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Our Friends play an important role in ensuring the quality and future growth of the GYO program. All Friends will be list, will receive notification of all concerts and events, and will be recognized in our program. Gemini Youth Orchestras is a Gemini Youth Orchestras
2004-2005 Member Handbook
Our 35th Anniversary Season
Gemini Youth OrchestrasP.O. Box 705 Melville, NY 11747 (631) 423-PLAY
www.gyo.org Gemini Youth Orchestras2004-2005 Staff and Management
Board of Directors
Richard H. Reiben,
President John Leddy Music Director Michael Adelson Executive Director Richard V. S. Lee Conductors Gemini Youth Symphony – Michael Adelson Gemini Chamber Ensemble – Matthew Cody Gemini String Orchestra – James Uzzi Gemini Festival Winds – Michael Canipe
Standing Committee Chairs Program Advertisements – Karen Reiben Scholarship Committee – Peter McGullam Introduction
Welcome to the Gemini Youth Orchestras (GYO) family. This handbook was designed to provide our members with guidelines, policies, and procedures that will help you to get the most out of your orchestral experience. Please read the handbook carefully. All GYO members are expected to abide by the policies and procedures outlined here. If you have any questions or problems, please call our voicemail: (631) 423-PLAY (7529) or e-mail us at webmaestro@gyo.org.
The GYO program provides an environment in which talented young musicians can improve their skills and experience the realities and rewards of quality performance. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn and perform standard repertoire, to work with and perform under conservatory-trained professionals and to enjoy performing alongside active professional musicians and soloists.
Gemini’s musicians are drawn from public, private, and parochial schools across Long Island. Musicians are auditioned and accepted into the program regardless of financial circumstances. Gemini sponsors scholarships to ensure that every accepted student will be able to participate in the program.
Tuition provides about half of the revenue for Gemini. Ticket sales, individual donations, corporate and business contributions, foundation and government grants, and special fundraising projects provide the balance.
Membership in any GYO group is determined by audition. The GYO program consists of the following groups:
Gemini Youth Symphony (GYS) The Gemini Youth Symphony is open to students performing on NYSSMA level 6 or All State. Literature is selected from classic standard repertoire in original editions, which is at once demanding and rewarding for the superior student musician. Membership is limited to approximately 75 students. GYS is conducted by Michael Adelson, GYO Music Director.
Gemini Youth Concert Orchestra (GYCO) The Gemini Youth Concert Orchestra has combined operations with GYS for the 2004-2005 Season. Separate operations may be resumed in future years, depending upon composition of GYO membership. Students promoted to or remaining in GYCO for the 2004-2005 year will continue to be classified as GYCO members for this purpose unless promoted to GYS by the Music Director. Gemini Chamber Ensemble (GCE) The Gemini Chamber Ensemble consists of students selected from GYS on a concert-by-concert basis by the Music Director to play pieces for small ensembles. It is the first chamber music group operated by Gemini Youth Orchestras, intended to provide the opportunity for advanced students to perform the standard chamber repertoire under professional instruction. The Gemini Chamber Ensemble is conducted by Matthew Cody. Gemini String Orchestra (GSO) The Gemini String Orchestra introduces students to string ensemble playing with a professional conductor. Young musicians performing on NYSSMA levels 3-5 receive intensive technical instruction and prepare for the more advanced GYCO. Literature is selected primarily from arrangements and in some cases from original editions. Membership is limited to approximately 50 students. GSO is conducted by James Uzzi. Gemini Festival Winds (GFW) The Gemini Festival Winds is comprised of woodwind, brass and percussion students, some of whom also perform in GYCO or GYS. It is open to musicians performing on NYSSMA levels 5 and 6. GFW performs both classical and lighter fare, usually in original form. Membership is limited to approximately 50 students. GFW is conducted by Michael Canipe.
Organizational Structure
Gemini Youth Orchestras is a registered business name of Training Orchestra, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation qualified as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to GYO (not including tuition and tickets) are deductible as charitable donations for most taxpayers (consult your tax advisor for more information). GYO is governed by its Board of Directors, a volunteer group elected each June for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The board, consisting primarily of parents of current and former GYO musicians, along with music educators, business leaders, community representatives, and friends, meets eight to twelve times per year. The board sets general policy and procedures, approves the budget, raises funds, and provides services to the performing groups. The Advisory Board, a non-voting body consisting of members of the arts, education and business communities, is available to assist the Board of Directors. Parent committees and volunteers provide valuable support to the organization in areas including fundraising, hospitality, rehearsal and concert operations, and special projects. Parent participation is critical to the survival and success of Gemini. The administration of the GYO program is carried out by the Executive Director, who is responsible for management and scheduling of rehearsals, auditions and concerts, grant writing, liaison with other music organizations, and dealing with student problems and issues. The Executive Director is assisted by parent volunteers who serve as orchestra managers, rehearsal and concert staff, and assist with mailings and related tasks. The Music Director provides the musical vision for GYO and is responsible for selection and approval of repertoire for all GYO groups and for special projects such as education outreach and workshops. The Music Director also serves as principal conductor for the Gemini Youth Symphony.
Communications Mail and phone communications are time-consuming and expensive. Wherever possible, we try to communicate with students and their families by e-mail and by weekly announcements on the web site. We need an up-to-date e-mail address for every student and parent or guardian throughout the season. Any member who does not have access to e-mail on a regular basis should advise the executive director so that other means of communication can be arranged.
Policies for Orchestra Members
Orchestral placement Musicians are placed in the GYS, GYCO or the GSO based on the quality of their audition. Members are normally expected to perform in their assigned orchestra for the entire year. Students will be selected for GCE on a concert-by-concert basis depending upon their skill level and the orchestration requirements for the chamber pieces to be performed. Musician qualifications All musicians are expected to have private teachers. This is necessary to facilitate work on any musical problems that students may encounter. If there is a hardship involved, please call the Executive Director at (631) 423-PLAY. All musicians are required to participate in their school’s music program. School music programs are the lifeblood of the arts on Long Island, and GYO and its members support school programs including festivals such as NMEA, SCMEA, LISFA and NYSSMA. The Gemini program is intended to enhance and supplement, not to replace these school programs. We make every effort to avoid time conflicts with school programs. Instruments Members are required to provide their own instruments. Instruments should be in excellent condition so that musicians can perform at their peak levels. String players must rehair bows when necessary or at the request of the conductor. Students should bring extra strings and rosin to each rehearsal. Cello and bass players should bring a floor stop, a mute and/or a stool if needed. GYS and GYCO members are expected to tune their own instruments prior to rehearsal. Wind players must bring extra reeds of professional quality to every rehearsal. Instrument loan: in cases of unusual instrumentation for a piece being performed or serious financial hardship, GYO may be able to provide members with instruments that are loaned to the program. A loan agreement must be signed by the member and a parent or guardian, who will be responsible for the care and safekeeping of the instrument. Gemini Youth Orchestras is not responsible for the care and safekeeping of instruments owned or rented by participants. Students must take great care when transporting instruments to or from rehearsals and concerts; when moving instruments around the stage and rehearsal areas; and when leaving instruments during breaks. Instruments should not be left on seats, music stands, or in areas where they can be dropped or damaged. We recommend that students purchase their own insurance policies for valuable instruments. Seating policy GYO has a general seating policy for all orchestras, but final seating is determined by the conductors. Students will receive ample notice of audition dates and requirements. Seating will be posted at rehearsal; the judgment of the adjudicators is final. Members of a section are placed in such a manner as to produce the best sound balance for that section and the orchestra as a whole, and not necessarily in the order of the quality of their seating auditions. Players are listed alphabetically in the concert program, with the exception of string principals and in some cases holders of other distinctions. Principal players are chosen only for the string sections. GYS, GYCO and GFW brass and wind placement will be based on the results of seating auditions and on the needs of the concert repertoire. Because the brass and winds often have solo parts in orchestral writing, performance quality will be constantly monitored by the conductor, and placement will reflect the appropriateness of the particular part for the individual’s strengths. All placements are at the discretion of the conductor. Principal player responsibilities The principal players assume a leadership position in any orchestra, and are a role model for other players. Failure of a principal player to abide by GYO attendance policy or other policies may result in his or her demotion. Moving up GYCO and GSO members who wish to advance to the GYS and GYCO must ü meet all regular requirements for acceptance to GYS or GYCO ü have the permission and agreement of the GYCO or GSO conductor ü schedule a move-up audition during spring auditions or at another time by permission only ü submit a copy of their current NYSSMA evaluation Changes from one orchestra to another are at the sole discretion of the conducting staff. Leave of absence A request for a leave of absence for personal reasons must be made in writing in advance of the forthcoming concert series. The letter should explain the reason for the leave and the expected duration. Permission for leave status will be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. A leave of absence will not be granted for a period of the less than the entire rehearsal and concert series. A student granted leave must continue to pay tuition. A leave of absence cannot be granted for a concert series once rehearsals have commenced. Letters of recommendation If you need a letter of recommendation from a conductor, you should submit a written request to the conductor at least three weeks in advance of the date the recommendation is needed.
Attendance All communications concerning attendance should be directed to the voicemail attendance box (631) 423-PLAY
Rehearsal attendance All Gemini members are permitted two (2) rehearsal absences (only one of which may be an unexcused absence) per concert series, not to exceed six (6) total absences per school year. Excused absences are absences by reason of conflict with school music programs (see below) or illness (with a doctor’s note) ONLY. All other absences are considered unexcused. A parent or guardian must report all absences to the executive director or the voice mail box at (631) 423-PLAY. · A student exceeding the permitted absences for a concert series will not be allowed to participate in that concert. Extended absence may subject the student to dismissal from the program with no tuition refund. Exceptions may be granted for extended illness. · Mandatory school music conflicts include ONLY dress rehearsals and concerts for school music groups, and rehearsals and concerts for sanctioned festivals including NMEA, SCMEA, LISFA, NYSSMA, All-County, All-State, All-Eastern and All-National events. Students should provide documentation of their participation and the dates of these events as soon as they know them. · Chronic lateness may be grounds for dismissal. · A student is expected to attend rehearsal even if his/her instrument is lost or broken. With advance notice, GYO will attempt to obtain an instrument on loan. · Students are expected to remain for the entire rehearsal unless excused by the conductor or the executive director. · A student who is injured and is unable to play is still expected to attend rehearsal. · Involvement in school musicals, including pit bands, is a voluntary activity. Absences for this reason are considered unexcused. If a student knows that he or she will miss more than two rehearsals in any concert series, he or she should advise the executive director in advance of that concert series so that appropriate arrangements for concert personnel can be made. Concert attendance is mandatory Students are excused from concerts only for illness or a documented mandatory school music conflict. Any other concert absence may result in immediate dismissal from the program with no tuition refund. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to report all absences to the attendance box at (631) 423-PLAY.
Rehearsals
ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SMOKING ARE PROHIBITED BY GYO. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN INSIDE THE BUILDING DURING REHEARSALS AND BREAKS. FOOD IS PERMITTED IN REHEARSAL VENUES ONLY WITH PERMISSION OF STAFF.
Rehearsal days/locations GYS, GCE and GFW will rehearse at West Hollow Middle School, Old East Neck Road, Melville, New York, on Monday evenings. GFW will rehearse at 5PM, GYS and GYCO at 6:45. GSO will rehearse at Half Hollow Hills High School East, Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, New York, on Tuesday evenings. These evenings may vary when school buildings are closed because of weather or school holidays, and locations may change when buildings are unavailable because of school activities. See rehearsal schedules for specific times and dates. Please check the website each week (www.gyo.org) for up-to-date rehearsal information.
Arrival and preparation Students should arrive fifteen minutes before the start of rehearsal to sign in, warm up and tune their instruments. Please bring any necessary accessories, a lead pencil for marking scores, and a folding music stand (if requested). Any student who does not sign in will be considered as absent without an excuse. TIMELY ARRIVAL AT REHEARSALS IS CRITICAL. Cancellation of rehearsals Cancellations for inclement weather or other emergency will be at the discretion of the Executive Director or the Board President. Every effort will be made to notify members by phone and/or e-mail of any cancellation. Please do not call GYO personnel at home. Call (631) 423-PLAY for a recorded announcement. Please be sure we have an up-to-date email for you at all times. If Half Hollow Hills School District has cancelled classes for the day, Gemini’s evening rehearsal will also be cancelled. WALK 97.5 FM, News 12 Long Island and other local stations announce school district closings. Music Ø Music will be distributed at orientation and no later than the first rehearsal for each subsequent concert series. Ø Photocopied and original music must be returned intact after each concert. Ø Each musician is to bring his or her own music to every rehearsal so directions from the conductor can be marked in every part. Ø Music may be marked only with a #2 lead pencil. Ø Members will be charged for the cost of replacing any lost or damaged music, including music torn, rolled up or cut, and music marked with anything but a #2 pencil. Ø If you need to borrow additional music you must sign it out with the librarian. Student conduct during rehearsals Ø Watch and listen carefully to the conductor. Ø No horseplay or disruptive behavior is permitted during rehearsals. Ø Talking should be limited to questions or comments related to the material being rehearsed. Ø No food or drink, other than bottled water, is permitted in the rehearsal buildings. Ø Students should assist when possible in setting up and taking down chairs and music stands in rehearsal areas. Ø Do not leave the immediate area of the building during breaks Ø Return to rehearsal promptly after the break. Ø Students may leave early only with permission of the conductor or the executive director. Musicians are expected to practice Gemini music in preparation for rehearsals.
Concerts Concert venues The GYO Subscription Series Concerts will be held at the Candlewood Middle School, Carll's Straight Path, Dix Hills, New York. The school is located 1/2 mile south of the Long Island Expressway, between Exits 51 and 52 (turn south at the light between these exits, the school is on the left). There will be ONE show for all groups performing on each concert date, rather than two shows as in years past. A concert information sheet will be distributed at rehearsal approximately two weeks prior to each concert. If you don’t receive a copy, you can request one by e-mail or find it on the web site. There is a dress rehearsal prior to each concert. Members must sign in when they arrive at the concert venue. Failure to sign in for a concert may be considered an unexcused absence and subject the student to dismissal from GYO without tuition refund. Students are expected to be present throughout the concert in which they perform. In most cases, seats will be available so that you can watch the other groups perform. Student musicians are admitted free of charge to the remainder of their concerts. Gemini is a team. A show of support and appreciation for other groups is a vital part of the GYO program. No videotaping is allowed at concerts unless authorized by GYO. It can distract the musicians and disturb other audience members. Professional audio recordings of each concert will be available for sale. Concert attire GYS and GCE: boys must wear a tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo pants, white shirt, black bow tie, black socks and black dress shoes. For all other groups, boys may substitute a black jacket and black pants for the tuxedo jacket and pants. All groups: girls must wear either a long black skirt or black dress pants with black long-sleeved blouse, or a black long-sleeved full-length dress; black stockings and black dress shoes. NO tight pants, black jeans, white socks, or exposed midriffs permitted. Students who arrive improperly dressed will not be allowed to perform. Concert procedures 1. The concertmaster will enter after the orchestra is seated and the house lights are dimmed. He or she will bow to the audience and then give the signal to tune. 2. When the conductor comes on stage for the first time, the entire orchestra will stand. The orchestra will not stand when the conductor returns between pieces. 3. The conductor will signal when the orchestra (or any members) should stand to acknowledge applause. Do not leave the stage until all applause has ended and the conductor and soloist (if any) have exited. 4. Specific instructions for any concerts will be distributed at rehearsal before the concert or by email.
Tuition and Fees
q All tuition payments for the 2004-2005 season are due on or before September 21, 2004. Each student will receive one invoice for the tuition amount due. q Tuition will not be billed on a periodic or installment basis. q Scholarships are available for students who need financial assistance in order to participate in the program. When you receive your invoice, please advise the executive director or any board member that you wish to apply for a scholarship. The procedure is simple and confidential. The Board of Directors determines eligibility for and amount of scholarships. q There will be a $25.00 fee for any returned check. q Family discount: two participating students from a single family will each receive a 10% tuition discount. A third student (or more) from the same family will receive a 50% discount on tuition. q Tuition is non-refundable after registration except in cases of prolonged illness. TUITION RATES FOR 2004-2005 GYS $450.00 GYCO 450.00 GYS 400.00 GFW 325.00 175.00 for members of another GYO ensemble FEES q Audition – new members $20.00 q Audition – move-up $15.00 q Returned check $25.00
TICKETS Subscription Series – three regular season concerts Single ticket $15.00 Seniors/students $ 8.00 Subscription 36.00 Seniors/students 20.00
Donations
GYO is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to GYO are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Friends of Gemini program allows our families and friends a convenient way to support GYO at any level they can afford. Friends of Gemini are acknowledged in every concert program and are notified of concerts and special events. ¯ Booster $20-39 Boosters are mentioned in each program and a receive GYO boutique item. ¯ Supporter $40-74 Supporters are mentioned in each program and receive one ticket or two senior/student tickets to any one (1) regular season concert. ¯ Donor $75-149 Donors are mentioned in each program and receive two tickets to one (1) regular season concert. ¯ Patron $150-249 Patrons are mentioned in each program and receive two tickets to two regular season concerts. ¯ Benefactor $250-399 Benefactors are mentioned in each program and receive two tickets to all regular season concerts. ¯ Founder $400-599 Founders are mentioned in each program and receive two tickets to all GYO concerts for 2004-2005. ¯ Angel $600-999 Angels are mentioned in each program, receive three tickets to all GYO concerts for 2004-2005, and receive an audio CDs of all regular season concerts. ¯ Conductor’s Circle $1000-up Conductor’s Circle members are mentioned in each program, receive four tickets to all GYO concerts for 2004-2005, and receive audio CDs of all regular season concerts. Donations may also be made to sponsor a scholarship, to fund a music chair, to honor a special person or to mark a memorable achievement. Contact Richard Reiben, Board President, at rreiben@gyo.org, to discuss special donations. To become a Friend of Gemini, please send your contribution to the address below. Be sure to tell us how you wish to be listed in the program. (Checks should be made payable to Training Orchestra, Inc.) Gemini Youth Orchestras Attention: Friends of Gemini PO Box 705 Melville, NY 11747-0705
Fundraisers During 2004-2005, GYO will be conducting fundraisers to meet general operating revenues, which are covered ony about 1/2 by tuition. All students will be expected to participate in fund-raising activities. Our goal will be to reach $25,000 in net fundraising proceeds to GYO. Auditions for New Members GYO members are selected on the basis of audition only. Yearly entrance auditions are scheduled in June, with additional auditions in September. All audition dates will be announced on our website. Interested students should visit the website at www.gyo.org and follow directions for scheduling an audition. Or call the voicemail (631) 423-PLAY. Each applicant must fill out an audition form, and supply a copy of the student’s NYSSMA evaluation. Applicants will be notified of results by e-mail or mail. Individual auditions may be scheduled during the year if there are openings in the performing groups. Auditions are adjudicated by more than one qualified conductor, coach or musician, who reach a consensus on the result. We hope that, regardless of the result of an audition, the adjudicators’ comments will be help the student in determining areas in which he or she may need work. There is a nominal fee charged for the audition. The following qualifications are the minimum requirements for each group, and are subject to conductor discretion
GYS Completed NYSSMA level 6 Excellent or better
GYCO Completed NYSSMA level 5 Excellent or better (may be higher on selected instruments)
GSO Completed NYSSMA level 3
GFW GYO members by audition. For non-members of GYO, the minimum requirement is completed NYSSMA level 5
Please note that completion of minimum NYSSMA requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is subject to availability of an opening in the group, and approval of the audition staff. Audition preparation
Music NYSSMA solo or other appropriate solo of comparable level. Students should choose a solo with which they are comfortable and confident. Sight-reading All students should be prepared to sight-read. Scales A student should be prepared to perform scales appropriate to his/her NYSSMA level. Brass and woodwind players will also be expected to demonstrate the ability to transpose when applicable. Judging is based on technical ability, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, general musicianship and stylistic understanding. When a musician is accepted into the program, seating decisions (made before each concert) are based on the same combination of overall musical qualities as well as level of preparation. non- |
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