Please be prepared for each rehearsal by arriving with:

• Your instrument (tuned and prepared with all valves and keys in good working order).
• Your own copy of the sheet music for the entire semester.
• Two pencils.

We do not sight-read at LOYO. Please print, practice, and study the recordings of your music ahead of your first rehearsal.

Symphony Orchestra rehearses the entire semester’s repertoire at full tempo at first rehearsal.

Preparatory Orchestra rehearses the entire semester’s repertoire at a working (approximately 80%) tempo at first rehearsal.

Youth Ensembles rehearse the opening (approximately a quarter page) of each piece at a friendly tempo at first rehearsal.

When you arrive, please check in with the front desk. If you do not, you may be marked as absent even if you are at rehearsal.

If you know you will be absent ahead of rehearsal, please fill out an absence form. Unreported absences impact rehearsal planning, and will affect your future promotion and placement. 

A maximum of 3 absences are allowed per semester without impacting future placement.

Principal players are asked to limit their absences to 3 per year. 

Please see the “Balance and Artistic Development” section below for exceptions and allowances.

Attendance at dress rehearsals and performances of your ensemble is mandatory. Missing a concert or dress rehearsal may result in dismissal from LOYO.

Each week you will receive a rehearsal planning e-mail with a specific plan for the following week.

We respect your practice time by assigning reasonable and specific practice material. Please respect the time of your colleagues by being prepared for rehearsal.

During rehearsals, talking is restricted to working conversation between the conductor and principal players.

Conversation, attire, and behavior should be conducive to the productive study of music and be non-disruptive.

Use of phones during rehearsals is prohibited.

All musicians are expected to behave with kindness and respect. Disrespectful or abusive behavior, or use of controlled substances of any kind is not tolerated and may result of suspension or dismissal from the program.

Strings

Our string sections are seated on the principal of unranked seating, giving each section player the opportunity to experience playing in various positions throughout the section. Seating is not random, but places members where directors feel they will grow the most. Section seating does change at the beginning of each semester for Preparatory and Symphony orchestras. 

Principal positions (Preparatory and Symphony Orchestra) are permanent leadership positions held for the entire season.

Winds/Brass/Percussion

Wind, Brass, and Percussion players should read our additional format information below:

At LOYO, promotion is entirely based on merit. Musicians of any age can promote when they demonstrate the necessary technical ability, preparation management, musical maturity, and interpersonal awareness required for each ensemble.

If you are a current LOYO member, please maintain an open dialogue with your directors regarding your progress. We recommend checking in towards the end of the first semester and midway through the second semester to make sure you are on track for your goals.

The factor that is most highly considered in promotion for returning students is the musician’s performance at rehearsals in the previous semester. Students that show they can easily handle their music at the beginning of semester will be first in line for promotion.

New students have the opportunity to audition into ensembles based on their skill level and personal commitment, but are graded on their performance throughout the year going forward. 

Schedule Considerations

Though we focus on high-level training for our young musicians, maintaining a balance between music, sports, and academics is a high priority at LOYO. If you have a concern about attendance or need some flexibility on absences, please talk to our directors. We maintain good relationships with coaches and school directors to help facilitate a balanced schedule.

School Music Program Partnerships

School music program participation is encouraged in most cases but not not required for membership at LOYO.

LOYO works in close partnership with many of the wonderful school music programs in our region. The directors listed on our Distinguished Teachers and Directors List maintain open dialogues with LOYO faculty, allowing us to coordinate busy seasons, concerts, and events.

We are always glad to see LOYO members continue with their school programs representing LOYO as leaders and role models of great musicianship.

Artistic Development

Hearing great music performed by renowned artists is critical to the advancement, maturity, and inspiration of each young artist.

Attending our Artistic Development is a core part of our curriculum. LOYO musicians that attend our Dialogues and CYAS concerts consistently show significantly higher progress than those that do not. Each LOYO musician should attend at least one Dialogues Concert and one CYAS concert each season. Attendance of Artistic Development Concerts does affect advancement and promotion.

Please be prompt in dropping off and picking up your musician, especially after dark. If you are not in your seat ready to play when the orchestra tunes, you are late. If you have not been picked up after tear-down is complete, you may also receive a “late” mark.

In case of an emergency, musicians will be safely gathered in a meeting area and parents will be contacted. Each musician will check out with a conductor or staff member before being leaving.

If you need to withdraw within 30 days of enrollment, LOYO can offer a tuition refund minus a $200 withdrawal fee. After 30 days, we are only able to adjust your tuition to a single semester and return the tuition difference.

Private Lesson Studies

Maintaining the rigorous study of solo repertoire with a private teacher outside of orchestral studies is essential to the artistic development of each young musician.

Youth Strings and Youth Band: Private Lesson Studies are highly encouraged but not required.

Preparatory Orchestra: Private Lesson Studies are not required for entrance, but are required for advancement or promotion.

Symphony Orchestra: Private Lesson Studies are required for all Symphony Orchestra members.

Studying with a master teacher is where the greatest refinement of technique and musicality will occur.

Please see our list of distinguished teachers if you need a recommendation.