Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Benjamin Podolski, Music Director Dr. Matthew Inkster, Conductor CONTENTS WSYO Mission Statement General Information 2012-13 Calendar of Events Dr. Matthew Inkster Biography Benjamin Podolski Biography Strings Mentor Biographies Justin Jones, Violin Michelle Stack, Viola Wheeling Symphony Policies & Procedures Membership; Auditions Youth Orchestra School Music Programs/Private Study Artistic Standards 1025 Main Street, Suite 811 Facilities Wheeling, WV 26003 Attendance; Arrival Procedure; Tardiness [email protected] Tuition Point System 304.232.6191 Deportment & Behavior www.wheelingsymphony.com/youth-orchestra Instruments Music Personal Belongings 2012-2013 Handbook Inclement Weather Cancellations Concert Attire WSO Concerts Fundraisers Parent Meetings/Newsletter Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

Mission Statement 2012-2013 Calendar of Events

The educational mission of the Wheeling Symphony Youth September 2, 2012: Music Under the Stars at Oglebay Orchestra carries a two-fold purpose: our primary objective is to 7:30 PM / Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater provide the best possible musical training to members of the September 10, 2012: Mandatory Member & Parent Meeting orchestra with an ancillary objective of developing new audiences 7 PM / Wheeling Park High School for symphonic music among youth. September 28, 2012: Pops 1: Music of the Eagles General Information September 30, 2012: Bluegrass Barbecue Time TBA / Oglebay’s Hess Shelter Since its founding in 1986, the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra (formerly OVations Youth Orchestra) has provided October 19, 2012: Masterworks I: Orli Shaham, piano educational opportunities and high-quality orchestral training for December 4, 2012: WSYO Winter Concert / 7 PM young musicians in the tri-state area. WSYO members hail from West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania November 15, 2012: Masterworks II: Martin Chalifour, violin and are selected through competitive auditions. Currently, players February 14, 2013: Pops 2: Music of Sting & the Police are coached by Music Director Benjamin Podolski, Conductor Dr. Matthew Inkster, violinist Justin Jones, and violist Michelle Stack. March 8, 2013: Masterworks III: Ilana Davidson, The WSYO is governed by the Wheeling Symphony Society soprano Board of Directors and the WSYO Steering Committee. Rehearsals April 23, 2013: WSYO Spring Concert / 7 PM are held weekly from September through April, with two free, public concerts each season. April 26, 2013: Pops 3: Music of Michael Jackson Highlights of past seasons have included a joint concert with the May 17, 2013: Masterworks IV: Stewart Goodyear, piano internationally renowned American Boy Choir and a side-by-side performance with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. WSYO June 21, 2013: Splash Into Summer Cocktail strings players have performed prior to the Wheeling Symphony Party Auxiliary’s Viennese Winter Ball and Patron Party and the OVMC Gala. The WSYO has taken two international tours: to Australia in 1997 and to Europe in 1999. Unless otherwise noted, all WSO concerts are at 8:00 PM at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling. For Masterworks programs, Concert Talk is held in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom at Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra 7:00 PM. Conductor Dr. Matthew Inkster

Matthew Inkster is Associate Professor and Director of Instrumental Activities at West Liberty University and Artistic Co-Director of Winds on the Lake. He conducts the WLU Wind Ensemble and coordinates the brass area. Inkster is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician, having recently conducted honor and select groups in WV, PA, CA, and NY. He has specialized in conducting the music of our time and had led ensembles on several recordings of new music on American and European labels. His performances have been heard on national and regional NPR and worldwide on the BBC.

Inkster is also active as a trumpet soloist, recitalist, and clinician and has performed in 45 states and across Europe. He is Principal Trumpet of the Symphony of the Mountains (TN/VA) and has held similar positions with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (FL) and the Chapman and Redlands Symphony Orchestras (CA). He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards and has competed in some of the most prestigious trumpet competitions in the world: the Prague Spring International Music Competition, the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition, the National Trumpet Competition, and the MTNA National Collegiate Artist Competition.

Dr. Inkster is the WVMEA Research and Grants Chair and has recently served as the Composition Contest Chairman for the International Trumpet Guild. He holds the degrees Doctor of Music (The Florida State University), Master of Music (University of Redlands), and Bachelor of Music Education (University of Wyoming). Dr. Inkster has taught in the public schools of Wyoming, Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra California, and Florida. Music Director Benjamin Podolski

Benjamin Podolski has been a strings instructor for Ohio County Schools for 20 years. He is a graduate of the former Buckeye North High School in Brilliant, OH, and was a member of the Wheeling Youth Symphony.

Mr. Podolski is a cum laude graduate of Youngstown State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master in Music Performance degree. While a student at YSU, he was employed at Hiram College as a part- time instructor in the music department. He also served as assistant concertmaster with the Youngstown Symphony and the Wheeling Symphony. A member of the Caldwell String Quartet, Podolski served as music director and co-conductor of the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra during the 2003-2004 season.

Mr. Podolski was chosen as the winner of the National Federation of High Schools Music Association Music Educator Award at the state level in 2003 and at the regional level in 2004. He also was chosen as Teacher of the Year for Ohio County Schools in 1996-97 and in 2000, was named Outstanding String Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Chapter of ASTA.

Mr. Podolski is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wheeling, WV. He is most proud of being a volunteer at the Belmont County Animal Shelter and serves as vice president for the Belmont County Animal Rescue League. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

WSYO Strings Mentors

Justin Jones (violin) graduated Summa Cum Laude from Youngstown State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. As Director of the Marshall County Strings Program, Justin teaches elementary, middle, and high school strings. He serves as co-chair for the WVMEA All-State Orchestra, vice president of the WV Orchestra Director's Association, and as the co-music and choir director at the Middle Grave Creek Church of God in Moundsville. Additionally, Justin maintains a private studio and has served as music director for the Strand Theatre. In his free time, Justin enjoys traveling.

Michelle Stack (viola) received her Bachelor of Music degree in violin and viola performance from Slippery Rock University and a Masters in viola performance from WVU. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Musical Arts in viola performance from WVU. Michelle currently is a member of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra; she has previously been a member of the Youngstown Symphony (OH), Westmoreland Symphony (PA), and Kingsport Symphony (TN). She works at West Liberty University, where she also serves as an adjunct in the music department. She maintains a private studio in Wheeling and at Wheeling Country Day School. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

Policies & Procedures Artistic Standards Your compliance with the regulations outlined herein is vital to the The WSYO is dedicated to promoting and striving to maintain the professionalism and musical integrity of the Wheeling Symphony highest artistic standards. It is our expectation that all members Youth Orchestra. Failure to comply with these regulations may endeavor to attain their full musical potential. result in immediate dismissal from the orchestra. The musical progress of all members will be evaluated on a Membership continuing basis throughout the season. This will be done by way Membership in the WSYO is by competitive auditions. Renewal of of observation during rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts. membership each season is not automatically guaranteed but is determined by the Music Director and Conductor. Facilities Youth orchestra members will respect the rules, premises, and Auditions property of Wheeling Park High School and any other facility WSYO auditions will be held each August to determine where rehearsals, concerts, or other activities take place. membership in the orchestra. The auditions will be adjudicated by the Music Director and Conductor. Attendance Professional responsibility is critical to musical excellence. Seating auditions will be held once the season has begun. Absences from rehearsals are detrimental to the orchestra’s progress and counterproductive to personal growth, regardless of School Music Programs / Private Study how accomplished one may be. We understand that absence may Our program supports and cooperates with the music education on occasion be unavoidable and have accordingly developed the community. All members of the WSYO are encouraged to following policies: participate in their school music program, if and when they are available. We expect our members to be role models and music 1. All members are expected to attend all scheduled full emissaries in their school ensembles. orchestra rehearsals and performances. 2. Members must notify the Manager of any excused All members of the youth orchestra are expected to study privately. absence one week in advance of the expected absence. If necessary, the WSYO’s artistic staff can offer suggestions for 3. No member will be excused from a dress rehearsal or choosing a private teacher. Suggestions are not necessarily any rehearsal scheduled within seven (7) days of a endorsements. concert. 4. Missing a dress rehearsal or concert is grounds for dismissal. 5. More than two (2) unexcused absences will result in Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra dismissal from the orchestra. Exceptions to these policies will be made only under special circumstances, for which a written request must be submitted to the Manager and subsequently cleared with the Music Director and Conductor.

In case of illness or other unplanned absence, please e-mail [email protected] or call the Manager at 304.281.9529.

Arrival Procedure / Tardiness Policy It is the responsibility of all WSYO members to be aware of all rehearsal and concert dates and times. A calendar of events is included in this handbook and is also available on the WSYO website.

Members should arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to allow time to unpack and warm up so that they are prepared to tune at 7:00 PM. Be prepared for rehearsal, with instrument, music, pencil, and receptive attitude. Members must be present for the entire rehearsal. Late arrival to or early departure from a rehearsal is not acceptable unless excused, as with absences.

Again, exceptions may be made under special circumstances. Should a conflict arise, members should consult the Manager.

Tuition The WSYO does not charge tuition. However, student participation is essential to the success of the ensemble. The following pages outline the tuition point system that will be used to track student involvement. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra *Donate a basket for the Bluegrass Barbecue raffle: points in the dollar value of the basket; please submit documentation to the Tuition Point System Manager. The following rubric is based on a total of 500 points, wherein each point represents $1 of the $500 tuition that would be required to finance the WSYO without outside funding. Most points can be earned by attending WSYO rehearsals, concerts, and fundraisers. The remaining points can be earned by selling tickets to WSYO fundraisers, selling program ads, and soliciting donations and sponsorships. At the end of the season, members who have not reached 500 points will be billed $1 for each unearned point. Additional point-earning opportunities may be posted on the WSYO website throughout the season.

Earning Points Submit Info Form (complete & legible) 10 WSYO Rehearsal & Concert Attendance (per event) 12 WSO Concert Attendance (per event) MUTS/Pops 5 Masterworks (Concert Talk) 10 (5) Bluegrass Barbecue (Sept. 30) Attendance 10 Per Adult Ticket Sold 20 Per Child Ticket Sold 5 Cocktail Party (Per Ticket) 50 Submit End-of-Year Survey (complete & legible) 10

*Solicit program ads/sponsorships/donations: points in the amount of the dollar value of the item solicited. If a member requests a donation and is unsuccessful, he or she may receive ten (10) points by submitting a copy of the solicitation letter and response, if possible. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

Tuition Point System Deportment & Behavior Notes: Youth orchestra members should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times during rehearsals, sectionals, 1. This system is meant in no way to diminish the performances and other youth orchestra functions. This means importance of attending rehearsal. The attendance alert, observant, and courteous attention; enthusiasm for activities; policy defined on pages 10 & 11 of this manual still cooperation; respectful good manners; punctuality and dedication; applies. Each member has up to two (2) unexcused and attention to all directions given by the conductors, coaches, absences. Excessive absence will result in dismissal and orchestra staff. from the ensemble. 2. Members must check in with the Manager when they Failure on the part of any member to behave in an appropriate arrive at rehearsals and concerts. In the event that the manner may result in that member’s dismissal from the WSYO. Manager is absent, a sign-in sheet will be circulated. Behavior which may result in dismissal includes, but is not limited 3. If rehearsal is canceled for any reason, all members will to, the following: receive point credit for that rehearsal. 4. Students who report an excused absence will receive 1. Excessive absenteeism. point credit for the missed rehearsal. 2. Failure to comply with concert dress policy. 5. Winds/Brass/Percussion will receive credit for 3. Failure to comply with instruction of conductors, rehearsals they are not required to attend at the orchestra staff, or staff of rehearsal/performance beginning of each term. Otherwise, the point system facility. will not be altered. 4. Physical violence or threats of physical violence. 6. If a student joins the WSYO midyear, an amended point 5. Acts of vandalism or theft from rehearsal or concert system will be provided. facilities. 7. Students attending WSO concerts must check in with a 6. Repeated acts of disruption during rehearsals, with WSO staff member in order to receive credit. This disruption determined by the conductors. includes junior symphony ushers. (Mrs. Croft & Ms. 7. Verbal, sexual, or any other form of harassment. Chapman are not symphony staff.) A sign-in sheet will 8. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or un-prescribed drugs. be provided. 8. Point tracking will be available on the WSYO website. Use of cell phones is prohibited during rehearsals and may result in the confiscation of such device for the duration of the rehearsal. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

Instruments Concert Attire Members are responsible for their own instruments. Do not leave instruments or bows unattended where they might be accidentally Gentlemen: Black dress pants, long-sleeve white dress shirt, long damaged. Do not leave instruments on your chairs during breaks. tie, black shoes, and black socks. Instruments should be stored in cases during breaks and any other Ladies: Ankle-length black skirt or black slacks, white blouse with time they are not needed. sleeves, black stockings, and black shoes.

All instruments should be insured. Most homeowner policies can Please Note: include a rider to cover instrument insurance. No sneakers or sandals. Ladies’ shoes should be closed heel and toe. Music No low-cut blouses. Each musician is responsible for having his or her music at every Jewelry must be minimal. rehearsal. Markings to music should be made neatly and legibly in No cologne or perfume should be worn. No. 2 pencil only. Please bring pencils and an eraser to every rehearsal. Leave music on your music stand after the last concert. Members who do not comply with concert attire guidelines may not be permitted to perform. Personal Belongings Please do not leave personal belongings or items of value unattended, particularly in public areas or at concerts. The WSYO is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Inclement Weather Cancellation In the event of a weather emergency, the Manager will notify all members via e-mail of cancellations. You may also call the Manager at 304.281.9529. If you prefer to be notified via telephone, please inform the Manager. If Ohio County Schools are closed because of inclement weather, WSYO rehearsal is canceled. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Concerts Parent Meetings Members of the WSYO are strongly encouraged to attend the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s concerts. All regular season Parent meetings will be held on the second Monday of the month, concerts are free of charge for youth orchestra members, and except when otherwise noted. Parents are encouraged to attend accompanying adults receive half-price tickets. For more meetings as often as possible. information or to reserve seats, contact Paul in the WSO Box Office at 304.232.6191. A mandatory beginning-of-year meeting will be held on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM at Wheeling Park High School. A calendar of events is included in this handbook and is also available on the WSO website: www.wheelingsymphony.com. A monthly parent newsletter will be e-mailed in the week following the meeting. Newsletter information should be sent to [email protected]. Fundraisers All WSYO members are expected to participate fully in all scheduled fundraisers. This includes attending events, selling tickets, and donating door prizes (where applicable). See the schedule of events on page 5 of this handbook.

Non-event fundraisers, such as sponsorship and donor solicitation and ad sales, are essential to the financial stability of the WSYO. Information regarding sponsorships, donations, and ad sales will be distributed at the mandatory beginning-of-year meeting and is also available on the website. Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra

WSYO Steering Committee

David Miller, Chair Michelle Stack, Manager Lynn Comerci Matthew Inkster Jason Koegler Donna Niess Denise O’Brien Rebecca Palmer Pat Pockl Ben Podolski Cathy Strasser Bruce Wheeler

The WSYO Steering Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Main Street Bank in Wheeling, WV, at 4 PM.

This handbook has been produced for the reference and convenience of Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra members, parents, and staff. The goal of the policies and procedures outlined herein is to facilitate the operation of an artistically sound orchestra.