AGE REQUIREMENTS

1. 7 to 18 years of age

2. Younger or older musicians may be admitted at the discretion of the faculty based on the musical needs of the ensemble.

Below are suggested donation amounts: 

REHEARSALS

1. MYSP meets from 4:30-6:30PM and MSO meets from 5:30-7:45PM on Tuesdays. 
2. The rehearsal and concert location for the 2023-24 season is: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (

3. Rehearsals begin promptly. Students must be seated with instrument tuned and ready by the start time. You will be notified of changes or cancellations by email, phone, or by notice distributed the prior week.

4. Students are expected to practice all parts and come to rehearsal prepared to play to the satisfaction of the conductor and faculty.

ATTENDANCE

1. Regular attendance at full rehearsals, sectionals and master classes (when scheduled) is required.

2. Attendance at every dress rehearsal and concert is mandatory.

3. It is important that students sign in at each rehearsal to avoid being charged with an unexcused absence. Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to start at 4:30PM (MYSP) and 5:30PM (MSO), therefore, students must sign in by 4:25PM (MYSP) and 5:25PM (MSO). Students who sign in after 4:25PM or 5:25PM will be considered late.

4. Requests to be excused from attendance at rehearsals or for anticipated lateness must be made within one week in advance via e-mail or phone to the orchestra manager. Notices of same-day absence due to illness must be made by 1pm on the day of rehearsal.

5. All emergency notifications should be sent to Nic James at nicholas@musicopia.net or 267-408-5357. Only illness or family emergencies will be considered an excused absence if the notification is less than one week before rehearsal. Please make every effort to make emergency (same-day) notifications by 12PM on a rehearsal day, as absences can affect the way we organize rehearsals.

6. Absences from rehearsals are excused for the following reasons ONLY: illness, examinations (e.g. SAT exams), family emergencies, auditions, or mandatory school events. Every effort should be made to reconcile conflicts with the orchestra schedule. For example, SAT exams should not be scheduled on a concert weekend.

7. A request for a leave of absence (more than two consecutive rehearsals) or for permission to miss a concert must be made in writing to the Artistic Director/Conductor for their approval at least six (6) weeks in advance.

8. A warning by the manager will be given after a student accumulates two unexcused absences/lateness, or has accumulated more than three absences/latenesses (regardless of reason).

9. More than 4 accumulated absences (regardless of reason) or 6 accumulated latenesses (regardless of reason) may be considered grounds for dismissal.

CONCERT DRESS

• MYSP: White on top, black on bottom. Plain, long (ankle-length) black skirt or pants; plain, white blouse/shirt; black dress shoes; black socks.

• MSO/Chamber: All black. Plain, long (ankle-length) black skirt, pants, or dress; plain, black blouse/shirt; black dress shoes; black socks.

MUSIC

1. Music binders must not leave the rehearsal space.

2. Necessary markings and bowings must be made with a pencil. Never use ink or colored pencil!

3. Students are responsible for having a pencil with them for every rehearsal and sectional.

FACILITIES

1. Everyone is expected to assist with rehearsal setup and takedown. This includes instruments, stands, chairs and music. Additional assignments may be made as needed by the faculty or orchestra manager.

2. Students may be asked to assist with loading and unloading for concerts, and with concert site setup and teardown.

REMOVAL FROM PROGRAM (subject to the discretion of the orchestra faculty)

1. Lack of adequate musical preparation or progress.

2. Conduct reflecting unfavorably on the orchestra program. Students are expected to act in a mannerly fashion during the entire rehearsal, which includes break. Running, yelling, acting disrespectful toward others or other’s property is not acceptable. Parents and caregivers may be required to stay at rehearsal with their children if supervision is required.

3. Excessive absences (for any reason) or habitual lateness.

4. Nonfulfillment of financial obligations.

5. Noncompliance with other aspects of the above policies.