Youth Orchestra 2015-2016 Member Handbook Dr. David Cole, Youth Symphony Conductor Roland Forti, Concert Orchestra Conductor Nanette Grant, Sinfonietta Conductor Todd Betz, Manager, Percussion Coach tbetz@swflso.org David Cole, Symphony Conductor - DCC60@aol.com Nanette Grant, Sinfonietta Conductor grantna@collierschools.com Roland Forti, Concert Orchestra Conductor - rolandforti@yahoo.com Reiko Niiya, String Coach vyolynbabe@msn.com Katrina Rozmus, String Coach - kv198@hotmail.com Susannah Kelly, Low Strings Coach Susannah.kelly@gmail.com Bill Larsen, Woodwind Coach ramflute@embarqmail.com Tom Kracmer, Brass Coach tkracmer@juno.com Southwest Florida Symphony 8290 College Parkway, Ste. 103 Fort Myers, FL 33919 www.swflso.org 239-418-0996 1
Welcome to the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra (SWFLS - YO). This handbook contains most of the information you will need as a member of the SWFLS - YO. For additional information, contact the SWFLS YO General Manager, Todd Betz, at tbetz@swflso.org. The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra consists of the Sinfonietta (intermediate string orchestra), Concert Orchestra (Full Orchestra), Symphony Orchestra (advanced full orchestra), and chamber ensembles (Woodwind, Brass, Strings and Percussion) In association with its parent organization, the Southwest Florida Symphony, the SWFLS - YO auditions musicians of any race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or handicap and accepts them into membership based solely on their musical abilities and age. Mission Statement The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra provides opportunity for individual growth of musically talented youth through training and performance of the highest quality orchestral literature. SWFLS - YO endeavors To develop pride and self-esteem in young people from all cultural backgrounds through their individual musical achievement. To instill values and discipline through musical experiences. To perpetuate support of professional classical music by enriching local culture and providing future musicians and audience members for major orchestras. Auditions Membership in the SWFLS - YO is achieved through audition. Members are given the opportunity to advance to the next ensemble during spring semester auditions. Audition for seats will be determined at the Seating Auditions. To audition: Applicant must be 22 years of age or less, prior to the posted audition date. Applicant must select and prepare a musical selection. Applicant must be prepared to play musical scales Applicant must demonstrate sight-reading ability 2
Criteria (Basic Skills): Sinfonietta (Intermediate String Orchestra) 1. Solo, etude, or excerpt of your choosing showing your best ability. Criteria for judging: Technique, Intonation, Musicality, and Tone Please bring four extra copies of the solo or etude, in addition to your own. 2. Scales and Arpeggios (We will choose 2 of the following): Violin: 2-octave: C, G, D, A, Bb Viola: 2-octave: C, G, D, F, Eb Cello: 2-octave: C, G, D, F Bass: 2-octave: G, F 1-octave: F, Eb 1-octave: A, Bb 1-octave: Bb, A 1-octave: C, D, A, Bb (If you are not yet comfortable with all of these scales, or can only play one octave of some of them, please audition and show us what you are able. This is an optimal guideline.) 3. Sight-reading (a short excerpt) Students will be given a sight reading excerpt to perform during the audition. Sight reading is very important in the evaluation process of the audition. Strings 1. Scales and Arpeggios Concert Orchestra (Full Orchestra) ALL STRING INSTRUMENTS will play from the following major scales and arpeggios: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb. (Scales and arpeggios will be chosen by the coaches at the audition) All scales and arpeggios are to be MEMORIZED. Scales and arpeggios will be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. Quarter note = 60-80 3
Violin: G, A scales and arpeggios three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Viola: C, D scales and arpeggios three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Cello: C, D scales and arpeggios three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Bass: G, F, A scales and arpeggios two octaves (no displacement). All other scales and arpeggios must be one octave. 2. Solo or Etude Please bring four extra copies of the solo or etude, in addition to your own. Students should perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates their ability, musicality and technical facility. Solo must demonstrate shifting. Also, students should strive for good tone, phrasing, and musicality in their selected solo or etude. The suggested minimum solo level should be comparable to: Violin Suzuki Book 4 or above, must include shifting, preferably some vibrato Viola Suzuki Book 3 or above, including shifting, preferably some vibrato Cello Suzuki Book 3 or above, including shifting, preferably some vibrato Bass Suzuki Book 2 or above, including shifting, preferably some vibrato 3. Sight Reading Students will be given a sight reading excerpt to perform during the audition. Sight reading is very important in the evaluation process of the audition. 4. Excerpt (for Seating Auditions at Fall Auditions Only) Students will perform the assigned excerpt. All excerpts will be posted and made available July 1st. Excerpts will be accessible from the Symphony web page www.swflso.org. Please print the appropriate pdf excerpt for your instrument. If there is difficulty obtaining the excerpt from the webpage, please contact the Symphony office at 239-418-0996. 4
Winds/Brass/Percussion 1. Scales and Arpeggios ALL WINDS AND PERCUSSION will play from the following major scales and arpeggios: Concert Pitch C, F, G, Bb, D, Eb, A, Ab, E, Db (All-State rhythm pattern. Tongued ascending and slurred descending) All scales and arpeggios should be MEMORIZED. (Scales and arpeggios will be chosen by the coaches at the audition) Chromatic Scale - Perform a chromatic scale (at least 2 octaves): Flute from C; Clarinet from E; Oboe from C; Bassoon from F; Trumpet from G; Horn from F; Trombone from F; Tuba from F; Mallets (Percussion) from C 2. Solo or Etude Please prepare one of the options below. Please bring two extra copies of the solo or etude, in addition to your own. Solo Grade 3 4 difficulty of your choice. or Middle School All-State Etudes from the Florida Bandmasters Association. Below is the link to the current list http://flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/all-state/audition-requirements 3. Sight Reading Students will be given a sight reading excerpt to perform during the audition. Sight reading is very important in the evaluation process of the audition. 4. Excerpt (for Seating Auditions at Fall Auditions Only) Students will perform the assigned excerpt. All excerpts will be posted and made available July 1st. Excerpts will be accessible from the Symphony web page www.swflso.org. Please print the appropriate pdf excerpt for your instrument. If 5
there is difficulty obtaining the excerpt from the webpage, please contact the Symphony office at 239-418-0996. Symphony Orchestra Strings (Advanced Full Orchestra) 1. Scales and Arpeggios Students should play scales and arpeggios by memory. Typically, students accepted into the youth symphony are familiar with several 3 octave scales and arpeggios. ALL STRING INSTRUMENTS will play from the following major scales and arpeggios: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab. (Scales and arpeggios will be chosen by the coaches at the audition) All scales and arpeggios are to be MEMORIZED. Scales and arpeggios will be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. Quarter note = 60-80 Violin: G, A, C, D scales and arpeggios in three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Viola: C, D, F, G scales and arpeggios in three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Cello: C, D, F, G scales and arpeggios in three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios must be two octaves. Bass: E, F, G, A, Bb, C scales and arpeggios in two octaves (no displacement). All other scales and arpeggios must be one octave. 2. Solo or Etude Please bring four extra copies of the solo or etude, in addition to your own. Students should perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates their ability, musicality and technical facility. Students wishing to participate in Symphonic Orchestra should demonstrate vibrato, upper position work, good intonation, and 6
solid technique. Also, students should strive for good tone, phrasing, and musicality in their selected solo or etude. 3. Sight Reading Students will be given a sight reading excerpt to perform during the audition. Sight reading is very important in the evaluation process of the audition. 4. Excerpt (for Seating Auditions at Fall Auditions Only) Students will perform the assigned excerpt. All excerpts will be posted and made available July 1st. Excerpts will be accessible from the Symphony web page www.swflso.org. Please print the appropriate pdf excerpt for your instrument. If there is difficulty obtaining the excerpt from the webpage, please contact the Symphony office at 239-418-0996. Winds / Brass / Percussion 1. Scales and Arpeggios (Scales and arpeggios will be chosen by the coaches at the audition) Typically, students accepted into the youth symphony are familiar with all 12 major scales and arpeggios. (All-State rhythm pattern. Tongued ascending and slurred descending) Able to play chromatic scale (at least 2 octaves) All scales and arpeggios are to be MEMORIZED. 2. Solo or Etude preferably grade 4 or higher. Please bring two extra copies of the solo or etude, in addition to your own. Percussion students should play a snare drum and a mallet piece. Percussion students may also be asked to demonstrate timpani tuning. Students should perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates their ability, musicality and technical facility. Students wishing to participate in Youth Symphony should demonstrate good rhythm, good intonation, and solid technique. Students should also strive for good tone, phrasing, and musicality in their selected solo or etude. 3. Sight Reading Students will be given a sight reading excerpt to perform during the audition. Sight reading is very important in the evaluation process of the audition. 4. Excerpt (for Seating Auditions at Fall Auditions Only) 7
Students will perform the assigned excerpt. All excerpts will be posted and made available July 1st. Excerpts will be accessible from the Symphony web page www.swflso.org. Please print the appropriate pdf excerpt for your instrument. If there is difficulty obtaining the excerpt from the webpage, please contact the Symphony office at 239-418-0996. Once accepted into the SWFSYO, a member is expected to remain for a full season, barring extenuating circumstances. Tuition & Expenses Tuition is due at the first rehearsal of the season (for full season member) or at the initial rehearsal after the first of the year (for second-half season member). A member will not be permitted into rehearsal until tuition is paid (see Policies, #16). Tuition is non-refundable. A need-based scholarship/work contract program is available. Contact the Youth Orchestra Manager for details. Payment plans are also available. Group Full Season Half Season Sinfonietta $225.00 $112.50 Concert Orchestra $250.00 $125.00 Symphony $275.00 $137.50 Additional expenses include the purchase of an official SWFLSYO shirt (obtained on entrance into the orchestra) and formal concert attire (see Policies, #17). Rehearsal Schedule Symphony Concert Orchestra Sinfonietta Ensembles 5:30 PM to 7:55 PM 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Percussion Ens) 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Concert Orchestra String Quartet) 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Youth Symphony String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet) 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday evenings. (see Calendar). Policies 1. Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of each rehearsal and warm up. 2. Be ready to play promptly at the designated rehearsal start time. 8
3. Do not leave the rehearsal facility for any reason without the permission of the Conductor or General Manager. 4. Sinfonietta members must bring their own music stands to all rehearsals. 5. Keep rehearsal property clean. NO FOOD, GUM or BEVERAGES PERMITTED AT REHEARSALS. 6. Members must bring their music to every rehearsal. A member who loses music will be charged a replacement fee of $1.00 per selection. 7. Bring a pencil (to mark music) to every rehearsal. NEVER USE PEN. 8. Do not bring homework or reading materials to rehearsal. 9. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals. a. FAILURE TO ATTEND 3 WEEKS IN A ROW WILL RESULT IN THE MEMBER S REMOVAL FROM THE ORCHESTRA ROSTER WITHOUT REFUND. b. Members will be permitted only 2 excused absences per semester. In the event of any necessary absence, Students are asked to fill out a Notice of Absence Form and give to the appropriate coach/ conductor at least one week prior to the absence. Illness, family emergencies and conflicting school music functions are the only excused absences. Please see the cover for email addresses. c. Students with an unexcused absence will be subject to review for concert performance. Students may be asked to give a private audition with the Musical Director to determine whether they know their part at a high enough standard. d. Attendance will be confirmed by roll-call promptly at stated rehearsal time. e. Members may not perform in the concert if the dress rehearsal is missed (unless they have prior permission from the Conductor) or if they are dressed inappropriately (see #17). f. Side By Side dress rehearsals with the professional orchestra is required in order to participate. Please see calendar for date and time. 10. Full attention should be given while the Conductor is on the stand. 11. Members are expected to maintain professionalism in speech and conduct, abiding by all regulations enforced by the SWFLS-YO, Florida Southwestern State College, Cypress Lake Center for The Arts, and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Disciplinary problems will be grounds for dismissal. 12. It is mandatory that all Youth Orchestra members actively participate in their existing school band or orchestra programs. Only a legitimate class scheduling conflict, as determined by the Youth Orchestra Manager and the school band or orchestra director will be considered grounds for exemption from this rule. 13. Disciplinary action from a member s school may affect a member s eligibility to participate with the Youth Orchestra. This is due to the school 9
participation policy #11. Any incident will be taken as a case by case situation and acted upon by the Youth Orchestra Manager. 14. All cell phones and electronic devices are asked to be turned off during rehearsals. They may be checked during breaks and at the end of rehearsals. Abuse of these devices will result in them being collected for the remainder of the rehearsal and returned at the end of rehearsal. 15. All members are encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument. Please ask the Conductor or Manager for a list of appropriate teachers. 16. Tuition must be paid prior to attending the first rehearsal. Need-based scholarships are available in exchange for production work. See the Manager for details (applications, job description and contracts). Payment plan options may also be established with the Manager for assistance. 17. Concert attire consists of two uniforms a. Official SWFSYO shirt and black slacks (not required each year) b. Formal wear Sinfonietta - Ladies 1. Long or calf-length solid black skirt or slacks 2. Long sleeved solid white blouse 3. Black hose and black dress shoes Sinfonietta - Gentlemen 1. Black slacks, black socks and black dress shoes 2. Long sleeve white dress shirt and long black tie Concert Orchestra Ladies 1. Long or calf-length solid black skirt or slacks 2. Long solid black blouse with sleeves 3. Black hose and black dress shoes Concert Orchestra Gentlemen 1. Long solid black slacks 2. Long sleeve black dress shirt and long black tie Symphony Ladies 1. Long or calf-length black dress w/ short or long sleeve or black ankle length pants and black blouse with sleeves (no bare shoulders) 2. Black hose and black dress shoes; no sandles or flipflops Symphony Gentlemen 1. Black tuxedo or black suit 2. White tuxedo shirt and black bow tie 3. Black socks and black dress shoes 10
18. Seating Audition Policy: Seating Audition results will be maintained for the entire season. The results will be used to determine the order in which students are asked to participate in a chamber ensemble, beginning with rank #1 and continuing in numerical order. Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony Seating Auditions will occur on a set date separate from entrance auditions. Seating auditions will be Blind auditions with the audition panel screened from participants. Members other than Principal and Asst. Principals may be moved within a section at the discretion of the conductor or manager for various artistic, logistical or disciplinary reasons. All seating and participation is subject to conduct and discipline as discussed in this handbook. Important: Many factors are considered in the seating process within sections including but not limited to experience, leadership, etc. Designated seating does not change the order in which members are invited to participate in Chamber Ensembles. Sinfonietta Seating auditions will occur on a date after the season begins. Violin students will be placed in first, second or third violins based on skill and experience level determined from the Entrance Auditions. Seating auditions will determine seating within these sections. Changes in seating may occur at the discretion of the conductor or manager for various artistic, logistical or disciplinary reasons. 19. Chamber Ensembles The Youth Orchestra chamber program consist of the Youth Symphony String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet and Brass Quintet as well as the Concert Orchestra String Quartet. The program also provides a Percussion Ensemble available to all percussion members. Chamber ensembles will be filled according to the Seating Audition rankings. Chamber ensembles may be asked to perform outside the official Youth Orchestra Calendar as ambassadors of the Southwest Florida Symphony and the Youth Orchestra Program. Symphony Chamber Ensembles are honor groups of the Youth Orchestra Program. Due to the nature of chamber music, tardiness and absences cannot be tolerated. Chamber Ensemble members are allowed two (2) excused absences for the season. In the event of any necessary absence, notify the General Manager and the appropriate coach at least 11
one week prior to the absence. Please be sure to fill out the Notice of Absence Form. Illness, family emergencies and conflicting school music functions are the only excused absences. Please see the cover for email addresses. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the Chamber Ensemble only. This will not affect ones position in the Youth Symphony. 20. Large Ensemble Changing Policy Members may audition to move up to the next large ensemble at the mid-season auditions. Mid-season Audition into the Youth Symphony will not occur on a trip year due to musical preparation and fund-raising. Members moving up will be placed at the back or end of a section or in a position designated by the conductor not a titled chair (ie. principal). Moving Down. Members may also move down a large ensemble. It is possible a member may want or need to move down an ensemble for various reasons. The member moving down will be placed at the back or end of a section or in a position designated by the conductor not a titled chair (ie. principal). Staff Dr. David Cole Youth Symphony Conductor Nanette Grant Sinfonietta Conductor Roland Forti Concert Orch. Cond. Reiko Niiya String Coach Katrina Rozmus String Coach Susannah Kelly Low String Coach Bill Larsen Woodwind Coach Tom Kracmer Brass Coach Todd Betz Percussion Coach Todd Betz Education Director / Youth Orch. Manage 12
PARENT / GUARDIAN: I understand the requirements and responsibilities for membership in the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra program. I have read and understand the policies regarding attendance, participation, attire, tuition and behavior. I realize that my son or daughter is participating in a performance-based organization and I agree not to use suspension of his or her participation in rehearsals or performances as a disciplinary tool. I have checked all performance dates and will make every effort to attend. I understand that filling a vacancy ay a performance is an extra expense to the Youth Orchestra program. NAME OF PARENT: SIGNATURE OF PARENT: TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):H) C) EMAIL STUDENT: I have read and agree to abide by the policies set forth in this handbook. NAME OF STUDENT: SIGNATURE OF STUDENT: C) EMAIL Please sign and return this form by Monday, September 28, 2015. 13