Dearborn Youth Symphony MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Future of Music...

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Dearborn Youth Symphony
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
313-943-2354 Ext. 5538

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

To be a musician is a great privilege, but also a very great responsibility. One must think that to be a musician is a gift-a gift from nature. There is no great merit in us except in loving this gift with respect and devotion and doing everything possible to do honor to that gift by work and more work. We must work with conviction and humility-searching for beauty, simplicity-not for effect, but for truth. And it is for us musicians to do all in our power for a better world.
Music must carry the message of beauty, of love, and of peace. ~ Pablo Casals

Our musicians are expected to be on time and present for the duration of all weekly rehearsals, dress rehearsals and concerts unless prior arrangements have been made with the conductor. Arriving late or departing early is disturbing to the conductors, fellow musicians and audience members. It is vital that every musician is seated, tuned, and ready to begin rehearsal on time. One hundred percent attendance and participation is important for the orchestra as a whole in order to have complete and productive rehearsals and performances. In order to meet the musical demands and artistic level expected of the DYS, it is necessary to adhere to the following procedures:

DYS ATTENDANCE

Members are expected to be unpacked, tuned and ready to warm-up prior to their rehearsal times.

Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.

Concert dress rehearsal attendance is required.

DYS concerts begin at 4:00 p.m. Dress rehearsals are held from 1:45-3:30pm on the day of the concert. Arrival times are staggered according to the ensemble and are subject to change each concert.

The Dearborn Symphony Side-by-Side Concert requires additional rehearsals which are generally held the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the week prior to the concert. All Symphony Orchestra members are expected to attend.

Members are expected to remain for the entire duration of rehearsals and concerts.

Members must sign-in on arrival at rehearsals and performances. Attendance sheets will be available at the door. Attendance is a consideration for Scholarship, Solo and Concerto awards, as well as other placements selected by the Conductors. Any absences beyond the stated policy jeopardizes participation in the concerts and is subject to the discretion of the Conductors and/or the DYS Board.

Excused absences include illness, death in the family, graded school activities, religious holidays, college auditions, or other worthy absence with the approval of conductor.

Unexcused absences include any other circumstance that is not listed above.

All absences should be reported to attendance@dearbornyouthsymphony.org or via voicemail (313)943-2354 ext. #5538) at least 24 hours prior to the rehearsal/event.

One excused absence is permitted per concert.

Two tardies (rehearsal or concert) equal one unexcused absence. Late arrival is disruptive to the entire orchestra.

Members with two or more unexcused absences will lose their eligibility for scholarships and camp grants, and may lose their membership in the DYS.

For unavoidable conflicts relating to any of the above, arrangements must be made with the Conductor prior to the event.

DYS CONDUCT

Good behavior is necessary from each musician for the success of the orchestra. The reward comes from the pride and satisfaction of working together and achieving musical excellence. Talking or engaging in other activities (homework, texting, etc.) while participating in rehearsal is not tolerated. Musicians are expected to listen quietly while not playing.

In the spirit of a truly professional orchestra:

Respect conductors, other members, rehearsal/concert facilities instruments and other equipment.

Common courtesy is expected at all times.

No food, drink or gum is permitted into the rehearsal/concert areas/theater at any time.

If a musician is disruptive, the Conductor reserves the right to dismiss the musician from rehearsal.

Rehearsals are to work in ensemble and not to learn notes.

Members are required to prepare concert materials before each week’s rehearsal and show improvement from week to week.

If a musician is unprepared, the Conductor reserves the right to dismiss the musician from rehearsal.

Consistent lack of preparation may result in loss of membership in the DYS.

Each member is expected to set-up/break down rehearsal chairs and music stands.

All members are required to remain within the designated rehearsal area during a break, warm-up, rehearsal and concert periods.

Inappropriate conduct may result in loss of membership in the DYS.

DYS MUSIC

Musical selections are made to challenge and educate. Music assigned to the members is the property of the DYS. The following rules govern the use of DYS music:

· Use the music folders provided. Put your name on the folder.

· Every member must bring his/her music folder and pencil to all rehearsals and concerts.

· After each concert, all music must be returned to the librarian.

· All pencil marks must be removed before returning music.

DYS DRESS CODE

Female performers wear a white dress blouse, black slacks (preferred) or black skirt (mid-calf or longer) black dress shoes,and black or neutral tights, stockings or socks.
Male performers wear a white dress shirt (tucked in and with collar), black dress slacks, black belt, dark-colored tie, black dress shoes and black socks.
Clothing should be clean and pressed and hair should be out of the face.
Solo and Concerto performers may select semi-formal to formal attire to wear for their performance and corresponding concert.

DYS MEMBERSHIP DUES
You may download a printable dues listing HERE.

Full season enrollment for three concerts:

$160 per ensemble per musician

$225 per musician with multiple ensembles

$425 family maximum

Mid-season enrollment prior to the second concert:

$130 per ensemble per musician

Mid-season enrollment prior to the third concert:

$80 per musician per ensemble

Payments are to be made by check or money order payable to Dearborn Youth Symphony.

Membership dues are to be paid in full no later than the 4^th rehearsal session after the start of the season, or no later than the 4^th rehearsal session for musicians enrolled during the mid-season.

Late Fees will be imposed as follows:

$30.00 payment, after 4^th rehearsal

$60.00 payment, after 8^th rehearsal

Payment is required in full to participate in the concerts or audition for Scholarship, Solo, and Concerto Competition.

Registration forms can be found on the FORMS page of our website.