearsals.
Private Lesson Scholarships
The Friends of the GSYO awards private music lesson scholarships to returning members of the youth symphony. The awards are determined by the Music Director and are based on dedication to the orchestra and musical excellence. Presented at the Fall Concert, the awards are paid directly to the members' private music teachers, who may not be family members.
Summer Institute Scholarships
The Friends of the GSYO awards scholarships to GSYO members for tuition at a recognized summer music festival. The winners are selected by the Music Director based on their performance in the Concerto Competition. The awards are paid directly to the summer music institute. It is expected that the recipients will audition for the GSYO the following year unless they are seniors. If the awards are not claimed by a specific date, they will be given to other students who fulfill the criteria. Previous winners may not repeat consecutive years. The awards are presented at the Winter Concert.
- Seating Policy
Seating is at the sole discretion of the music director. At the auditions, students will be heard by the music director and possibly by members of the Greensboro Symphony, if necessary. The members of the GSYO will be chosen on the basis of their musical experience.
Following the auditions, a seating for the first concert will be determined by the music director and principals will be assigned. Co-principals may be named in any section. All principal work is distributed by the conductor as equally as possible between co-principals. However, the conductor may tell both players that one may be slightly favored if a reason is given.
Two weeks before each concert, the Music Director will privately hear each student play from his or her part in the current repertoire. This performance will be used to determine a seating for the following concert.
- Severe Weather Policy
Any decision to cancel a rehearsal because of poor weather is made at least one and a half hours before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin. The Friends of the GSYO telephone tree will be used to inform members, so be sure to check your answering machines. Notify Peter Zlotnick at pzlotnick@greensborosymphony.org at immediately if your phone number changes. If the power is on, also check the GSYO Web site Home Page for important information.
- Student Responsibilities
The basic responsibilities of all students include preparation, attentiveness and attendance. Students are encouraged to go beyond that to include giving consideration to what's behind the music. When was it written? What drives it? What was happening in history at the time? What were writers and other artists producing? What does the music mean to me? What does it demand from me? What does it demand from us as an ensemble?
Expectations
Musicians accepted into this ensemble are accepted on the basis of their audition and prepared excerpts. This is a worthwhile ensemble only due to the high level of preparation of its members. In the interest of continuing to offer these young musicians an opportunity of this caliber, it is the expectation of all the GSYO staff and members that all the members continue to perform at or above the auditioned level. The music director works hard to create an environment that fosters both a relaxed atmosphere yet also a serious attitude toward the difficulties of the music we approach. Simply put, musicians must learn their parts. With this goal, students may be asked to play for the music director if he is concerned about the level of preparation a student is presenting in rehearsals.
Preparation
Work on parts outside of rehearsal, including taking them to your private teachers to learn the music and master its difficulties. Listen to recordings and attend concerts to get a stronger sense of the style, aesthetic, character, and musical feeling to gain an aural picture of the music we're playing.
Attentiveness
Be attentive in rehearsals. In addition to listening and responding to instructions, listen to other parts to see how your part fits. Be sensitive to the direction from the podium (the physical gesture). Listen and watch to match articulations, bowings, and style.
Attendance
Be at rehearsals on time, warmed up, and ready to go before the tuning. Be sure you have your music, stand and pencil. For more details, see the attendance policy above.
Behavior
Respectful, courteous behavior is expected at all times; it should be the norm in interactions with your colleagues as well as with the Music Director, conductors, coaches, and parents. Smoking, drinking, and drug use will not be tolerated at rehearsals or concerts. Students may not leave the premises of the UNCG School of Music or Greensboro College during breaks. Violations may result in immediate dismissal from the orchestra, suspension, or probation at the discretion of the Music Director after a conference with the parent/guardian(s).
- Tuition
Tuition for the GSYO is $200 per member and includes all costs for GSYO membership. Running an organization such as the GSYO is expensive. Your tuition dollars combined with the efforts of the GSO Guild, the GSO office, and the Friends of the GSYO make possible our music library, administration, advertising, guest artist fees, and sectional coaching fees. No one is excluded from participating in the GSYO because of inability to pay. However, each member must pay tuition, make arrangements for a payment plan, or apply for a full or partial scholarship.
Tuition bills are mailed with each student's acceptance letter. Make tuition checks payable to the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and mail to GSO, Attention Peter Zlotnick, Education Manager, 200 N. Davie Street, Suite 328, Greensboro NC 27401. Tuition is due by October 10. Please do not turn in checks to the Music Director.
Applications for financial-need scholarships may be obtained from the GSO office by calling Peter Zlotnick at (336) 335-5456, ext 230. Scholarship forms must be filled out completely and signed before they will be considered. Tuition scholarship forms must be received by the GSO office no later than 5:00pm on September 12.
Those who need to pay in three installments must make arrangements with the GSO office by October 10.
No one will be allowed to play at the first concert without having paid tuition, received a scholarship, or made alternate payment arrangements with the GSO.
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© 2006 Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra