DUBUQUE YOUTH ENSEMBLES

2013/2014 SEASON Handbook Dubuque Symphony Youth | Dubuque Youth Philharmonia Dubuque Youth String Ensemble Welcome to the 13/14 season

The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles (DSYE) is the premier orchestral training program for youth in the tri-state area. It is an educational component of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, overseen by the DSO Education Committee. The DSYE’s mission is to supplement and enhance music education in the schools and to promote the highest standards of musical excellence via weekly rehearsals and regularly scheduled public performances.

The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles include three training ensembles:

Dubuque Youth String Ensemble Dubuque Youth Philharmonia Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra

The String Ensemble is an introductory honors ensemble for young string players with at least one year of ensemble experience or equivalent ability. The group performs various levels of string orchestra literature from the standard middle school repertoire.

The Philharmonia is a full-orchestra honors ensemble for string, wind, brass and percussion players. Members generally have several years of ensemble experience and perform individually at a high-school or advanced middle-school level.

The Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra is the DSYE’s premier honors orchestra. Students typically have four or more years of ensemble experience and play individually at a pre-college or college level. Musicians gain experience performing standard classical repertoire in a full orchestra setting.

All Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles are tuition based programs, however, financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis. No student will be denied membership in the ensembles due to inability to pay.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Mission Statement The mission of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is to engage the tri-state community and enrich its quality of life through live musical performances and educational programs.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Educational Goal The education goal of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is to provide meaningful and accessible learning opportunities to the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles.

1 ATTENDANCE POLICY Rehearsals are the heart of the Youth Ensembles experience. Consistent attendance at rehearsals is essential to educational quality, performance quality, ensemble morale, and membership retention. The objective of each rehearsal is to advance our groups’ abilities to understand the repertoire and perform as an ensemble. We make the most progress when all of our musicians are present, committed, and well-prepared.

We understand that many of our students are involved in multiple school music activities and extra- curricular programs and that occasional absences are unavoidable. However, we do ask that parents and students plan ahead by checking their schedules on a regular basis and letting us know of potential conflicts as soon as possible. This will help the Education Director and conductors to plan ahead and adjust the rehearsal schedule accordingly.

Youth Ensembles students are allowed the following absences: • TWO (2) absences from September 8 – November 17 (Concert Cycle 1) • TWO (2) absences from November 24 – March 9 (Concert Cycle 2) • ONE (1) absence from March 30 – May 18 (Concert Cycle 3)

Absence Notification: We ask that students/parents notify the Education Director of expected absences at least two weeks in advance. The Education Director will keep track of expected absences and submit a list to the Conductors no later than one week before rehearsal. For unexpected absences such as illnesses and emergencies, please notify the Education Director as soon as possible.

For all absences, we ask that students/parents complete an Absence Report Form. The forms are available for download from the DSO website: www.dubuquesymphony.org or by request from the Education Director. Forms should be submitted to the Education Director in person at a rehearsal, via e-mail, or dropped off at the DSO office. These forms are recorded and kept in each student’s file.

Exceeding Allowed Absences: Any student exceeding the permitted maximum of absences within a concert cycle will receive a notice from the Education Director that s/he needs to schedule a “part- check” with the ensemble conductor. If absences continue to become excessive and/or the conductor no longer feels that the student will be able to perform at an adequate level, the student may be asked to sit out of the current concert cycle’s performance. No refunds will be issued in this situation.

Promptness: Musicians should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of each rehearsal. During that time, musicians should set up instruments and stands, warm up, and be ready to tune 5 minutes prior to the rehearsal start time. Tardiness is considered a violation of the attendance policy and is recorded in the Education Director’s attendance files. Tardiness or early departure by more than 10 minutes is considered a half absence.

Conflicts with school instrumental programs: School bands and are vital partners in the Youth Ensembles’ success, and we urge our students to give 100 percent to their school programs. We make every effort to notify schools of our scheduled rehearsals and concerts and to avoid conflicts with District and All-State Festivals. In many cases, conflicts are unavoidable and absences due to school concerts and other events are expected. However, school music absences are still counted as part of the total allowable absences in a concert cycle. If a student accrues more than two absences in a cycle, either due to school music conflicts or otherwise, s/he will receive a notice from the Education Director that s/he needs to schedule a “part-check” with the ensemble conductor. 2 Dress Rehearsals and Concerts: Attendance at every dress rehearsal and concert is mandatory. If you anticipate missing a dress rehearsal or concert, you must request a release from the Education Director and your conductor, personally and in writing (e-mail), as soon as you know about the conflict, and at least one month in advance. Missing a dress rehearsal may result in not being permitted to perform in the concert. Missing a concert may affect your chair placement in subsequent concerts.

Auditions Membership in the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles is open to all qualified musicians through an audition process. Joint auditions for the Dubuque Youth String Ensemble , Dubuque Youth Philharmonia, and the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra are held in the spring of each year. Additional auditions may be held at the discretion of the Education Director and the conductors of the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles.

Audition announcements will be provided to all current members, instrumental music teachers in the public and private middle, junior high, and senior high schools within a 50 mile radius of the Dubuque area, and in the print media.

All current members of the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles are required to audition each season for membership in the Youth Ensembles. Current membership does not guarantee a permanent position or seating assignment for any player. All positions and membership are open each year. All musicians auditioning, whether current or not, shall have an equal opportunity to attain seating in the ensembles.

These auditions assist the Conductors in determining ensemble placement and chair placement. Further, the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles auditions are a good experience for any young musician. Acceptance into and seating in the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles is based solely on the quality of the audition performed.

At the time of audition, musicians should indicate which ensemble(s) they are auditioning for. All musicians are asked to perform the scales and excerpts chosen by the ensemble conductors and posted on the DSO website: www.DubuqueSymphony.org. Memorization and accompaniment are not required or expected. Auditions are judged on the following criteria: level of technical proficiency, tone quality, accuracy in reading, strength of tone, rhythmic sense, and intonation. Auditions may be audio- recorded to aid the conductors in deciding seating placement within the ensembles. All musicians will be notified of the audition results within three weeks following the close of auditions.

Players will be either: a.) accepted b.) placed on an alternate acceptance list c.) not accepted

3 Complimentary Tickets Seeing a professional orchestra in concert is of great value to young musicians. Therefore, Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles students are encouraged to attend as many local performances as they can. Each member is entitled to one free ticket for each set of Dubuque Symphony Orchestra classics concerts, based on availability.

Youth Ensembles musicians may request complimentary tickets for performances at Five Flags Theater at the Five Flags Center box office throughout the season (open Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm), at the Five Flags Theater entrance one hour prior to each performance, and through the DSO office. Complimentary tickets for DSO performances at the University of Dubuque may only be requested through the DSO office.

If a student’s parents have season tickets and their student would like to sit with them, we ask that you call the DSO office at (563) 557-1677 to make those arrangements. Friends, who are not members of the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles, may purchase $6.00 Student Rush Tickets at the Five Flags Theater or UD Heritage Center one hour prior to each performance.

Concert Dress Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra

Male: Black suit, white dress shirt, black shoes, black socks, black bow tie.

Female: Long black skirt (at least calf length) or black dress pants, black long-sleeve blouse, black socks or hose, black shoes.

Dubuque Youth String Ensemble & Dubuque Youth Philharmonia

Male: Black dress pants, white long-sleeve dress shirt, black socks, black shoes.

Female: Long black skirt (at least calf length) or black dress pants, white long-sleeve blouse, black socks or hose, black shoes.

Seeing a professional orchestra in concert is of great value to young musicians. Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensemble students are encouraged to attend as many local performances as they can. Each member is entitled to one free ticket for each set of Dubuque Symphony Orchestra classics concerts, based on availability.

4 Fundraising The Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra provides a coat check service during most Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Classics concerts and the Holiday Pops concerts. Musicians and parents who help with the coat check will receive free tickets for themselves to the concert at which they work, depending upon availability of tickets. However, we may ask that a parent stay in the lobby during the concert to watch over the coats if DSO staff are otherwise occupied.

Other fundraising endeavors or ideas may be discussed throughout the year to help pay for Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensemble expenses.

Volunteering Parents and students may be asked to volunteer for Youth Ensembles support roles throughout the year. These volunteer opportunities include help with cataloguing new music purchases, setting up and tearing down rehearsal and performance spaces, performing security and/or administrative func- tions, and other tasks as assigned.

Music Each Youth Ensemble member will be assigned a folder of music. Every musician is responsible for his/ her own folder and the music issued. Any lost, stolen, or damaged music will be charged to the student. The cost for replacing a lost folder of music is $15.00, along with any necessary shipping charges.

Folders should be brought to every rehearsal and concert, even if a particular folder is not being used. The Education Director will not bring extra folders or music to rehearsals. If a musician forgets their folder or music, he or she will spend the rehearsal without.

Music may be passed out or collected at any time. If a musician is absent from a rehearsal in which music is distributed, it is the responsibility of the musician to contact the Education Director. The musician must make arrangements with the Education Director to obtain the music prior to the next rehearsal.

Furthermore, when it is requested that music be turned in, it must be done in a timely manner. Music folders are typically turned it immediately following a concert performance.

School Music Programs It is the philosophy of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra that ensembles under its sponsorship are intended to augment and support school music programs, not replace them. Therefore, members in all ensembles are fully expected to participate in their school music programs. Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra members should be enrolled in their school band and/or orchestra; Dubuque Youth String Ensemble and Philharmonia members should be enrolled in their school string program and/or orchestra.

In the event of a schedule conflict, the students and their parents should make every effort to resolve the conflict. A part-time, weekly rehearsal can in no way substitute for the daily performing experience students receive in school. Rehearsals

expectations Musicians may occasionally be asked to help set up for rehearsal under the direction of the Education Programs Director. Musicians are also expected to help tear down after each rehearsal is finished. Percussion players are expected to set up, tear down, and put away the percussion instruments, as this is a necessary part of being a percussionist.

Musicians should be in their chairs at least five minutes before each rehearsal, warmed up and ready to play. Any announcements for musicians will be made at the beginning of each rehearsal.

Musicians are responsible for learning the music to the best of their abilities and should confer with their private teachers or coaches whenever necessary.

The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles are fortunate to be able to use facilities at our local universities, schools, churches, and performance venues for rehearsals and concerts. We expect Youth Ensembles musicians to use these buildings properly and to remain in the assigned areas, displaying appropriate, mature behavior at all times. Vandalism or malicious mischief will result in immediate dismissal from the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles program.

cancellations If a rehearsal or concert must be cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons, an e-mail will be sent to all musicians and parents no later than two hours prior to the start of rehearsal. The cancellation will also be posted on Facebook. Additionally, if a parent or musician has any doubts about the weather and the cancellation of rehearsal, they are urged to call or e-mail one or more of the following:

Jennifer Klinkhammer – DSO Education Programs Director: (563) 513-5742 (cell) [email protected]

Thomas Taylor Dickey – Youth Orchestra Conductor [email protected]

Ann Duchow – String Ensemble and Philharmonia Conductor: [email protected]

Deb Sandry – DSO Executive Director: (563) 557-1677 (office) [email protected]

6 What to bring to rehearsals: 1. Instrument in proper playing condition 2. All necessary accessories (strings, reeds, swabs, oil, mutes, etc.) 3. Pencil for marking music, no pens 4. Kit for repairs if necessary 5. Music folder 6. Music stands as needed

What is expected of musicians at rehearsals? 1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsals, tune, get organized 2. Listen for announcements and attendance taking 3. No talking or gum-chewing during rehearsals or concerts 4. Remain in your seat during rehearsal, use the restroom during scheduled breaks 5. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices during rehearsal 6. Be prepared for sectional part-checks

Preparation Musicians are expected to practice music between rehearsals to make rehearsals enjoyable and productive for all. When possible, musicians are encouraged to take private music lessons and/or participate in school music programs.

Musicians should be in their chairs at least five minutes before each rehearsal, warmed up and ready to play. Any announcements for musicians will be made at the beginning of each rehearsal.

If a rehearsal or concert must be cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons, an e-mail will be sent to all musicians and parents no later than two hours prior to the start of rehearsal.

7 Youth Ensembles Webpage The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles have a webpage on the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra website. To access the webpage, visit www.DubuqueSymphony.org and select the “Education and Community” tab. We also have an active group account on Facebook.

Please check these pages regularly for pertinent updates regarding the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles throughout the season. Useful information, such as rehearsal or concert cancellations, staff contacts, the season schedule, and a copy of the handbook will be available on the webpage.

Tuition Tuition for the 2013-2014 Season is $250.00 for participation in the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra, $205.00 for participation in the Dubuque Youth Philharmonia, and $185.00 for participation in the Dubuque Youth String Ensemble.

Tuition Discounts When there are two or more students participating in the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles per family, the first and oldest student pays full tuition, and each additional student will receive a 20% discount on tuition.

Tuition Deadline Tuition is due by the date of the first rehearsal:Sunday, September 8th for Philharmonia and Youth Orchestra members, and Sunday, September 15th for String Ensemble members. Students joining an ensemble mid-season will be billed on a prorated basis due one month from joining the ensemble.

Tuition Assistance No qualified musician will be denied membership due to inability to pay. However, anyone not able to pay must submit a tuition assistance form to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra office no later than Friday, September 6th. Forms are available online at www.DubuqueSymphony.org and by request from the Education Director. Financial need is determined on an individual basis and/or by the Federal School Lunch Program Guidelines. Parents/guardians will be asked to provide evidence of eligibility for the Federal School Lunch Program and/or provide a letter of financial need. Each request for tuition assistance will be determined on its own merits. Failure to make financial arrangements by the tuition deadline may result in the musicians’ dismissal from the ensemble.

Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra Artistic Scholarships Up to two $100 tuition-reduced scholarships are available annually to exceptional performers. Selection is based on the following criteria: 1. Student has completed one full year as a musician in the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra 2. Student has demonstrated leadership in the ensemble 3. Student has completed an audition and has been accepted into the Youth Orchestra 4. Adjudicators of audition will determine the recipients 5. The Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra Artistic Scholarship is not renewable, it is awarded annually by audition

8 Dubuque symphony Orchestra

2013/2014 concerts classics pops Opening Weekend: October 5 & 6, 2013 Voices from the Warehouse District IX: Higdon, Fanfare Ritmico Opening Reception on September 7, 2013 Gershwin, in F 10th and Jackson, Dubuque Thomas Pandolfi, piano Opening Night of the Voices gallery, Copland, Appalachian Spring featuring a performance by Dubuque Gershwin, An American in Paris Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Heaven and Earth: November 9 & 10, 2013 Holiday Pops Family Concert Bach, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach, For Thee O Lord I Long December 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm Brahms, How Lovely Is They Dwelling Place A wonderful Holiday experience for the Brahms, Song of Destiny whole family, this 2nd Annual Holiday Pops Dubuque Chorale Family Concert features the full symphony Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale” orchestra, members of the Heartland Ballet, and a special visit from Santa. Dance and Romance: February 15 & 15, 2014 Mendelssohn, Wedding March Holiday Pops Celebration Cimarosa, Overture to the Secret Marriage December 7, 2013 at 7:30 pm Elgar, Salut d’amour (Love’s Greeting) Vaughn Williams, Concerto December 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm Jim Langenberg, tuba This annual Christmas concert features Schubert, Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished” the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, the Faure, Pavane Dubuque Chorale, members of Dubuque’s Mascagni, Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana Heartland Ballet and guest soprano Sarah Albeniz/Arnold, Tango in D Ellis. This selection of traditional and familiar Christmas songs will rekindle fond Mozart and Beethoven: March 15 & 16, 2014 memories and make you smile! Mozart, Overture to Cosi Fan Tutte Mozart, Symphony No. 36 “Linz” Summer Melodies Free Concert Beethoven, in D Major June 29, 2014 at 6:30 pm Miriam Fried, violin The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra offers a complimentary performance at the Season Finale: April 12 & 13, 2014 Dubuque Arboretum as part of their Music Shostakovich, Festive Overture in the Gardens concert series. The program Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 3 is a mix of light classics, movie music, and Jon Nakamatsu, piano popular songs the whole family will enjoy. Mussorgsky/Ravel, Pictures at an Exhibition All ages welcome!

9 Rehearsal Times: Sunday Nights Dubuque sYMPHONY youth ensembles String Ensemble: 6:00 – 7:00 (1hr) Philharmonia: 7:05 – 8:30 (1hr 25min) rehearsal/Concert Schedule Youth Orchestra: 6:00 – 8:30 (2hr 30min) As of August 1, 2013

Fall Semester Spring Semester

August 27: Fall Auditions (DSHS) Jan 5: All Ensembles (DSHS)

Sept 1: No Rehearsal/Labor Day Weekend Jan 12: All Ensembles (DSHS)

Sept 8: DSYO & Phil Orientation & 1st Rehearsal (DSHS) Jan 19: All Ensembles (DSHS) 6:00 – 6:30 Orientation (No DSYE) 6:45 – 8:00 Phil Jan 26: All Ensembles (Location TBA) 6:45 – 8:30 DSYO Feb 2: All Ensembles (DSHS) Sept 15: All Ensembles & DSYE Orientation (DSHS) 6:00 – 6:15 DSYE Orientation Feb 9: All Ensembles (DSHS) 6:20 – 7:00 DSYE 1st Rehearsal 6:00 – 8:30 DSYO Feb 16: All Ensembles (DSHS) 7:05 – 8:30 Phil Feb 23: All Ensembles (DSHS) Sept 22: All Ensembles (DSHS) Mar 2: All Ensembles (DSHS) Sept 29: All Ensembles (DSHS) Mar 9: Winter Concert at Grand Opera House Oct 6: All Ensembles (DSHS) Warm-ups DSYO 4:00 – 5:00 Phil 5:10 – 5:50 Oct 13: All Ensembles (DSHS) DYSE 6:00 – 6:30 House Opens 6:30, Concert 7:00 Oct 20: All Ensembles (DSHS) Mar 16: No rehearsal (Spring Break) Oct 27: All Ensembles (DSHS) Mar 23: No rehearsal (Spring Break) Nov 3: All Ensembles (DSHS) Mar 30: All Ensembles (DSHS) Nov 10: All Ensembles (DSHS) April 6: All Ensembles (DSHS) Nov 17: Fall Concert at UD Heritage Center Warm-ups DSYO 4:00 – 5:00 April 13: All Ensembles (DSHS) Phil 5:10 – 5:50 DYSE 6:00 – 6:30 April 20: No Rehearsal (Easter Break) House Opens 6:30, Concert 7:00 April 27: All Ensembles (DSHS) Nov 24: All Ensembles (DSHS) May 4: All Ensembles (DSHS) Dec. 1: No rehearsal (Thanksgiving Break) May 11: All Ensembles (DSHS) Dec. 8: No Rehearsal (Winter Break) May 18: DubuqueFest Performance Dec. 15: No Rehearsal (Winter Break) Warm-up and performance times TBA.

Dec. 22: No Rehearsal (Winter Break) Date/Location TBA: End of Year Party!

Dec. 29: No Rehearsal (Winter Break) 9 10 CONTACT US

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra 2728 Asbury Road Phone: (563) 557-1677; (866) 803-9280 (toll free) Suite 900 Fax: (563) 557-9841 Dubuque, IA 52001 www.dubuquesymphony.org

Thomas Taylor Dickey Conductor – Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra Cell: (618) 304-2817 [email protected]

Ann Duchow Conductor – Dubuque Youth String Ensemble Cell: (563) 580-0426 & Dubuque Youth Philharmonia [email protected]

Jennifer Klinkhammer Education Programs Director Cell: (563) 513-5742 [email protected]

Deb Sandry Executive Director - Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Cell: (563) 275-9643 [email protected]

REHEARSAL & CONCERT LOCATIONS Dubuque Senior High School Heritage Center, University of Dubuque 1800 Clarke Dr. 2255 Bennett Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Dubuque, IA 52001 Ph: (563) 552-5500 Ph: (563)-585-7469

Five Flags Theater Westminster Presbyterian Church 405 Main Street 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 Dubuque, IA 52001 Ph: (563) 583-1729 Ph: (563) 589-4254 www.fiveflagstheater.com

Grand Opera House 135 W 8th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Ph: (563) 588-4356

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