SCCYO

The mission of the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra (SCCYO) is to provide an opportunity for young musicians to achieve musical competence by studying and performing quality orchestral literature and performing before audiences

● The goals of the SCCYO are to:

● Encourage individuals to develop their musical abilities

● Provide a variety of performance opportunities

● Cultivate excellence in performance

● Develop greater interest in music and performance among a broad base of area youth

The SCCYO is a not-for-profit organization governed by a board of directors who are charged with formulating and executing policies and procedures.

Board committees include:

• Performance
• Administration
• Fund-Raising

   

  Communications

  Each musical ensemble is assisted by a parent-volunteer coordinator and an assistant coordinator who are responsible for collecting tuition, monitoring attendance and maintaining music for each ensemble. Parent volunteers also handle other tasks for the orchestra such as: concert programs, website management, archives, music library, publicity, fund-raising.

   

The Saint Charles County Youth Orchestra (SCCYO) was founded in 1996 by Suzanne Costanza, Donna Dagget, Marilyn Kruse and Debbie Wagman, all string instrument teachers in St. Charles, to enrich their students’ musical experiences beyond private lessons. Its first rehearsal on April 13 1996, under the direction of David Lowell Peek, was attended by thirty young musicians. Since then the SCCYO has expanded to over one hundred musicians in three ensembles.

Much of the organizations success is due to support by local teachers, parent volunteers, and the efforts of the musicians. The SCCYO thanks Rich Brooks director of the St. Peters Cultural Arts Center for giving us our first rehearsal space. The SCCYO wishes to thank the St. Charles County Community College for allowing us to rehearse at their facilities today.

The SCCYO is supported in part by tuition from each member. Tuition may be paid in full or in 3 payments. There are three payments in a season. The season runs from September to May. Tuition from additional members from the same family is half of the normal tuition. Students performing in more than one group will pay half tuition for the second group. A registration fee of $15.00 will be charged for new members. A application fee will be due at the time of audition. Tuition payments are due every twelve weeks. A tuition notice will be mailed. Tuition fees are subject to change.

Tuition may be mailed to SCCYO P. O. Box 547, St. Peters, MO 63376 or paid to the coordinator at rehearsal. A tuition notice will be mailed. A late fee will be assessed from those who’s tuition is not paid by the due date on the tuition notice. A $15.00 fee will be charged for returned checks. To maintain membership tuition must be paid each session. After two returned checks, cash or money orders only will be accepted. A limited number of need based scholarships are available. Parents may apply for a scholarship for a session or season. The policy of the SCCYO is allow all students to participate regardless of income.

Additional sources of SCCYO funding include grants and donations from interested community supporters, Missouri Arts Council, St. Charles County Arts Council, fundraising efforts by parents and members, and donations collected at concerts. A complete list of supporters is available by request.

The Orchestra’s rehearse every Saturday except Christmas, New year, Easter from September (after labor day) to May. Three concerts Winter, Spring and Summer are held during the season. Other performances may be needed by different groups during the year. A rehearsal calendar with concert dates will be available at the beginning of the season.

The emphasis on this string ensemble is on development of proper posture, bow grip, left hand position, intonation, and cultivating a beautiful tone. The fundamentals of good bow control and distribution will be introduced. Melodic and harmonic sight-reading skills will be developed.

The student who seeks enrollment in this group should have knowledge of first position and a familiarity with letter note names. An audition consisting of playing a prepared solo of the student’s choice, scales and sight-reading a few simple selections is required. The students in this group will perform fine classical and contemporary music arranged for their level. Enrollment is limited and attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. A music folder and music will be provided by the orchestra. If at any time a student no longer wishes to participate, the folder and music must be returned.

• Instruments: Violin, viola, cello, bass
• Rehearsals: Saturday 10:30am-12:00 Living Word Christian High School
• Performances: Three to four per season
• Tuition: $180 per season - $60.00 per payment (3 payments per season)
• Attendance Regular attendance is required.
• Attendance awards will be given to those students who miss four rehearsals or less during a season.

This orchestra is for intermediate level string students and beginning/intermediate wind students. The orchestra explores advanced instruction of musical elements, technique and ensemble performance and focuses on intonation, beautiful tone production, sight-reading, and orchestral discipline. Violinists auditioning for this group should have knowledge of first and third positions and cellists should have knowledge of first and fourth positions.

An audition consisting of a prepared solo of the student’s choice, scales and sight-reading a few selections is required. During the main auditions in August a small selection of excerpts will be required. These will be available in your audition packet. The finest classical and contemporary music written for orchestra and arranged for this level will be performed. Enrollment is limited and attendance at rehearsals and concerts is required. A music folder and music is provided by the orchestra. If at any time a student no longer wishes to participate in the orchestra the music folder and music must be returned.

• String instruments: Violin, viola, cello, bass, harp
• Wind instruments: Flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, french horn Trombone, tuba and percussion
• Rehearsals: Saturday 9:00am-10:30am Living Word Christian High School
• Performances: Three to four per season
• Tuition: $195.00 per season - $65.00 per payment ( 3 payments per season)
• Attendance: Regular attendance is required.
• Attendance awards will be given to those students
• who miss four rehearsals or less during a season.

The Symphony Orchestra seeks motivated students who are able to pursue excellence through self-directed practice and who wish to perform frequently. Rehearsals will stress competence in the musical elements of phrasing, tone color, technique and orchestral discipline. This ensemble will perform standard orchestral literature. The winds will also study wind ensemble repertoire. An audition consisting of a prepared solo of the student’s choice, scales and sight-reading a few selections is required. During the main auditions in August a small selection of excerpts will be required. These will be available in your audition packet.

• String instruments: Violin, viola, cello, bass, harp
• Wind instruments: Flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion
• Rehearsals: Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm Living Word Christian High School
• Performances: Three to four per season
• Tuition $80.00 per session (twelve weeks)
• Attendance: Regular attendance is required.
• Attendance awards will be given to those students who miss four rehearsals or less per during a season.

A brief audition determines proper placement of musicians in the various ensembles. Factors that determine placement are:

• Performance quality
• Musical ability tone quality, intonation, rhythm, technique, posture and leadership qualities past and present.
• Sight reading
• Previous experience
• School grade and age

Audition procedures for each orchestra have been established to promote the stability and excellence of the orchestras and to aid in the growth and development of every musician.

Annual Auditions : Current members must re-audition annually to allow for seating placement and promotion to a different group. These auditions are held in August. New members may audition at this time or throughout the season. An audition packet containing information about dates, times and what is needed to audition will be available at the end of May. After the initial placement, the conductor reserves the right to make seating changes throughout the season. New students may request a packet by calling 636-916-0515 or at the website www.SCCYO.org. Students must audition with the instrument on which they play in their school music program. This policy is waived when no applicable music program exists.

Annual auditions will be judged by an audition panel of two or three music instructors who will complete audition forms for each candidate. Audition and Concerto competition forms are the property of SCCYO and will not be distributed to the students.

Audition Requirements

Primo: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Fundamental knowledge of 1st position. Note reading is required. Proper left and right hand playing postures should be demonstrated. Completion of a Level 1 String Book (such as Suzuki) is expected. The median student in this group can play some 3rd position (violin) and some 4th position (cello). Private lessons are encouraged.

• Excerpts: None required
• Scales: Major C and G (1 or 2 Octaves)
• Solo: Prepared solo of students choice which best demonstrates students ability and skill level
• Sight reading: A few simple tunes with quarter, eighth, and half note rhythms.

Cadenza: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass  (excerpts will only be used during main auditions in August)

• Excerpts: Please prepare the excerpt in your packet
• Scales: Major scales C,G,D,A,E and F (2 Octaves, 3 Octaves if possible)
• Solo: Be prepared to play a solo of your choice that best demonstrates your ability

Cadenza: Woodwind and Brass (excerpts will only be used during main auditions in August)

• Excerpts: Please prepare the excerpt in your package.
• Scales: Be prepared to play two major scales up to three sharps and three flats (1 or 2 octaves where possible ascending and descending)
• Solo: Play a prepared solo of your choice.

Cadenza Percussion

• Solo: Representative solo of your choice on Timpani or Snare
• Sight reading will be required

Symphony: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass (excerpts will only be used during main auditions in August)

• Excerpts: For Violin  prepare the sheet music page in your packet.
• Follow directions carefully 
• Excerpts: For Viola, Cello, Bass prepare the sheet music in your packet
• Scales: 1st Violin Be prepared to play Major or Minor scales through three sharps and flats (3 or 4 octaves)
• Scales: 2nd Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass- Be prepared to play Major or Minor scales through 3 sharps and flats (2 or 3 octaves)
• Solo: Play prepared solo of your choice that best demonstrates your ability
• Sight Reading: A short section of sight reading may be required

Symphony: Woodwind, Brass and Percussion (excerpts will only be used during main auditions in August)

• Excerpts: Please prepare the excerpt in your package.
• Scales: Be prepared to play two major scales up to four sharps and four flats (2 or 3 octaves where possible ascending and descending)
• Solo: Play a prepared solo of your choice.
• Sight reading: A short section of sight reading will be required

Symphony Percussion

• Solo: Representative solo of your choice on Timpani or Snare
• Sight reading will be required

Regular attendance as well as knowing your music is expected at rehearsals and concerts. Your are responsible for checking in at the attendance desk before all rehearsals and concerts. Attendance is recorded by the ensemble coordinator, and exceptional attendance (not more than four absences per season) is recognized.

To ensure fair treatment, the following rules have been established:

• You must notify the orchestra coordinator or call 916-0515 if you will be absent.
• If you miss more than two unexcused rehearsals within a concert period, or if you miss the dress rehearsal, contact your conductor at 916-0515 to determine if you will be able to perform in the concert.

To insure the safety of all our students, the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra would like to install a student drop off and pick up policy.

Please make note of the following:

1. Please do not drop off student earlier than 15mins before rehearsal starts.
2. All students must be picked up within 15mins of the end of their rehearsal time. Conductors or coordinators will not be available to monitor students after that time.
3. If you are picking up a student early from rehearsal please come into to the Fine Arts building and notify the coordinator that the student will be going home with a parent or guardian.
4. All students who leave early must checkout with a coordinator.

• Primo- 10:30am-12:00
• Cadenza 9:00am-10:30am
• Symphony 11:00am-1:00pm

If you have to miss a rehearsal due to a music activity e.g.. school performance or competitions you may receive an excused absence. Please see your coordinator to obtain a form. This form needs to be signed by your music director or teacher and returned to your coordinator.

You are expected to arrive 10mins early for rehearsals in order to check in with the coordinator, warm up, tune instruments, and be ready to play at the appointed rehearsal time. The conductor expects you full attention. Social conversation must be confined to the break period and after rehearsal. You should bring your SCCYO music, a sharpened pencil and any other equipment you may need for the rehearsal.

Membership in the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra is intended to augment the music training you receive from your school. Your are expected to participate in your school instrumental music programs where possible. Should conflicts occur between school and SCCYO performances, your first allegiance is to your school music program (see excused absence).

You are responsible for the music and folder issued to you. If you miss a rehearsal when music is passed out, see you coordinator to obtain the appropriate music.

If your participation in SCCYO ends, you must return all music and folder.

Your are expected to dress appropriately for all concerts so that the orchestra makes a favorable visual impression. The following concert dress applies to all ensembles.

Girls

• Black mid-calf skirt or black dress pants. White long sleeve blouse (tucked in), black hose, black dress shoes.

Boys

• Black dress pants, White tuxedo shirt with black bow tie, black socks and black dress shoes

Outdoor Concerts

• For comfort, dress for outdoor concerts is dark (black or navy) shorts and white “SCCYO logo” T-shirt or polo. Shirts may be ordered from the ensemble coordinators

Your son or daughter has achieved membership in an organization dedicated to musical excellence. The members of the SCCYO learn from each other and count on each other for performances. Regular attendance and home practice are essential for each student’s continued musical development. Your encouragement and determination in helping your child attended rehearsals and learn music is appreciated.

The success of the SCCYO depends on parent involvement. Each member family is urged to donate a minimum of ten volunteer hours each season to help with concerts and fundraising. The Olde Tyme Picnic soda booth fundraiser is held in July and is an opportunity for parents to volunteer. Several committee chairpersons are needed to coordinate volunteers for the event. Parents will be notified about 6 months ahead of the fundraiser to allow enough time to help organize this event. Parents can get involved with SCCYO by donating time to help with the publicity, updating the web page, photographing events and helping with concert programs. If you are interested in any of these positions please call 636-916-0515.

Cash donations are always welcome, and contributions to the SCCYO are matched by many companies. To obtain a copy of the 501(c) (3) tax status verification for the SCCYO, parents or companies may call the SCCYO hotline at 636-916-0515. The SCCYO is also seeking grant money from local companies. If you think your company would be interested please contact the SCCYO at 636-916-0515 with details. All contributors wishing will receive thanks in all publications of the SCCYO.

To help save postage the SCCYO has asked parents for e-mail addresses, important information about concerts, rehearsal changes, reminders about SCCYO vacations and upcoming events will be sent by e-mail. If your e-mail address has changed or if you have not given your address to the SCCYO please do so as soon as possible, call 636-916-0515 or e-mail to website. You can also check the web page for this information. If no email address is given the information will be mailed.

Should you or your child have concerns, questions, complaints, ideas or suggestions, please contact the SCCYO by calling 636-916-0515 or writing to P.O. Box 547, St. Peters, MO 63376. Questions about music that is being rehearsed may addressed to the ensemble conductor.

Occasionally photographs of orchestra members are taken for use in publicity releases about the SCCYO. If you do NOT want your son or daughter’s photograph to appear in magazines, newspapers or other promotional material please send a letter stating such to the President of the Board of Directors of the SCCYO, P. O. Box 547, St. Peters, MO 63376.

All SCCYO members are encouraged to take private lessons in addition to whatever instruction they might receive through their school orchestra or the SCCYO. The SCCYO maintains a listing of area instructors, and conductors will assist parents in locating appropriate private teachers.

The Concerto competition is open to all Cadenza and Symphony members in good standing. The purpose is to showcase exceptional talent within the SCCYO and encourage all members to improve their performance skills.

The competition will be judged in two divisions, junior, ages 10, 11, 12,13 and senior ages 14, 15, 16, 17 and up. Both divisions will use the same judge.

Students will perform from memory one movement of an orchestral concerto which must have written orchestral accompaniment that may be borrowed or purchased by the SCCYO. Your ensemble conductor must approve the concerto to be performed. The movement must be 4-8minutes in length. The audition will be closed. Only student, judge and one or more conductors will be allowed in the audition room.

Information about appropriate selections may be obtained from your ensemble conductor or your private tutor. Your conductor must approve the piece that will be performed and sign the application.

Audition sign ups will begin in May and continue up until two weeks before the competition. A date will be announced when the Orchestra returns after summer break. Winners will be notified by mail. First place winners from the Senior and Junior division will play their concerto’s at the Spring concert.

A $15.00 registration fee will be charged to help cover costs.

First, second and third prizes will be awarded from each division. Cash prizes and plaques will be awarded as follows.

Junior Division

• 1st place $50.00 2nd place
• $30.00 3rd place $20.00

Senior Division

• 1st place $75.00 2nd place
• $50.00 3rd place $ 25.00
• Honorable mention plaque will be awarded at judges discretion.

The prizes will be awarded at the spring concert.

Students who have graduated or are no longer in the SCCYO because they exceed the student age limits of the organization (graduate), are welcome to return to play with the symphony on the following conditions.

A graduate must:

1. Act in accordance with all guidelines and policies of the organization
2. Support the instrumental section by assisting students in a way that is consistent with the conductors approach to musical interpretation, technique and style.
3.  Play at the back of the section.
4. Agree to leave the section for reasons of musical balance or any other reason as requested by the conductor.
5. Support the conductor by acting in a professional and supportive manor.
6. Independently practice the music so as to provide guidance, by way of example, to students during rehearsals.
7. Graduates may not participate in the concerto competition.

A graduate may be excused from the orchestra for any of the following reasons:

1. Criticizing the conductor or other students in an unprofessional manor.
2. Being disruptive at any time.
3. Pursuing personal relationships with any student in the organization.
4. Any reason as agreed upon by the conductor and the organizations board or officers.

The SCCYO is grateful for returning graduates who can help our students improve their musical skills under the guidance of the conductors.