Rehearsals
Unless otherwise noted, regular rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings in the main hall at Victoria Hall. The address is 4626 Sherbrooke St. West, in Westmount. Rehearsals begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30. Players need to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of rehearsal time in order to be warmed-up, tuned, and fully prepared to rehearse at 9:30 sharp. Take note: The Concertmaster tunes the orchestra before 9:30!
There is a 20-minute mid-morning break. Failure to return punctually from break makes it necessary to extend the rehearsal.
Musicians are advised by email of revisions to the rehearsal schedule or location. It is the responsibility of each musician to ensure that his or her current email address be on file with the Orchestra Manager. Room assignments for sectional rehearsals are posted at the entrance the main hall at 9:15.
Practice
When possible, the Conductor informs the orchestra musicians of which passages will be rehearsed at the following rehearsal. WYO musicians practice their parts (preferably with a metronome) and are familiar with them in advance. This assures best use of our rehearsal time. Many youth orchestras require that their members take private lessons on their instrument to qualify for membership; the WYO does not. Nevertheless, members are strongly encouraged to pursue lessons with a private teacher. The Conductor and coaches are happy to offer advice on finding a suitable teacher.
Attendance
All orchestra members are prepared to attend every rehearsal, concert, and workshop. Full participation by its musicians is critical to any orchestra’s growth and musical success; an orchestra is nothing if not the sum of its parts. This is equally true of every professional and amateur orchestra, band, chamber ensemble, and choir. All members take the WYO’s rules governing attendance to heart.
At the beginning of the school year and the WYO season, musicians review their schedules and work to resolve any conflicts early—with teachers, coaches, band and choir directors, etc.
A maximum of two (2) excused absences from rehearsal is permitted per semester. Absence from rehearsal may be excused for: a performance with an other musical ensemble a conflict with music competitions, exams, festivals, etc. a serious illness Of course, some personal absences may be allowed; this is always at the discretion of the Conductor. In order for an absence to be excused, the musician must notify the Conductor or the Orchestra Manager prior to the absence. This is done by email or by telephone.
Absence from rehearsal due to any of the following cannot be excused:
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Rehearsals with other performing groups
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Extracurricular school activities such as clubs, athletics practice, etc.
Concert participation is mandatory. Missing a concert for any reason may result in immediate dismissal from the WYO.
Exceeding the permitted number of absences will exclude a member from consideration for awards and from participation in the Concerto Competition. Any member who fails consistently to arrive on time or who consistently misses rehearsal may be asked to re-audition to retain their place in the orchestra.
Requests for special consideration should be made directly to the Conductor, who is quite approachable.
Concert Participation Is Mandatory
Missing a concert for any reason may result in immediate dismissal from the WYO. Exceeding the permitted number of absences excludes a member from consideration for awards and from participation in the McGill Conservatory Concerto Competition. At the Conductor’s discretion, a member may be asked to leave the orchestra for poor attendance.
Requests for special consideration may be made directly to the Conductor.
Private Lesson Policy
Any musician who wishes to be considered for a WYO award or scholarship must be taking private lessons on the instrument they play in the orchestra, and the lessons must continue throughout the season. Although members of the WYO orchestras are not required to take private lessons on the instrument they play in the orchestra, it is very strongly encouraged. Summer lessons are also strongly encouraged.
Music
The printed music provided must be kept in a standard black, three-ringed binder (D-rings are preferable), clean and in good condition.
Musicians must bring pencil, eraser, and music to every rehearsal and concert.
Concert Attire
Musicians provide a standard black, three-ringed binder (D-rings are preferable). The printed music provided must be kept in this binder. Musicians must bring pencil, eraser, and music to every rehearsal and concert.
| Ladies |
Gentlemen |
All Musicians |
Black top
Black skirt below the knee
Black dress shoes
Black tights or nylons
Optional: black dress pants, full length, or a black dress, below the knee, with sleeves below elbow. |
Black long-sleeved shirt
Black dress pants
Black dress shoes, and black socks. |
No jeans
No running shoes or sandals
No t-shirts
No pants less than full-length
No colours other than black
No straps or short sleeves
No sleeveless tops |
Conduct
Whenever they congregate in the name of their orchestra, the members of the WYO are a reflection of the. They have this uppermost in their minds en route to and departing rehearsals, concerts, workshops, and any social functions associated with the orchestra.
Additionally, clear and free internal communication is a priority of the WYO. Any member with a concern, comment, or compliment, is encouraged to communicate with their conductor, the Orchestra Administrator, the Artistic Director. Musicians may communicate with the administration of the orchestra via the above, or through their Musicians’ Representatives, who are WYO musicians who occupy seats on the Board of Directors.
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