Purpose & Policies

The Purpose of MYO
The purpose of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is to provide an educational and artistic experience in a full symphonic ensemble for area young people. It’s about having fun while learning about and making great musiccomplementing and enhancing the musical training of student instrumentalists.

MYO was founded in 1997 by Jim Murray and Paul Cooper under the auspices of the Liberty Symphony Orchestra.

MYO members:

  • enjoy the full symphonic experience;
  • explore the stylistic spectrum of orchestral literature;
  • compete and collaborate with musicians from different schools;
  • prepare for college orchestras and community ensembles;
  • have a great time exploring music with new friends.

Valuable insights are offered in practice strategies, style and historical context of repertoire, the language of conducting, stage deportment, and partnership and leadership in a music ensemble.

Tuition
Tuition for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is $250, due by the first rehearsal in October. (If you have paid a deposit of $50, then your balance will be $200.) There is a 20% family discount off the combined tuition of members from the same household. Please make checks payable to MetropolitanYouth Orchestra or MYO.

Concerts
Members are asked to be ambassadors for the orchestra and help ensure large audiences for our concerts, which are presented free of charge.

All MYO performances are recorded, and CDs are available for purchase by members and their families. CD order forms are available throughout the season.

Music
Music is entrusted to each member and must be handled with great care. All music must be returned by the date of each concert. If original music is lost, damaged, or returned late, there will be a minimum charge to the member of $10 per part. In the case of rented, borrowed, or out-of-print music, the replacement fee may be substantially higher.

Member Seating
Seating auditions are held for each concert period. Seating is at the discretion of the conductors. String stands other than principal stands will rotate over the course of rehearsals.

The contribution, leadership and good attitude of each member, regardless of what instrument he or she plays or in what chair he or she sits, is vital to MYO.

Preparing for Rehearsals
Members get the most out of their MYO experience, and show respect for their colleagues, by preparing well for rehearsals. The conductors invest considerable preparation for each rehearsal
and expect each member to do the same.

As a pre-collegiate ensemble, MYO offers its members exposure to music with challenging or unfamiliar elements. Members are encouraged to seek input from their private instructors as they develop MYO repertoire, and to listen to recordings, whenever possible, to increase their understanding of these works. The conductors are always happy to answer questions and offer input between rehearsals - it’s one of the reasons for the MYO voicemail line.

Double-Checking the Schedule
& Inclement Weather
The greeting message of the MYO voicemail line, (913) 967-7058, will always be updated to confirm the next scheduled rehearsal or performance.

Cancellation of any scheduled activity due to inclement weather or other emergency will be on the voicemail greeting message by 12:00 p.m. of the day in question.

Members can notify Monty Carter of emergencies directly at (816) 550-3170.

Lending a Hand
MYO always appreciates the enthusiastic support of its members and families. Assistance at seating auditions and help with rehearsal setup and administrative details are very valuable to the orchestra. To volunteer, please call (913) 967-7058.

MYO always welcomes questions and input from its members and families.

Attendance
MYO members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.

All members are expected to arrive for rehearsals in time to warm up properly. Members should be in their seats for rehearsals at 1:50 p.m.

All members are expected to remain for the entire duration of all rehearsals and concerts unless other arrangements have been approved by the conductors.

Any member who misses more than two (2) rehearsals within a single concert period may, at the discretion of the conductors, lose his or her opportunity to perform in that concert.

If a member must miss a rehearsal, a parent of that member is required to notify MYO in advance by leaving a message on the MYO voicemail line, (913) 967-7058. Advance notice is important for rehearsal planning. In the case of sickness or emergency, please call MYO as soon as possible.

Absence from a dress rehearsal (the last rehearsal before a concert) is strongly discouraged and will be considered equal to two regular absences.

In the event that a member must miss a concert, he or she is still expected to contribute to the orchestra’s progress by preparing for and attending all rehearsals except the dress rehearsal.

School Music & Private Lessons
All members are required to participate in their school music programs, if offered, and to be in good standing with their director. Woodwind, brass and percussion players must play in their school band, and string players must play in their school orchestra.

Members are strongly encouraged, though not required, to be enrolled in private instruction. Each member must sustain his or her level of competency demonstrated in auditions.

Professional Conduct
All members are expected to demonstrate professional conduct in rehearsals:

  • Invest in the excellence of the orchestra by practicing your music between all rehearsals.
  • Come to rehearsal with an open mind and the desire to contribute to the artistic progress of the orchestra.
  • Arrive on time with instrument and equipment, music and a pencil. (You do not need to bring a music stand.)
  • Treat fellow members, parents and orchestra staff with respect and courtesy. Stay positive, show support for your colleagues, and enhance the confidence of the musicians around you.
  • Do not talk or in any way disrupt the ability of your colleagues or conductors to rehearse effectively.
  • To ask a question, raise your hand.
  • Act as an ambassador of the orchestra.

Unprofessional behavior will be addressed in conference with a parent. Repeated instances of behavior that negatively affects fellow members will result in seat reassignment, dismissal from the rehearsal, or dismissal from MYO without refund of tuition.

Care of Instruments & Personal Items
A rehearsal room filled with expensive instruments must be inhabited with care. Protect your instrument and personal items, be extremely careful around other instruments, and show respect for rehearsal and concert areas. MYO cannot be responsible for damage to instruments or personal items.

Concert Attire

Ladies:

  • Ankle-length black skirt or slacks, with long-sleeved (wristlength) black blouse (no sleeveless blouses) OR
  • Floor- or ankle-length, long-sleeved black dress (no spaghetti straps)
  • Black dress shoes with black hosiery
  • Minimal jewelry, no perfume

Gentlemen:

  • Black tuxedo (next-best option: a black or charcoal suit)
  • White long-sleeve shirt
  • Black dress shoes and black socks
  • Black bow tie

Please consult a conductor or the orchestra manager about any questions of attire.

© 2007 - Metropolitan Youth Orchestra