Maine Youth Orchestra
Student/Parent Handbook
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Maine Youth Orchestra
P. O. Box 40, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Telephone (207) 751-8031
Welcome to the Maine Youth Orchestra! You may know us as the Brunswick Regional Youth Orchestra, our founding name. We've been providing a quality musical experience to Maine students since 1972. To reflect the growing geographic diversity of our student body, in 2004 we changed our name to the Maine Youth Orchestra. Our organization is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for young musicians from throughout mid-coast, central and southern Maine. We are delighted that you will join us this season!
You can find more information about MYO on our Web site: www.maineyouthorchestra.org.
Please read this handbook in its entirety. Whether you are a student or a parent, you will find the information useful as well as necessary for a successful orchestra season.
The Maine Youth Orchestra (MYO) is a professionally conducted, nonprofit group that offers Maine students in middle and high school the opportunity to learn and perform orchestra music.
The program enhances existing school programs as well as providing full orchestra experience to students whose school systems do not offer such programs. The orchestra practices once a week, and performs a fall and spring concert. In addition, students are offered workshops with professional musicians, perform outreach concerts in schools throughout mid-coast, southern and central Maine, and have the opportunity to participate in ensembles and solo recitals.
Please do not hesitate to speak up if you have questions about rehearsals, performances, music, or anything else pertaining to MYO that you would like to discuss. Our conductor welcomes input from students and parents. Parents are requested to leave a message on the MYO phone for the conductor, section coaches, or Board of Trustees. Students are welcome and encouraged to speak to the conductor about music issues during rehearsals, or if more time is needed, to ask to speak to the conductor privately at another time.
MYO is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1972 as the Brunswick Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO) with an initial grant from the Maine State Commission for the Arts and Humanities and the help of the late Professor Beckwith of Bowdoin College. The orchestra was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1974. For 30 years, area students have benefited from the conducting skills of Robert Hudson, Lucina Stevens, Ben and Kathleen Clinesmith, Laura Perkins, and Paul Ross.
We are proud to have had students go on to attend music schools such as Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University School of Music, and Oberlin. We are equally proud of those students who make music a part of a greater educational experience and go on to study Art, Engineering, and Education, to name a few.
The Maine Youth Orchestra is composed primarily of middle and high school students, although talented musicians as young as 11 have performed with MYO. MYO gives young musicians the unique experience of performing with a full orchestra – that is, one that includes string, brass and woodwinds and percussion. MYO musicians are committed to studying orchestra literature at an intermediate to advanced level.
Seats in the orchestra are by audition. Auditions are held each fall and spring, and occasionally by special arrangement mid-year. More than 20 students currently play in the orchestra and perform in three formal concerts a year. Students who wish to commit to additional practices may have the opportunity to perform in select chamber ensembles. These ensembles perform at community events, and provide both a wonderful experience for the young musicians and valuable community outreach.
The orchestra accepts members based on their musical ability only, without regard to sex, race, religion, disability, or national origin.
Paul Ross has been MYO's conductor since 1990. Mr. Ross holds degrees in cello and conducting from Julliard School of Music and is cellist for the Portland String Quartet. He conducts the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra and is founding conductor of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Ross teaches at Bowdoin College and is artist-in-residence at Colby College . He has been the principal cellist for the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, and the Robert Shaw Chorale. He previously conducted the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. In 1998, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree from Colby College .
Craig Ouellette, of Portland, Maine, is currently a senior at the University of Southern Maine where he is studying Music Education and trumpet under Betty Rines. Craig has been an active performer in the University's Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra in which he plays trumpet. For the past two years, he has been nominated to audition for the University of Southern Maine's Honors Recital. Craig is currently studying conducting under Dr. Robert Lehman, an opportunity that has given him the inspiration to start up the schools first Chamber Orchestra in over seven years. This is Craig's first year working with the Maine Youth Orchestra and he is excited to be working with the students and staff of MYO.
Jeanie Wester, Strings Coach
Jeanie Wester attended Wittenberg University in Springfield , Ohio . Ms. Wester teaches viola and violin in North Yarmouth , Maine . She has been a member of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Maine Chamber Ensemble, and the Maine State Ballet Orchestra. She has been involved with music in the state of Maine , and with MYO in particular, for many years. She has served as a board member, orchestra manager, strings coach, and librarian.
The opportunity to participate in the Maine Youth Orchestras requires a dedicated commitment on the part of musicians and their families. All orchestra members are expected to abide by the following conditions of membership.
Musicians are expected to be present at and on time for all rehearsals and concerts and to remain for their entire duration. Attendance is always taken. Regular attendance is essential for worthwhile rehearsals and quality performances. Attendance at dress rehearsals and concerts is mandatory.
Two excused absences are allowed per semester (September–December and January–May). Please contact MYO by leaving a message on the MYO phone or calling the conductor if you are ill or unable to attend a rehearsal. Please leave your name, date and the reason for missing the rehearsal.
If you are absent more than twice in a semester, your membership may be reviewed by the conductor and the MYO Board of Directors. More than two absences per semester may be reason for exclusion from the next concert or for dismissal from the orchestra. Tuition for uncompleted sessions is not refundable.
MYO rehearses at Yarmouth High School every Tuesday evening between 6:30 and 8:15 P.M. Rehearsals are not held on Yarmouth school vacation days, or if the Yarmouth schools are closed due to weather.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time in order to be in your seat, warmed up, and ready to begin rehearsal on time. Remember: If you arrive at the building at 6:30 p.m., you are late.
Students must be picked up on time at the end of rehearsal. There is no supervision of students after the end rehearsal ends, and the building is locked promptly at 8:15.
Please bring all of your music and a No. 2 pencil with eraser to all rehearsals and concerts. Never mark on your music with pen! The sheet music is the property of MYO and must be returned with all pencil marks erased after each concert.
Yarmouth High School graciously allows us to rehearse in its band room. Please treat this facility with respect and remain within the designated rehearsal space. No instrument belonging to the High School should be played; this includes all percussion equipment. Music stands must be returned to holders and chairs reset at the end of rehearsal.
Rehearsals are conducted in a supportive but professional manner. It is essential that all orchestra members pay attention, even if some sections are not playing. Part of playing in an orchestra is learning how other parts fit in with yours. At times you will be expected to sit quietly while the conductor is working with other instruments. Please give your fellow musicians and the conductor the same courtesy you expect. Talking, rustling papers, laughing, popping gum, etc., are disruptive as well as unprofessional.
Sectionals
Sectionals will be scheduled as needed to ensure that all of our musicians receive the instruction they need in learning each of the assigned repertoire. Woodwinds and brass will study with a sectional coach, while Paul Ross will work with strings. These sectionals will be announced at the previous rehearsal.
A MYO Board member or parent will be available at each rehearsal to answer questions and lend assistance. We will be glad to answer your questions or listen to your concerns. If you have questions or need assistance, speak up. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a question; someone else is probably wondering the same thing you are!
Each student receives a music folder with his or her name on it at the beginning of the orchestra season. All music, whether photocopied or original, is the property of MYO and must be returned promptly after each concert. Markings made on music must be erased before the music is turned in. A small replacement fee may be charged for lost or damaged music.
Students must learn their individual music at home so that rehearsal time can be spent on musical concepts and development of the orchestra. Parents should help their child design an effective, regular practice schedule. We encourage students to ask their private music teacher for help with orchestra music.
MYO cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of instruments. Students must be responsible for their own instruments, and parents should be sure their household insurance policy provides adequate coverage.
Concerts
Attendance at concerts is mandatory. Formal concerts are held in December and May. Check your calendar early -- if there are major conflicts (for example, statewide high school or SAT testing) we may be able to accommodate schedule shifts. Otherwise section players may have to be replaced for that concert. Each student must be respectful of his or her role in the concert. There are no stars in an orchestra – all instruments are important!
Concert Dress
To establish a professional look, the following concert dress is required:
Boys: Black pants; white shirt; long, solid-color tie; black suit jacket (optional); dark socks; dark shoes.
Girls: Black long skirt or slacks; white blouse; dark socks or stockings; dark shoes.
Music Selection
Orchestra repertoire is selected by the conductor, string coach, and woodwind/brass coach. Each piece is selected with a concern for participation, challenge, balance and variety of genre for each section of the orchestra. At any given time, one or two sections of the orchestra may not have a part in a particular piece or movement. In orchestral literature the thirteen sections of an ensemble do not play in unison, but rather work together, some resting, others accompanying a solo line. All parts are integral to the whole. Students are encouraged to talk with the conductor or coach regarding their musical preference. However, students and parents must understand that all instruments will not be playing all the time.
Ensemble Concerts
Small ensemble performances may be available for interested students in some sections of the orchestra. String and woodwind ensembles have played for The Maine Children's Alliance, Kiwanis, Maine Family Planning, the Children’s Fund, the Bath Area YMCA, Brunswick Area Arts and Cultural Alliance and the University/College of Brunswick. We encourage and enjoy this community involvement. These groups are generally about 4 to 8 instrumentalists, and require an additional commitment of time for practice as well as for the performance.
Outreach Concerts
As part of our commitment to the education and personal growth of our musicians, as well as to all Maine students, we do periodic outreach concerts at museums and schools in the area. These concerts are open to all MYO musicians and are generally a highlight of the season. MYO has played at schools all over southern Maine, as well as at the Portland Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of Maine in Portland. These concerts may require students to miss school for a half day, and therefore are not mandatory.
Concerto Selection
MYO is unique in its concerto policy: High school seniors are given the opportunity to play one or two movements of a concerto at the annual spring concert. This is not mandatory, but gives many students the chance they may not otherwise have to play solo repertoire. Private instruction is encouraged and all solo choices must be made by November 1. Due to the nature of the early solo literature, these pieces often do not include all of the orchestra sections. For this reason, solos must be chosen by November to allow the conductor and coaches to balance the rest of the concert. Seniors who would like to play a concerto selection should talk to the conductor before November.
The annual membership fee for the orchestra is $175 (September–May). For two or more children in the same family, one child will pay the full membership fee and each additional child will pay $150. All fees must be paid in full by the second rehearsal in September. Please return your fee together with a registration form for each child. Forms are available on the MYO Web site or at the first rehearsal in September. Checks can be mailed to MYO or handed in at the first two rehearsals in September. All membership fees are non-refundable.
Financial Aid
A small amount of financial aid is available for students who need assistance in paying their membership fee. Aid is usually awarded for partial rather than full tuition. In the case of a partial reward, the remainder of the fee should be paid in full by the second rehearsal date in September, unless special arrangements have been made.
For questions regarding membership fees, financial aid, or payment, please contact the MYO Board of Directors at P. O. Box 40, Yarmouth, ME 04096; (207) 751-8031.
Announcements of schedule changes, upcoming concerts, and other pertinent matters will be posted on our Web site. Occasionally we also e-mail students and parents or hand out written announcements at rehearsal; musicians are expected to take written announcements home to their parents. We suggest that parents ask each week if any announcements were made at rehearsal or any papers sent home.
Auditions are held at the beginning of the orchestra season each fall and spring. Students auditioning for the first time are asked to schedule a 5- to 10-minute audition with the conductor before the first rehearsal in September. Returning students may have a less formal audition as part of the first rehearsal to determine seat assignments.
Each student’s placement in the orchestra will be based on his or her audition, previous participation in the orchestra, leadership qualities and attendance record. Every seat in the orchestra is of equal importance! Mid-year auditions may be held on an as-needed basis.
At the discretion of the conductor, changes of chair position or rotation of parts may occur at any time in the year.
Calendar
A detailed calendar of rehearsal and concert dates will be handed out at the beginning of each season, and will appear on the MYO Web site. Rehearsals are not held during Yarmouth school holidays.
Fine Arts Credit
A fine arts credit for participation in MYO and inclusion of MYO on high school transcripts (all instruments) is available at most area schools for students who are members in good standing for the entire year. This includes meeting all attendance requirements. If you would like MYO to contact your high school to arrange for the credit on your transcript, please ask us to do so; it is not done automatically.
Fundraising
Like many nonprofit organizations, MYO relies heavily on its annual fundraising appeal. Membership fees do not cover all of our expenses. You can help us by responding to this annual appeal and also by providing us with additional names for our mailing list. If you know of people or organizations interested in supporting MYO (e.g., friends, grandparents or other family members, or businesses), we would appreciate it if you would send us their names and addresses. All gifts are tax deductible.
You may be able to double the impact of your gift if you work for a business that matches employee gifts to cultural organizations. Please inquire at your company’s personnel office. MYO is a tax-exempt organization. If you have questions, please contact us.
PARENT SUPPORT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Parents make a valuable contribution to their children’s education by supporting their musician’s obligation to attend all rehearsals and concerts and to encourage private lessons and regular practice. In turn, MYO provides a unique opportunity for Maine students to play with a full orchestra under professional direction.
Operating this orchestra takes a considerable amount of time and energy. The Board of Trustees is a volunteer group. Most of us are parents of MYO musicians, and like you, we are juggling work, activities of our other children, and commitments to other organizations. We simply cannot do it all.
Therefore, all families are expected to commit to helping with at least one major event and or fundraiser each year. A task list will be available at the parent's meeting in September and on our Web site (www.maineyouthorchestra.org). A mandatory parent meeting during the first or second rehearsal allows families to choose which task they prefer.
This commitment might be coordinating refreshments at concerts, helping with bulk mailings, distributing posters and publicity, helping with concert set-up and break-down, helping coordinate an outreach concert, writing grants, or serving on subcommittees. If you know what you’d like to do to help, let us know. Otherwise, we will contact you to do specific jobs.
MYO also accepts in-kind services. If you or your company can provide a service or a special skill to MYO, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
PRIVATE LESSONS & SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
We strongly encourage all orchestra members to take private instrument lessons. If your child does not have a private music teacher, MYO can provide you with a list of references. This allows students to learn music at home so that weekly practices can be devoted to development of the orchestra.
We also encourage all students to participate in their school music programs. Benefits also include access to regional and state orchestras as well as solo and ensemble festivals, opportunities to compete with and meet other young musicians, and access to information about college music programs and music camps. This is also a wonderful way in which students can contribute to their school community, and to repay the start in music they may have received there.
If school has been canceled because of bad weather but the roads are clear by mid-afternoon (and the YHS building is open), rehearsals will continue. If the roads are not clear (or YHS is not open), rehearsals will be canceled. A recording will be left on the MYO phone (751-8031) indicating whether rehearsals are on or off. It is the feeling of the Board that the safety of the students driving long distances to and from rehearsal is of utmost importance and we therefore tend cancel rehearsals rather than risk injury. Cancellations will also be listed on the MYO Web site: www.maineyouthorchestra.org
FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
MYO is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt organization. It is funded by ticket sales, donations, and a few fundraising activities. Donations are tax deductible and are always appreciated. Checks should be made payable to MYO and mailed to P.O. Box 40, Yarmouth, ME 04096. MYO funds are used to pay salaries for the conductors and their assistants; to purchase music, supplies, insurance, and orchestral equipment; to rent concert halls; and to pay for publications and mailings.
MYO is administered by a volunteer Board of Trustees that meets once a month throughout the year, generally on the first Tuesday of the month while the orchestra rehearses. Parents are encouraged to attend Board meetings, which are open, except when personnel matters and salaries are being discussed. MYO’s charter calls for 9 board members. We currently need additional board members. You don’t have to be a parent, musician or teacher to be on the MYO board – just someone with a desire to see this wonderful community asset continue to thrive.
MYO does not have an office (it’s on our wish list!), but you can contact us in writing at P.O. Box 04, Yarmouth, ME 04096; or by phone at (207) 751-8031. You can contact our conductors in the same way.
MYO Web site
Please check our Web site regularly: www.maineyouthorchestra.org. We add new things often and are working hard to make the site as comprehensive and helpful as possible.
Yarmouth High School (regular rehearsal site) 286 West Elm Street, Yarmouth, ME 04096 Tel. 207-846-5535
From the North: Take I 295 to old Exit 17 (Yarmouth). Follow exit ramp to the right and remain on Rte 1. Go through four lights and at the fifth light (Mobil Station and Maine Coffee Roasters) turn right. The first right past the railroad tracks takes you in the rear entrance to the school. There is a 1/4 mile driveway into the back of the school. The extreme right entrance into the school is the door next to the band room. That will be our door. The band room is immediately on your right when you enter.
From the South: Take I 295 to old Exit 15 and continue right off the exit ramp. The next light is Portland Street (Maine Coffee Roasters and Mobil Station). Turn left and proceed over the railroad tracks. Proceed as from the North, above.
From the West: Arrive in Yarmouth on Route 115. Proceed into town to Elm Street light (Andy's Handy Store). Turn right onto Elm Street and follow Elm for approximately 1/2 mile. On your left will be Yarmouth High School. Turn left at first entrance and follow driveway around the school to the back. The band room is on the corner next to the driveway. Park at the closest parking lot and enter on the extreme right door as you face the back of the school.
South Parish Congregational Church 9 Church St., Augusta, ME
From Yarmouth: Take Coastal 1-295 North toward Brunswick. I-295 becomes the Maine Turnpike (I-95 ) in Gardiner. Pay the toll and continue on the Maine Turnpike (I-95) North to Exit 109 (Western Avenue, Route 202 East, Route 17 E, Route 11 E exit). Merge onto Western Avenue (Route 202) toward Route 3, Route 201, Augusta. From Western Avenue, Left onto Chapel St. , Right onto Green St., Left onto State St., Right onto Church St.
Brunswick Junior High School Columbia Ave., Brunswick, ME 04011; Tel. 207-729-1669
Coming from the south or north, take Rt. 95 to Exit 22 in Brunswick, which will bring you onto Pleasant St. Continue straight on Pleasant St. until you come to the T-intersection with Maine St. Turn right onto Maine St., continue 0.8 miles, and then turn right onto Columbia Ave. In 0.5 miles you will see the entrance to BJHS on your left. When you turn in, BJHS is the building on the right, and you enter at the far door (not at the gym door). (To the left is Coffin Elementary School.)
Chocolate Church Arts Center 798 Washington St., Bath Maine; Tel. 207-442-8455
Take US-1 North towards Bath. Take the High St. ramp (ME. 209) toward Phippsburg. Turn Left onto High St. (ME 209), continue to follow High St. Turn Right onto Centre St. End at 798 Washington St., Bath.
United Church of Christ Congregational Congress Ave, Bath Maine; Tel. 207-443-2187
From the north or south take the Congress Avenue exit off of Route 1. From the north, take a right off the exit and 1⁄4 mile on Congress St. turn right into the Church. From the south, exit Congress Avenue and take a right and then the first right over Route 1 and after 1⁄4 mile turn right into the Church.
Crooker Theater Brunswick High School, Maquoit Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011; Tel. 207-798-5500
Coming from the south or north, take Rt. 95 to Exit 22 in Brunswick, which will bring you onto Pleasant St. Continue straight on Pleasant St. until you come to the T-intersection with Maine St. Turn right onto Maine St., continue 2 miles, and turn right onto Maquoit Rd. In 0.5 miles you will see the entrance to the high school on your right. Crooker Theater is located all the way around the parking lot, on the back side of the building.
Orion Performing Arts Center Mt. Ararat Middle School, 66 Republic Ave., Topsham, ME 04086; Telephone 207-729-2950
Coming from the south or north, take Rt. 95 to Exit 24 in Topsham and turn right (east) onto Rt. 196. Go to the third traffic light (approximately 0.5 miles) and turn left onto Rt. 201/Main St. Continue 0.4 miles and turn right at the blinking yellow light onto Republic Ave. (the sign for the school is not exactly obvious). In another 0.3 miles you’ll see the school and parking lot on your left. Turn in and park here. The entrance to the performing arts center is on the far right side of the large building.
Olin Arts Center Bates College, 75 Russell St., Lewiston, ME 04240; Telephone 207-786-6135.
Bates College is located approximately 3 miles from Maine Turnpike Exit 13 (Lewiston Exit). From Exit 13, proceed on the off-ramp to the stop sign. Turn left, following signs for Lewiston, which will take you onto Lisbon St. (Rt. 196W). Continue 1.6 miles to a major intersection. Turn right onto East Ave. (Rts. 202 and 4N). Continue straight for 1.6 miles through three lights. Turn left onto Russell St. at the fourth light. Proceed through one more light and turn left onto Bardwell St. (across from a variety store). Olin Arts Center will be on your right, and parking will be on your left.
Adequate public parking is available at all of these sites.
We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about participating in the Maine Youth Orchestra. We are here to provide a fun, stimulating, and challenging experience for the young musicians in our community and their families.