Handbook
Fairbanks Youth Orchestras Handbook
The Fairbanks Youth Orchestras operate under the auspices of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Statement of Purpose
To provide an opportunity for students to participate in symphony orchestra activities;
To foster community awareness and support for music and related cultural activities, particularly string and symphonic programs;
To supplement the school music programs and to provide an opportunity for students to play music that is more demanding than that usually performed in school groups; and
To provide training and experience in preparation for possible membership in the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra.
Read descriptions of Orchestras
Eligibility
Musicians up to Senior year of High School are eligible to audition for Fairbanks Youth Orchestras. Placement and seating in ensembles will be decided by the conductors once auditions have occurred.
Auditions/Registration
All musicians must audition once each year. Auditions are in late August or early September at the University of Alaska Music Department. Audition information and scheduling is available in July through the website. Parents and Musicians will be notified of audition results via the email address(s) they provided shortly after audition are complete. Parents and/or Musicians will need to fully register and pay fees once the audition occurs. Students auditioning outside the designated period will need to email the FYO Council to set up and audition.
Fees
Fees are collected upon registration. Credit cards (VISA and MasterCard) are
accepted on the FYO Website and checks are accepted in person. FYO wants to
welcome all musicians and offers a Tuition Fee Assistance program for families in
financial need.
Seating Policy
Seating in all sections of the orchestra will be determined by the conductors. A conductor may move a musician mid-season to help give everyone the best experience possible.
Seating in the String Orchestra is based on the following considerations: Music reading ability, physical comfort (musician’s size), and balance of sound. Overall the objective is to foster a cooperative atmosphere in which every student feels important.
Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra: Seating in all sections of the orchestras will be determined by the conductor, who will base his or her decisions on the musicians’ live auditions.
Moving to the Next Orchestra Level
Please consider the following questions with your musician, his or her private instructor, and the conductor about possibly moving to the next orchestra level:
- Has your musician expressed an interest in moving to a new ensemble?
- Is it apparent that he or she is not being challenged?
- Has the musician’s personal initiative matured such that he/she will be able to assume the increasing responsibilities that come with participation in the more advanced orchestra (i.e., longer rehearsal time, larger sections, and older peer group?)
- Have their music reading and technical skills matured to the level required for the more advanced orchestra?
- Is your musician committed to other activities? Will he or she or be able to devote the time needed for the more advanced orchestra requirements?
We want to encourage all musicians to feel good about the music they play.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals for all ensembles take place on Saturday mornings at the UAF Music Department.
Conductors ask that students arrive at rehearsal at least fifteen minutes early. All musicians are expected to help set up and take down chairs and stands for their ensembles. If a musician needs to leave early, they need to let the conductor know prior to rehearsal starting or at a break time. There will be occasional conflicts with rehearsal locations, so please check the calendar and look for emails from FYO. All FYO musicians receive a folder and music that must be returned at the close of the season. Musicians are expected to practice their parts regularly. Every member should bring mutes to rehearsals if parts require them. Students should carry maintenance materials such as rosin, cork, valve grease and spare parts such as reed or strings, as well as a pencil, to each rehearsal.
CALENDAR
Visit the website calendar and plan for upcoming FYO events.
Attendance
It is very important to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Musicians should notify their conductor about planned absences at the audition. Use the absence link on the website for any unplanned absences. We ask that Musicians miss no more than two rehearsals per semester. Missing more than two rehearsals may start to affect the entire orchestra’s performance and jeopardize the musician’s seating in the orchestra. FYO appreciates that it competes with other activities. We aim to navigate conflicts that are difficult to manage in order to maximize participation.
If a large number of musicians are expected to be absent at one time, a rehearsal may be cancelled.
Member Conduct
Cold Weather Policy
Rehearsal will be canceled if the temperature viewed on the FYO website at 8:00 a.m.
on Saturday is –40 degrees F or lower.
Recitals
FYO hosts one or two formal recitals to showcase student talent. All FYO musicians are encouraged to perform. Both solo and chamber music selections are welcome on the program. Because these recitals must take place in a limited amount of time, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The families of the performers are asked to contribute refreshments to the receptions following recitals if located at the Noel Wein Library. Students will be notified about sign up information for the recital through email. Any appropriate outfit may be worn.
Additional recital opportunities are offered for FYO members through a series of outreach recitals at the care facilities in Fairbanks, usually at Raven’s Landing, Pioneer’s Home and Denali Center. FYO provides a piano accompanist for all outreach recitals. Representatives will be chosen and their contact numbers made available in September.
Parental Involvement
Concerts
FYO presents two annual concerts in the Charles W. Davis Concert Hall. The first concert is in December and the second one is in May. All members of the orchestras must perform in these concerts. Families of FYO members are asked to bring finger food or juice for the reception following the Winter and Spring Concerts.
Youth Symphony Members Only: We perform at the International Friendship Day Celebration in October at Pioneer Park. All members of the Youth Symphony must be available for this annual performance. There will two additional concerts per year (one per semester) with details to be announced as available.
Concert Dress
String Orchestra – “Sunday Best” clothes of any color are appropriate.
Concert Orchestra – Girls should wear white top and black bottoms, black hose or tights and black shoes. Boys should wear a white shirt, black dress pants, black shoes and socks, and a dark tie.
Youth Symphony – Boys wear a black shirt with a black dress suit, shoes and socks. Girls wear all black: mid-calf length or longer skirts or long pants with black hose and shoes. Shirts should be three -quarter length sleeves or longer, no bare midsection. Modesty is the standard.
Fundraising
The Fairbanks Youth Orchestras are partially funded through donations and participation fees. The remainder of funding is earned throughout the year from various fundraising endeavors, such as bake sales at Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra concerts, the Barnes and Noble book fair, and other special performances. We ask that musicians play in groups to provide musical accompaniment for all of these events. Parental assistance is essential and is a great way to volunteer. If you have any ideas for FYO fundraising and are willing to put some time into making them happen, please contact a council member.
Youth Orchestras Council
The council is a board consisting of about 8 parents of musicians. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of all three orchestras. The members are always receptive to ideas and suggestions, and they appreciate help. Their goal is to make FYO an enjoyable and enriching experience.
There are currently vacant positions on the council. All council members are asked to become Authorized Adults. Council meetings are held on the first Monday, approximately 7 times a year. If you are interested in serving on the council, please contact one of the council members.
Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Ponickly
FSO Executive Director
PO Box 82104
Fairbanks, AK. 99708
daniel@fairbankssymphony.org