Commitment

BYSO expects that you will make a commitment to remain in the program for the full year.  As far as possible, all rehearsal dates and concerts are announced well in advance so that members can make adequate schedule preparations.

Rehearsals and Performances

• You are required to attend all rehearsals AND performances !!!  The success of your division and section depends on your participation.  The only exceptions permitted are for illness or for a school music performance.  Like sports, an orchestra is a team.  All members are necessary for the orchestra to be a success.
• More than one unexcused absence will result in suspension until the beginning of the next rehearsal/concert cycle. 
  
• Leaving before the end of a rehearsal or arriving late at the beginning of a rehearsal (after tuning) is considered an unexcused absence.
  
• You are expected to arrive fifteen minutes before all rehearsals and to respect the need for a timely start. 
  
• Your instrument must be tuned and ready to play on the conductor’s downbeat.
  
• If you are unable to attend a rehearsal you MUST CONTACT your conductor, your division’s attendance person or the BYSO office BEFORE 3 p.m. the day of the rehearsal.
  

 
You can read more on our Rehearsal Information page

Prompt Pickup  

Please meet your parents immediately following each practice.

Practice and Preparation

• You are expected to come to rehearsals prepared and with your instrument in working condition and your music in order. 
  
• Expect to spend a considerable amount of time practicing for rehearsals at home.  (Students who are consistently unprepared risk being demoted to a lower division or placed on probation until they can demonstrate that they are prepared.)
• Help us compile a page of effective practice tips.

Performance Etiquette

• Please arrive on time for your appropriate call time.
• All blouses and shirts need to be tucked into your slacks / skirt – no bare midriffs.
• Arrive in the appropriate Concert Dress – NO WHITE SHOES, or WHITE SOCKS.  MUST HAVE  BLACK SHOES.
• Leave ALL cell phones and pagers turned off during warm up and the performance.
• You must remain quietly in your seats during the concert.  Unlike a sporting event where noisy behavior is acceptable and the norm, at music performances, it is not.
• No running is allowed.
• No exiting or entering during the period when the music is being played.
• Plan to take care of bathroom and water fountain needs either before the playing begins or during intermission.  Moving about or talking during the performance is very distracting to all.
• BYSO students are required to stay for the entire concert – this is part of their music listening education.