Expectations + Guidelines
The Memphis Youth Symphony Program celebrates musical development in a fun, inclusive, and collaborative community. Membership in the Memphis Youth Symphony Program offers more than a simple opportunity to make great music. It also provides an education in the important life skills that follow from learning and performing together in harmony to ensure overall success and progress. It is expected that all members exhibit respectful, professional behavior at all times. The following sections are related to this philosophy.
Student Responsibilities
Adhere to the attendance policy stated below.
Arrive early to rehearsals and concerts and remain for the entire time.
Be in your seat no less than 10 minutes prior to every rehearsal and concert.
Be well-prepared for all rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts.
Bring a pencil to all rehearsals.
Take care of your music. Use only a pencil to mark your music.
Turn off phones and other electronic devices in rehearsal and concert settings.
Drinks, snacks, and chewing gum are prohibited during rehearsals.
Be professional, courteous and respectful toward your colleagues and MYSP staff.
Attendance Policy
Membership in an ensemble requires commitment and responsibility. It is the responsibility of each musician to attend all rehearsals, concerts, and events. The MYSP attendance policy is unique to this organization. Attendance guidelines for local school districts and other ensemble programs do not apply to the MYSP.
A total of 4 rehearsal absences, 2 per semester, regardless of reason, are permitted.
Absences are not allowed for dress rehearsals or concerts.
2 late arrivals (tardies) count as one absence
All absences, regardless of reason, require a minimum 48-hour advance notice using the online absence form here. It is not necessary to wait until the week of the rehearsal to submit the notification—in fact, the earlier it is sent, the better.
In case of an emergency absence, please submit an email as soon as possible. In case of unavoidably late notice please also call the organization at 901-295-1495.
Failure to adhere to the attendance policy may result in dismissal from the program and/or not being permitted to perform in concerts. Absences due to emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Chair assignments are completely at the discretion of the conductor; absences and late arrivals may result in chair re-assignments, especially with regard to section leadership positions.
Etiquette
MYSP strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Under no circumstances will any form of bullying be tolerated. Students in the MYSP are encouraged to support one another’s musical and personal growth. Playing in an orchestra or band is a team effort and we are all here to make music, grow as musicians, and have fun while doing so. Bullying may lead to chair demotion or dismissal from the program.
Preparation
Review the rehearsal schedule carefully and have your music well prepared. If able, please bring your music to a private lesson teacher or your school music teacher. Plan to devote at least 30 minutes of practice time each day to MYSP music. Please bring all necessary instrument supplies to each rehearsal and concert such as extra strings, bow, rosin, reeds, valve oil, and mutes.
Concert Attire
Students are expected to dress appropriately for performances. Unless communicated otherwise, concert dress is as follows:
Top: Long-sleeved, solid white or solid black dress shirt. Suit jacket/tux, ties, and bowties are optional.
Bottom: Full-length black dress pants or floor-length black formal skirt. Long sleeve and floor-length solid black dresses are also allowed.
Shoes: Must be black closed-toed dress shoes. No sneakers. Socks must be black.
Note: We do not intend for our dress code to be gender specific or restrictive; the only requirement is that you wear whichever option you feel is most appropriate for you.