THE HOCHSTEIN YOUTH

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Membership Handbook
2007-2008

Mission Statement

The Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra offers orchestral training to the advanced string, wind, and percussion student through rehearsal and performance of standard orchestral repertoire.

Membership Guidelines

Enrollment

Enrollment is by audition only and is open to students in junior and senior high school. Auditions are held in late spring and, in some circumstances, the fall.

Each HYSO student MUST BE a member of their appropriate school music ensemble (i.e. string students must participate in their school orchestra, wind and percussion students must participate in their school band and /or orchestra). The only exceptions are for students whose school does not have a music program, or in cases of home schooling.

Each student should be studying his or her instrument on a private basis. The Hochstein School of Music & Dance offers a discount on youth orchestra tuition to orchestra members taking private lessons through the music school. Please call the main office (454-4596) for information on available teachers.

Attendance Policy

Because each member is important and vital to the success and growth of the group, it is imperative that students attend every rehearsal. If there is an event that cannot be rescheduled and requires a student to miss a rehearsal, the manager must receive the excuse in writing no later than two weeks prior to that date. Please be aware of all rehearsals and schedule your events and activities around them. If you have an unavoidable conflict, always try to find a compromise between our rehearsal and the other activity (e.g. all day school musical technical rehearsal: attend HYSO rehearsal 9:00–11:30 am, go to musical tech rehearsal 12:30 pm–4:00 pm).

It is mandatory that each member make every effort to make each and every rehearsal throughout the season. An excused absence from rehearsal may be an all-county or area all-state rehearsal, illness, SAT’s, band trip, etc. If a student has more than three absences, the conductor will then contact the student and discuss future obligations. If a student has an illegal absence (anything other than an excused absence) he/she will meet with the conductor and discuss their future with the group.

There are several Sunday rehearsals scheduled this season to help students avoid conflicts with Area All-State and All-County Festivals. It is our hope that these Sunday rehearsals will alleviate some the demands put on Saturday mornings and improve overall rehearsal attendance over the course of the year.

Commitment

Your artistic commitment to the group means that you are prepared for each week’s rehearsal. You need to practice your parts and work on difficult passages with your private teacher during the week. You should call the HYSO hotline beginning 4:00 pm on Monday each week to find out specific pieces/passages to practice for the next rehearsal as well as rehearsal order.

Area All-State and Area All-County Competitions

When being excused for Area All-State and Area All-County Ensemble the student should fill out an excuse form as soon as possible and put it in the HYSO check-in box.  Note: When signing up for NYSSMA solo festival, ask that your teacher signs you up for FRIDAY EVENING OR LATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

Inclement Weather

A youth orchestra rehearsal is canceled due to snowstorms or other inclement weather ONLY if the Hochstein School is closed. You can tune to WHAM-AM (1180) for closing information. You may also call the hotline for updated information.

Communication

We have several ways in which to communicate with students and parents, all of which are important.

Rehearsal check-in table and HYSO mailbox

Check off your name on the attendance sheet and then look for any handouts on the check-in table right outside the entrance of the Performance Hall before every rehearsal. If you have an Absence form or any handouts that need to be returned, just put them in the HYSO mailbox located on the check-in table.

Hotline 454-4596, ext. 39 (available 24 hours a day)

Call the hotline for information and specific rehearsal instructions each week. The hotline is updated each week by 4:00 pm on Monday. Specific pieces and /or sections will be listed so you know exactly what to practice at home. There may be times when a section of the orchestra may be excused early or, because of smaller instrumentation, a section may begin rehearsal at a later time. All this information is provided so you can plan accordingly.

E-Mail

E-mail will be used from time to time to disseminate information in form of an HYSO Newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to e-mail the conductor with questions or problems at nancy_daboss@hotmail.com.

Calling in last minute problems

If you have a problem on Saturday morning (ex. illness, family emergency) please call Mrs. Strelau at home between 6:00 am and 6:45 am. After that time you will need to leave a message on Mrs. Strelau’s Hochstein extension: 454-4596 ext. 30.

For any questions or problems during the week please call Mrs. Strelau at Hochstein at 454-4596 ext. 30 or e-mail at nancy_daboss@hotmail.com.

Hochstein Website and E-mail

Hochstein Music School’s website is updated on a regular basis. The HYSO handbook, recent Parent Newsletters and general information are listed on the HYSO website at:  http://www.hochstein.org/hyso/.  The general website for information pertaining to the Hochstein Music School is at: http://www.hochstein.org/.  From time to time we will also send out information via e-mail. That information will also be on the hotline.

2007-2008 HYSO Concerto Competition

Any member of the 2007-2008 HYSO is eligible to compete to perform a solo with the orchestra during the school year on his/her orchestra instrument or on a secondary instrument (including voice). Two to four soloists are chosen each year and placed on the winter or spring concert.  Students who performed a solo during the 2006-2007 concert season are not eligible this year.

Auditions will be held in the recital hall on Thursday, November 1st beginning at 3:00 pm.  Students will be assigned a 10-minute audition slot and the results will be placed on the HYSO hotline by 8:00 pm that evening.

• A piano accompanist IS REQUIRED.  We find it beneficial to the performer and listener to present the piece in its entirety, allowing for the best possible presentation. An accompanist WILL NOT BE PROVIDED.
• The solo or concerto movement does not have to be memorized.
• Choose your solo or concerto movement considering the difficulty of the orchestral accompaniment. Good literature does not necessarily need to be "flashy," so in choosing your solo with your teacher, select a movement/piece you like playing and that shows off your strengths.
• Your private teacher should make sure that the orchestral parts are readily available and are reasonable to purchase or rent.

Concert Attire

Boys:   Tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black socks, black shoes. We have a special rental/purchase arrangement with Tuxedo Junction, 4 corners of Penfield for all HYSO musicians. You can rent or purchase from any Tuxedo Junction in the following locations:

Your name is already in their database, so call ahead of time, (586-7846), identify yourself as an HYSO member and arrange a time in which to get fitted in August or September. Your rental period runs from October 1, 2007, to June 15, 2008.

Prices:

Girls:  Black blouse and black skirt OR black dress (down to mid-calf or longer) with black shoes. Garments should be loose fitting so that the musician is comfortable and is not restricted in movement.  NOTE: All blouses/dresses must have sleeves. Short sleeves or spaghetti straps are unacceptable.
 

Rehearsal Preparation

Rehearsals begin at 9:00 am.  Orchestra members are to be seated, warmed up and ready to rehearse at 9:00 am which means musicians should arrive in the hall no later than 8:45 am. Percussionists will need to arrive earlier to set up equipment.

Seating Auditions

The function of assigned seating is to create the best balanced and blended ensemble possible, as well as to offer leadership opportunities to various players.

Seating auditions occur in the fall. For returning orchestra members the seating assignment is based on performance, participation from the previous year and the seating audition. Wind players will be rotated on a limited basis.  The conductor reserves the right to rotate seating assignments in all sections.

Scholarships

The Richard A. Ellsworth Principal Viola Chair

A native of Rochester, Richard Ellsworth was a life long musician/artist. He took lessons through Eastman’s CED division and played violin in the East High School Orchestra in the 1940’s. Mr. Ellsworth served in the Navy, trained to be a commercial artist at RIT and as an adult came back to his violin, performing bluegrass music, and began study of the viola in the 1990’s with Betty Brown (Ellsworth). This chair is established in the memory of Richard Ellsworth’s love of music, the viola and aspiring young musicians. This scholarship is awarded to the principal violist of HYSO and covers the entire cost of tuition.

The Don Messina String Instrument Scholarship
in memory of Harry and Louise Messina

Don Messina studied piano and double bass which he played in the East High School Orchestra and the Eastman School’s Conducting Orchestra in the 1950s. He has been a lifelong concert goer and is currently pursuing conducting opportunities. This scholarship is in memory of Don’s immigrant parents who loved music and who sacrificed much to encourage his musical aspirations.

The Don Messina String Instrument Scholarship covers the HYSO tuition for one year and is awarded annually to a student currently enrolled in elementary, middle or high school, and is studying the violin, viola, cello or double bass. The recipient must display strong potential, outstanding musicianship and require financial assistance.  If there is not a student in the orchestra that fits all criteria, then the scholarship will be awarded as a Merit Scholarship with one half of the tuition covered for the school year.

The George A. Pettersen Memorial Scholarship

George A. Pettersen served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, successfully ran his own business, and was passionate about many things in life including music. Mr. Pettersen truly appreciated those around him who devoted their lives to their passions, and it is in his memory that the Pettersen family annually honors four students who emulate his commitment and work ethic.

The George A. Pettersen Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students given the position of concertmaster, principal second violin, principal cello and principal bass. The scholarship covers one half of the annual youth orchestra tuition for each of the recipients.

The Morning Musicale Scholarship

Morning Musicale was founded in Rochester around 1930. It is an organization of approximately sixty women musicians who meet monthly and for chamber music and friendship. The group provides support for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Imogene Barstow Fund at the Eastman School of Music and it is proud to sponsor this scholarship for a student in the HYSO. The Morning Musicale Scholarship is awarded to a returning junior or senior who strives for excellence and exhibits dedication and commitment to the orchestra. It covers one half of the annual youth orchestra tuition.

2007-2008 Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal and Concert Schedule

• Note: There are no rehearsals on the second weekend of either winter or spring vacations.
• All rehearsals/concerts are in the Performance Hall unless otherwise noted.
• Please note that the ending times of rehearsals on Saturdays fluctuate from 11:00 to 11:30am.
• Whenever possible, Sunday rehearsals (2:00–4:30 pm) have been scheduled during All-State and All-County weekends.