CYSO- Student Handbook & Policies

Policy PDF's
Click here for a printable Word doc of the CYSO Handbook.

School Orchestra Participation
CYSO participants must show proof of participation in their school orchestra programs.
Click here for a pdf of the school participation form.

MISSION
The Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestras Association is a membership-based, nonprofit, nondiscriminatory organization that brings together Colorado youth of all ages to participate in an affordable, educational, professionally directed program which provides orchestral ensembles appropriate to student age and skill levels in order to foster their musical understanding, social growth, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of music. The CYSO program supports and enhances existing school music programs while expanding student, parent and audience appreciation of the finest classical and contemporary orchestral literature.

GOALS
• To develop musical skills and literacy while learning a sense of ensemble.
• To emphasize social and emotional growth appropriate to the students' age levels by focusing on group cooperation rather than individual competition.
• To include youth of all ability levels and varied social and economic backgrounds from the Denver metropolitan area.
• To support and enhance school instrumental music programs by requiring CYSO members' participation in such programs where they exist.
• To advocate the creation of instrumental music programs where they do not exist.
• To bring to CYSO participants an understanding and appreciation of fine orchestral literature consistent with the age and skill levels of the different ensembles.

HISTORY
CYSO was established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization providing an orchestral experience for school-age musicians. Two orchestras began rehearsing in September of 1984. The University of Denver (DU) gave CYSO a $10,000 grant to help start the programs and contributed rehearsal and performance space. CYSO's concerts were held at DU’s Lamont School of Music from 1984-1994 and from 1998 to the present.

ORCHESTRAS
CYSO is open to youths from age 7 to 21 (at beginning of season) and has three ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Sinfonia. Orchestra Placement in each orchestra is based entirely on skill level and not by age.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The CYSO organization is based on the fundamental principle that musical excellence and professional responsibility are equally important for the success of the orchestra. The symphony orchestra functions as a unit. Every effort must be made by everyone to be present and on time for each rehearsal. Absences from rehearsals both hinder the orchestra's progress and are counterproductive to your personal musical and professional development. Taking on the responsibility of being present, on time and prepared for rehearsal translates to a more productive academic experience at school and college and equips our students for success in their future careers. For this reason the following attendance policy will apply. A maximum of 2 absences (excused or unexcused) will be allowed during any concert period.

Important note: CYSO realizes the importance of college visit trips for juniors and seniors. However, every possible effort should be made by the family to arrange these trips in such a way that musicians are back for Monday’s rehearsal.

PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING AN ABSENCE
Contact the CYSO office via e-mail or telephone to let us know that you will be absent from the rehearsal as early as possible. The number to the office is 303.871.6365 and the e-mail address is cysomichelle@yahoo.com.

TARDINESS
CYSO believes it is a matter of professional responsibility to arrive on time for all rehearsals. Arriving late is inconsiderate to your colleagues and will not be tolerated. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to each rehearsal. You should be in your seat and ready to play 5 minutes before the beginning of rehearsal. A late arrival will be considered the same as an absence. More than two tardy arrivals to rehearsal and you will not be allowed to play on the following concert.Facilities

The Orchestra is responsible for seeing that rehearsal and performance facilities are left in good condition: tidy and undamaged. Food and drink are not to be brought into halls, packaging materials or other debris are not to be left in the vicinity of rehearsal rooms or performance facilities. Respect for these premises will help ensure their availability to the Orchestra in the future. CYSO WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY SORT OF VANDALISM TO ANY OF THE FACILITIES AT THE NEWMAN CENTER OR ANY OTHER VENUE IN WHICH WE MAY BE PERFORMING. ANYONE CAUGHT DOING SO WILL BE IMMEDIATELY EXPELLED FROM THE ORCHESTRA WITHOUT BENEFIT OF TUITION REFUND.
Every musician must demonstrate good conduct and respect for others at CYSO functions. The Executive Director, the Music Director and any of the conductors or assistant conductors of any of the ensembles reserve the right to take action if a member acts in a way unbecoming to CYSO, and may refer any problem to the Board of Directors.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS
The Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestras is able to maintain operations with only a small administrative staff. This is possible because volunteers accomplish many of our vital tasks. Each CYSO parent is required to volunteer in one or more of the areas below so that we can continue to provide our children with this valuable musical experience.

• Auditions: This activity takes place in late April/early May, mid-August and move-up auditions in mid-November. Teams of two people work together, dividing up the jobs of checking in the musicians, showing them to practice rooms, and taking them in for their auditions. It’s a slow paced, relaxing job.
• Bulk Mailing: Occasionally there will be bulk mailings for fundraising purposes. You may be called on to help with these very important mailings. We will try this year to have these mailings take place during rehearsals for your convenience.
• Concert Hospitality: This job involves bringing and serving snacks at receptions following our concerts. This activity takes place after the concert, and involves some setting up before the concert and cleaning up afterwards. Please see the Volunteer Survey for more information.
• Concert Operations: This job includes ushering and program distribution at concerts, and backstage assistance, etc. You will need to arrive at least 45 minutes before the concert begins and to work for about 15 minutes into the concert.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNDRAISING
Tuition Rates for CYSO are as follows:

ORCHESTRA
Symphony	$450
Sinfonia/Philharmonia	$425

In addition, as members of the CYSO Association, you are expected to participate in all fundraising events. A Parent Council will be established for input regarding the types of fundraising activities that may be successful for CYSO. If you are interested in serving on this council, please let the Executive Director know (cysomichelle@yahoo.com 303.871.6365). We appreciate your participation.

PARKING
There is no free parking for CYSO participants or parents this year. Budget restraints have required that we discontinue our free parking in the Newman Center Garage on Monday nights. You must pay at the parking meter in the visitor level of the garage. Bring change (accepts $1, $5 and $10 bills). The rate is $1 per hour in the garage. Paid event parking in the garage will be handled by DU on concert dates. There is limited parking on the streets surrounding the Newman Center. Please plan accordingly and arrive early so you will not be late for rehearsal. The drop off location is in front of the Newman Center on Iliff Avenue. Please do not drop off children on the opposite side of the street. It is much safer for them to be dropped off on the drop off zone right in front of the building.

Updated 08/06