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Membership

Philharmonic Association orchestra membership is open to any musician in the fourth grade through high school. Participation in the jazz ensemble is for high school students.

1. Membership in our youth ensembles, except for TYSO, is decided by audition. Playing ability and balance of instrumentation are the determining factors in the selection of members. Membership is not automatically renewed from one season to the next.
2. The Philharmonic Association recognizes the paramount importance of school music programs and the dedicated and expert instruction of their teachers.  We expect our musicians to participate in their school music program.  If a musician is enrolled in their school music program for the year and drops out of that program after an appointment to a PA orchestra, the appointment will be rescinded.
3. We have found that members will have a more positive experience if they also study with a private music teacher. Therefore, we highly recommend private music lessons.
   
   

Fees

A music ensemble is a collective effort; all its members are important. If one person is missing, it affects the entire group. All musicians are responsible to their colleagues, themselves, and ultimately to the music itself. A serious commitment to the ensemble will ensure a quality musical experience for all its members. However, it is understood that there may be conflicts to regular rehearsals as a result of illness, death in the family, required school performances, and established religious holidays. The following guidelines will be followed when a conflict occurs:

1. Members shall have no more than two absences per semester. Those members holding positions of leadership, such as principal players, are allowed one absence per semester. If a member is unable to meet these requirements, it may be necessary to adjust their seating. *
2. If a member accumulates more than four absences during the season, his/her membership in the ensemble will be reviewed and may result in termination of ensemble membership.
3. No one will be excused from a dress rehearsal, concert, or recording session unless it is for severe illness or death in the family.
4. If a member is tardy three times, it will count as one absence.

Everyone is expected to be warming up in his/her seat no fewer than five (5) minutes before a scheduled rehearsal and ten (10) minutes before a performance.

Tardy Policy

Members are counted tardy if they:

1. are not in their seat warming up five (5) minutes before the scheduled rehearsal or ten (10) minutes before a performance.
2. leave the rehearsal early.
3. are late to their seat after the break.

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Responsibilities

1. Each member is expected be a good representative of TYP. TYS, TYO, TYSO or TYJE whenever participating in a PA ensemble activity. This includes during breaks as well as before and after rehearsals and concerts. All rules of the community and host facilities must be observed. Conduct unbecoming a member of the organization can result in termination of membership.
2. Absences and conflicts must be reported to your attendance volunteer as soon as you become aware of them.
3. Consult the PA website (www.philharmonic-association.org) and be sure to read your e-mail for pertinent news information.
4. No gum or other refreshment is allowed in the rehearsals or concerts.
5. No member is allowed to leave the facility during breaks.
6. When requested, each member is to bring a music stand that has his or her name on each piece.
7. All members are responsible for learning their individual parts. This will require practice at home and may require help from the musician's private teacher.
8. Members are expected to perform each program in its entirety, as assigned by the conductor(s). Failure to comply with this responsibility can result in termination of membership.

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Rules Concerning Music and Folders

1. Each player will be issued a folder at the beginning of the season. Players are expected to take their folders home.
2. It is the player's responsibility to bring their folder, music, and a pencil to every rehearsal and concert.
3. All music contained in the folder is the personal responsibility of the player. It is each player's responsibility to keep his or her music in order, in good repair, and to report missing music to the librarian immediately.
4. The player will be charged replacement cost for any music lost. Practice copies will be charged at a rate of 25 cents per sheet and rental music at the publisher's rate, usually $10.00-25.00 per part.
5. The folder and all music should be left on the conductor's podium after each major concert. Music not turned in at the specified time must be returned immediately to the PA Admiistrative office.

Concert Dress

Boys: Dark (preferably black) pants (no jeans), white shirt, long tie, black socks and black shoes.

Girls: White blouse with sleeves and ankle-length black skirt or full-cut dress pants. In TYP, girls may wear ankle-length all-black dress with sleeves, or black blouse with sleeves and ankle-length black skirt or full-cut dress pants. Black shoes.

Location and times

All rehearsal and concert times and locations will be listed in the monthly rehearsal schedule. Regular rehearsal times are:

TYP rehearsals — Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm Athens Drive High
TYS rehearsals — Mondays 6:30pm-8:30pm Athens Drive High
TYO rehearsals — Mondays 6:30pm-8:15pm Leesville High School
TYSO-West rehearsals — Tuesdays 6:15pm-8:00pm Cary Arts Center
TYSO-East rehearsals — Thursdays 6:15pm-8:00pm Church of the Holy Cross
TYJE rehearsals — Sundays 3:00pm 4:30am Marsh Woodwinds

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