Click on the following topics to read about ESYO’s policies. Please pay particular attention to the Attendance and Behavior Policies AND the Schedule for Concerts and Rehearsals. Please do not complete the Registration Form UNTIL you have read these policies.
President’s Welcome
Attendance
Behavior
Concert Dress Code
Contacts
Goals
Medical Authorization Form find link to download required form
Music
Parents’ Information
Playathon
Private Lessons
Schedule: Concerts / Rehearsals
Scholarships
School Music Programs
Tickets
Tuition / Tuition Reductions and Waivers - find link for payment procedures
Weather Cancellations
Now that you have read ESYO’s Policies, please click on “Registration Form” below to sign up for your ensemble – you are NOT a member until we receive your form and deposit.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Empire State Youth Orchestras, I would like to welcome you to our 2012-2013 season! We consider both students and their families integral members of the ESYO family, and we want to ensure that your experience is a memorable one. Under the masterful direction of our conductors, ESYO’s musicians can expect to perform in preeminent concert halls and socialize with a diverse group of highly talented youth from eastern New York and western New England. Throughout the season, students will receive training from the region’s top professional musicians.
ESYO would not be successful without the volunteer efforts of parents, and we are continuously amazed at the tremendous spirit and energy our parents bring to the organization. Throughout the season, you will receive information regarding the many volunteer opportunities that are available. In addition, I encourage you to share your desire to get involved with me or our Executive Director, Susan Brome. Working together, we can only enhance the experience of our musicians.
I look forward to greeting you at the parents’ meeting that takes place at the start of the season. Please do not hesitate to contact me before that meeting, or at any time during the season, with any questions or concerns. I look forward to a wonderful season of music making and learning.
Susan Storey Bardack, President, Empire State Youth Orchestras
ATTENDANCE
As a musician in an ESYO ensemble (defined as “a group of musicians, dancers or actors who perform together with roughly equal contributions from all members”), you are an important member of a special team, and all your fellow players and your conductor depend on your participation. Perfect attendance and punctuality are key factors in making your musical experience productive and satisfying, and they are critical to your ensemble’s successful maintenance of its recognized level of artistic excellence.
Absences
You are expected to attend all rehearsals; please consult your conductor for the maximum number of absences you may take in a concert period.
Absences may be taken for various reasons – school concerts, college visits, illness – but there can still be no more than the maximum stated above per concert period and it is absolutely essential for you to notify your manager or conductor of your absence as far in advance as possible.
Exceeding this limit may jeopardize your continued participation in ESYO during the current season and/or your participation in auditions for the forthcoming season. No absences from dress rehearsals, warm-ups, or concerts are permitted.
Absence requests for any reason other than illness or family emergency will be addressed by the conductor(s) of the group on a case-by-case basis.
We know that some absences cannot be avoided, such as for major family, academic, or religious events, but we expect you to check your family calendar against your ESYO ensemble’s calendar immediately and inform your manager or conductor in writing of any such anticipated absences. Decisions about whether to excuse such absences will be made by the conductor in consultation with ESYO’s executive director. These decisions may be appealed to the ESYO Board’s Review Committee. An unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal, warm-up, or concert may result in dismissal from your ensemble or the levying of a fine.
As you plan your participation in other events during the season, please remember this policy and check your ESYO schedule frequently and carefully to avoid conflicts. Unforeseen emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Click here to download an Absence Form
Lateness
Orchestras achieve high artistic standards when their members are warmed up and ready to tune punctually. Lateness is unprofessional and irresponsible. You should be in your seat at least 10 minutes before the down beat. Frequent lateness will result in disciplinary action.
Absence Notification
You are required to notify your manager and/or conductor in writing (by e-mail or snail mail) of an anticipated absence as soon as you know about it, preferably two weeks or more prior to the date in question. It’s especially important for a player of a single part (wind, brass, percussion) who anticipates an absence from a rehearsal to inform the conductor and/or manager in writing well in advance so the conductor can assign another player to your part should he/she wish to. For illness or other emergencies, please notify your manager as soon as possible by phone or e-mail and bring in a signed absence note the following week.
BEHAVIOR
As a member of ESYO, you are expected to maintain a standard of conduct that will be a credit to yourself, your parents, school, and community. You are expected to contribute to the atmosphere of serious work and musical excellence that distinguishes ESYO. At all ESYO rehearsals, concerts, and events, you are expected to treat each other and the ESYO staff and audiences with respect and consideration.
Use of cell phones (including texting) is NOT permitted furing rehearsals or concerts. Your phone may be confiscated for the duration of the rehearsal or concert if you use it.
Smoking or the use of alcohol or illegal drugs is absolutely forbidden during any ESYO activity and will result in suspension and dismissal from the orchestra.
Please do not eat or chew gum in rehearsal or performance areas.
Orchestra managers and conductors have the authority to suspend players, and, in consultation with the Executive Director and Board President, to dismiss them in cases of egregious breaches of ESYO rules. If an orchestra member is dismissed, that member, as a rule, will not be permitted to audition in June for the next season. Decisions may be appealed to the Review Committee of the ESYO Board of Directors.
ESYO members are expected to abide by Empire State Youth Orchestras’ policy strictly prohibiting sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as a form of sex discrimination that occurs in relationships of power and control (conductor/musician, staff/musician, employer/employee) or between peers (musician/musician, staff/staff).
CONCERT DRESS CODE
Black shirts, black dress pants, black shoes and socks.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Conductor: Richard Albagli and John Antonio (bios only)
Parent Liaison – to be announced
Questions/notices about:
Absences – please contact conductor or parent liaison
Rehearsal / Concert questions – please contact conductor or parent liaison
Tuition – please contact Office Manager
GOALS
The purpose of Empire State Youth Orchestras is to develop, foster, and promote a lifelong appreciation of music. Toward that end, ESYO’s nine ensembles and City Instrument Training Program, led by professional musicians, provide talented young musicians with opportunities for study, rehearsal, and performance of both standard repertoire and contemporary music. Our ensembles perform for diverse audiences in many different venues.
MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION
We are required to have written permission from each musician’s parent/guardian in the event emergency medical treatment is needed. Please upload the Medical Authorization Form and mail or fax it to ESYO.
MUSIC
You are expected to begin working on your music as soon as you receive it. Please work with your private teacher regularly and contact the principal of your section whenever necessary. A music folder is provided for each player. ESYO members are entrusted with valuable music and are responsible for its care and prompt return immediately following the concert in which it is played.
PARENT’S INFORMATION
We will try not to overload your e-mail in-boxes but it is very important that you see information about concerts, rehearsals, and more. As the season begins, please make sure you are receiving e-mails from ESYO and do read them to eliminate confusion and conflicts throughout the season. If you have not received any e-mails from ESYO by your child’s first rehearsal, please call the ESYO office to make sure we have your proper e-mail on file. Or send an e-mail to esyoaa@esyo.org.
PLAYATHON
Each orchestra and ensemble participates in this day-long fund-raising performance marathon at a local shopping mall. Members are asked to collect donations before Playathon day and the musician who collects the most is awarded a prize donated by ESYO’s Board of Directors. Additional funds are raised on Playathon day through the sale of ESYO items and from auctions to conduct the Youth, Repertory, and Wind Orchestras’ performances of well-known pieces.
Click here for more information.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private music lessons are an essential part of a young musician’s education. Because such study also
supports the high quality of the ESYO program, members of all ESYO ensembles are expected to take
regularly scheduled private music lessons on their primary instrument. The ESYO office maintains a list of private teachers, as a resource, should you need it. Private teachers are invited to attend your concerts for free.
SCHEDULE: CONCERTS / REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are generally held on Sundays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at RPI in West Hall, Room 326 unless otherwise noted.
Please note: Additional performance opportunities will arise during the season. We will notify you and your parents as soon as we know about them.
CLICK HERE to view the 2012-2013 Concerts/Rehearsals Schedule for Repertory Percussion Ensemble.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Barry Richman Careers in Music Scholarship is awarded to one or two graduating seniors who best exemplify the values and goals of ESYO, serve as role model(s) to his/her/their peers, have made outstanding musical contributions, and plan a career in music. Applications are available in the spring; the winner(s) is announced before the end of the season.
Current players who have been members of any ESYO ensemble for at least one full season may apply for a Kathy Gallagher Summer Scholarship to help pay for summer music camp, private lessons, or the purchase or repair of an instrument. Graduating seniors and players not planning to return to ESYO for the next season are not eligible. These awards are based on financial need and the player’s general contribution to ESYO. Applications are available in April; award recipients are notified in June.
Please note: Kathy Gallagher Summer Scholarship is not available in 2012.
SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
ESYO and school music programs share a common goal of making your musical education a significant and positive influence on your life. ESYO strongly recommends and expects you to participate in your school ensembles. If there are scheduling conflicts between school and ESYO, please refer to the following:
Required, for-credit school music performances take precedence over ESYO rehearsals or concerts.
ESYO rehearsals or concerts take precedence over extra-curricular, elective school activities, including pit orchestra, drama club, and sports.
Please notify your manager or conductor immediately of any anticipated conflicts.
TICKETS
Your tuition includes a $25 ticket credit, which can be used to purchase tickets to any ESYO-produced concert . You will receive a Ticket Card at the end of September, as long as your tuition payments are up to date. This card can only be used during the season in which it was issued and only when you “buy” your tickets from an ESYO representative at rehearsals, at selected concerts, or at the ESYO office. Box office personnel at venues such as Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Proctors Theatre, and Tanglewood will not honor an ESYO Ticket Card.
Concert tickets are available about one month before the concert date. They are sold at the ESYO Office, at rehearsals, and/or at the door. You will be notified as to how and when tickets are being sold well in advance of concerts.
Bring-a-Friend: To help develop new audiences for ESYO and to expose more young people to music, an ESYO player may receive one complimentary student ticket to a concert in which he or she is performing to give to a friend who has never attended an ESYO concert. Contact the ESYO office for your Bring-a-Friend ticket.
Member complimentary tickets: All ESYO members may attend performances by other ESYO ensembles free of charge. Parents and non-ESYO siblings must pay for their tickets.
Teacher complimentary tickets: Please tell both your school and private music teachers that they may have two complimentary tickets for any ESYO-produced concert. To order their tickets they should call the ESYO office at least one week prior to the concert.
Note: The $25 ticket card, Bring-a-Friend, and complimentary tickets are not available for “Melodies of Christmas” performances or any non-ESYO produced event.
TUITION / TUITION REDUCTION AND WAIVERS
Tuition:
2012-2013 Repertory Percussion Ensemble Tuition: $ 560.
Discount for multiple memberships:
If you belong to more than one ensemble, deduct $50 per ensemble from your tuition OR
If you have a sibling in a 2012-13 ESYO ensemble, deduct $50 from your tuition.
‘Payment Options:
Pay all at once
Pay in installments
Deposit due July 23: $200
Deposit is non-refundable.
2nd payment due Sept. 17: $125
3rd payment due Nov. 1: $75
4th payment due Dec. 14: $75
5th payment/balance due Feb. 1: $85 or final balance due.
Methods of Payment – Choose from three different methods:
On-line, secure payments with Credit Card or with PayPal account – click on the “Buy Now” button. Note: Be sure to provide the musician’s name and instrument in the “Special Instructions” section when you review your payment just before completing the transaction.
Credit card charge – Master Card / VISA only – through ESYO Office - Click here to download Credit Card Payment Form
Pay by check – payable to “ESYO” – send to Empire State Youth Orchestras, 432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305.
Tuition Reduction and Waivers:
ESYO is committed to ensuring that all musicians who successfully audition for membership in ESYO ensembles are able to participate, regardless of financial considerations. Thus we offer tuition waivers, reductions or special payment plans to families who demonstrate financial need. Waivers and reductions apply to tuition only, not to the cost of the Frost Valley rehearsal weekend for the Youth and Repertory Orchestras.
Click here for Tuition Assistance or Waiver Application
Application MUST be in the ESYO office by July 27, 2012. Any applications submitted after that time will not be considered.
Players who are granted tuition assistance are required to help their Managers or Conductors.They are asked to arrive 45 minutes before rehearsals and one hour before concerts and stay up to 30 minutes after rehearsals and concerts to help set up and take down chairs and stands.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
ESYO will notify you by e-mail and on our website, www.esyo.org, if a rehearsal is being cancelled for any reason. If you are unsure about a possible weather-related cancellation, call the ESYO office or check the website. Please plan to stay home if driving conditions are unsafe where you live even if the rehearsal has not been cancelled. Simply notify your manager or conductor – this won’t be counted as an absence
