MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

• All prospective members must audition, and all current members must re-audition annually. 
• Admission and placement is determined solely on the basis of the annual audition. 
• Should an opening occur during the season, the position will be filled as deemed appropriate by the conductor and LYSO Program Director.

LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Repeated absences, tardiness, problems of attitude or behavior are all grounds for dismissal from the LYSO Program. In such cases, no refund of tuition will be made.
•  The teacher or manager will report all behavior problems to the LYSO Program Director on the day of the infraction. One-report results in a warning; more than one report constitutes grounds for dismissal. 

WITHDRAWAL

• Members of a LYSO Program orchestra are expected to make a FULL YEAR COMMITMENT. 
• If you withdraw during the year, you must give the LYSO Program Director written notification at least four weeks in advance.   
• The tuition deposit is non-refundable. The refunding of remaining tuition is based on date and reason for withdrawal. See the Tuition & Financial Section for details.

PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

• The LYSO Program is committed to the support of the public school music programs and, therefore for the duration of the LYSO season, all students must be enrolled and remain enrolled in LISD or area school bands or orchestras when they exist. 
• Students who are home schooled and do not have a music program are welcome to audition.
• The instrument played in a LYSO orchestra must be played in an official school ensemble. If a student (1) wants to play a different instrument in a LYSO orchestra than the instrument played in the school ensemble OR (2) wants to play in a LYSO orchestra and temporarily cannot schedule the appropriate school ensemble, THEN the student must request and complete a LYSO School Participation Variance Form. The LYSO Program conducting staff will review the request and notify the student of the outcome as soon as possible. 

PRIVATE INSTRUMENT STUDY

Each youth orchestra member is strongly encouraged but not required to study with a private teacher. Some private lesson scholarship financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need ONLY. The amount available varies each year, dependent upon grant monies received. For more information contact the LYSO Program Director.

SEATING POLICIES

Chair auditions for all LYSO strings are held once for each fall and spring concert. Musical ability is the basis of selecting principal players, however, this is a leadership role and players may be removed from this position. Positions may be alternated to add to orchestra training, especially in the woodwind, brass and percussion sections. Just because you are a senior does NOT mean that you are automatically placed in the principal position. 

ANNUAL AWARDS

Awards will be given in all three orchestras at the LYSO Spring Concert each season. Award policies are determined each season by the conducting staff, administrative staff, the Lubbock Symphony Guild, and the Education Committee of the LSO Board of Directors. 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR MUSIC

• Members are entrusted with valuable music and are responsible for its care.  It is your responsibility to bring your music and a pencil with eraser to every rehearsal.  Do not depend on your stand partner to bring music.
• Music is to be marked in pencil only – NEVER USE A PEN TO MARK MUSIC!!  Members will be fined for lost or damaged music.    Questions about music should be directed to one of the LYSO Orchestra Managers, the LYSO Librarian or the LYSO Program Director.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

• String players should always have a second set of strings with them at all rehearsals/concerts.
• Reed players should always have at least two reeds with them at all rehearsals/concerts.
• Percussionists are asked to bring the following mallets to all rehearsals/concerts:
• 1 pair Timpani Mallets
• 1 pair Drum Sticks (concert style)
• 1 pair Yarn Mallets
• 1 pair Hard Plastic Mallets
• 1 Mallet Bag