Topics

Parental Participation
Rehearsal Procedure
Attendance Policy
Dress Code
Music
Tuition Payments

Parental Participation

MetYSO runs cooperatively, with authority delegated to volunteer parents, who work independently, under the guidance of the Board of Directors. After one semester of membership, parents are required to sign up for a volunteer job. Duties may be ongoing, or concert specific; once per season parents serve as "rehearsal manager", coordinating attendance, setting up and taking down equipment, and providing snack. A separate handbook for rehearsal managers is available.

Rehearsal Procedure

Members should arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to rehearsal, or before the time they play. They should be on stage, in tune, and ready to play at the start of rehearsal.

Members should bring a pencil to every rehearsal. They are allowed to make notations on their music but it must be done in pencil.

There will be a fifteen minute break midway through rehearsal. Snacks will be provided, as well as access to an array of vending machines on site.

Parents, as well as invited guests such as teachers and curious musicians, are welcomed and may watch the rehearsal but must remain quiet.

Attendance Policy

MetYSO is not a casual commitment - we believe that great investment yields great results. As such we have high expectations for attendance.

How to Report an Absence
Notice must be given of an anticipated absence (not an illness nor an emergency) two weeks in advance. You may send an email to attendance@MetYSO.org. Include name, date, and complete reason for absence. We suggest members solicit dates of music performances (other than MetYSO), competitions, etc. from school personnel and teachers ASAP. Give the information to MetYSO as soon as it is known to you so that Mr. Surapine can plan rehearsals accordingly.
Consequences of Excessive Absences
Though a member may see an absence as "unavoidable", that absence has the same effect on the ensemble as an "avoidable" absence. Therefore, missing more than two rehearsals during a concert period may prompt a discussion among the member, her/his parents, Music Director, and Board Chairperson. A decision regarding the nature of the absences will lead to a determination of the member's status in the orchestra. The decision rests solely with the Music Director as to whether the member's commitment to MetYSO and ability to attend rehearsals is sufficient, and whether that member ought to continue as a part of the orchestra.

MetYSO's stringent attendance policy sometimes impacts the entire family of the MetYSO musician. For example, many long-term MetYSO members consider rehearsals when planning family vacations, selecting flights that allow them to return by rehearsal time on Sunday afternoons rather than a few hours later on Sunday evening in time for school the next day. Rehearsals are not usually scheduled during (public) school vacations.

Regarding school activities, MetYSO members have their MetYSO calendars before the start of school. They are in an excellent position to predict conflict with school obligations, and make choices when conflicts arise. An absence for school purposes is a choice the MetYSO member makes, and sometimes these choices can be difficult. For example, performing in the pit orchestra of a school musical usually involves a Sunday matinee, requiring the student to miss rehearsal. A member with no absences to date may consider this a compelling reason to miss a rehearsal, but a member who has already missed a rehearsal or two must consider the consequences, and MetYSO must consider whether the member is over committed.

At MetYSO, we appreciate that illness and New England weather impact attendance. We would never want to endanger the health and safety of our members for the sake of their attendance record. However, from our perspective, an absence caused by illness is still an absence. So is absence due to inclement weather which makes attendance impossible for some members while others can attend. Serious weather conditions which compromise the majority's ability to attend will prompt a cancellation of the rehearsal. Notification by email will be made within two hours prior to rehearsal time and a message will be left on the MetYSO voice mail 508-478-5924 (Press 6 for MetYSO).

Before committing to MetYSO the musician and family must consider whether other obligations can co-exist with MetYSO. We generally do not schedule rehearsals which conflict with public school vacations (either weekend). Please schedule family vacations to accomodate scheduled rehearsals.

If you must miss a rehearsal, please let us know as soon as possible. Send an email message to attendance@MetYSO.org detailing the date you will miss and the reason for your absence.

If you are ill and cannot attend a rehearsal that day, please send an email to the above email address. You may also call Maggie Brewer on her cell phone number, which is on the absence policy information distributed at the beginning of each semester.

Dress Code

Members are expected to dress with dignity and professionalism. For rehearsal, casual clothing is fine.

Concert attire is as follows: For young women, black skirts (no mini skirts) or black slacks, white blouses (not cream and preferably not sweaters), black shoes, and black stockings. For young men, black jackets and pants, white shirts, black bow ties, black dress shoes, and black socks.

Music

Music is distributed on the first day of rehearsal. Members are responsible for all music issued to them. Music must be returned in good condition at the end of the season. Music may be marked in pencil only. Members are required to work on their music with their private teachers. Students who do not return music, or who have damaged original parts will be responsible for the cost of replacement.

Tuition Payments

Tuition is $450 for the academic year. Tuition payment is due in full by August 1. Tuition will be prorated for new members joining in the middle of the season. Tuition is non-refundable. Members will receive a bill from the MetYSO's Treasurer. Payments are to be made and sent directly to the address on the bill ASAP in order to receive music for the rehearsal period.