BIYO Attendance and Rehearsal Information 2021/22
Members of BIYO are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the orchestra whether as a leader, a section member or a stand partner. No matter your role, every student is critical to the success of the performing group. The conductor and Board understand that emergencies such as illness and family matters do arise. In this event, please email the conductor at [email protected] or [email protected] as soon as possible to provide notification of absence.
Rehearsals will be held at Bainbridge First Baptist Church on Thursdays as follows:
Be prepared for rehearsal. NO ELECTRONICS PERMITTED. Bring a pencil, music stand, mask, bell cover for wind instruments, and your music to all rehearsals. Students are expected to practice their music at home and be as prepared musically as possible, and to follow the rehearsal guidelines that are set forth by the conductor. Respect all members’ desires to participate fully without distraction. The attendance of each individual student is important in order for the whole orchestra to prepare for a successful concert. Concert attendance is mandatory except for emergency situations. The conductor must be notified of any absence .
Break and Rehearsal Parent
A rehearsal parent will be present at each rehearsal to provide two-deep leadership and help oversee proper care of church facilities. Students are welcome to bring water bottles and a snack for break time to be eaten outside.
COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Strategies
The BIYO requires that all adults working with the youth orchestras, including conductors, coaches, and parent volunteers, be fully vaccinated, and highly encourages all eligible students to be vaccinated. In recognition that fit and filtration are critical to effective mask function, at the start of each term we will be issuing a KN95-type mask to each student who does not have their own mask with similar or better fit and filtration. HEPA air purifiers will be stationed in all rehearsal spaces, and doors will be propped to increase indoor ventilation.
Seating and Rotation Policy
A player’s ensemble and seating assignment within BIYO is at the conductor’s judgment and discretion. In September, students audition to be placed in either the Sinfonietta or Senior Orchestra. Initial seating is determined by September auditions. The most musical and technically apt musicians are assigned as principal players. Principal musicians have the added responsibility of functioning as leaders and role models for the members of their respective section. These students may or may not rotate seats throughout the year.
For Winter and Spring concerts, all students (except principal players) will change seats and are rotated between sections and/or within their respective section. BIYO does not emphasize competition between students when it comes to seating. The Music Director advocates learning, growth and personal development over outperforming a peer. Rotating chairs allows students to sit with other students, perform from a different vantage point in the orchestra and encourages teamwork. The Music Director takes the following information into account when rotating students and assigning students to the various sections (such as violin 1, violin 2 and so forth): attitude, personal preparation, active display of interest and improvement, attendance, overall technical ability and general musicianship. In general, seating is a fluid decision that is not easily made by the Music Director. External considerations such as repertory and balancing the overall ensemble can also factor into seating choices.
Concert Dress
Debut and Sinfonietta:
Senior Orchestra:
Members of BIYO are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the orchestra whether as a leader, a section member or a stand partner. No matter your role, every student is critical to the success of the performing group. The conductor and Board understand that emergencies such as illness and family matters do arise. In this event, please email the conductor at [email protected] or [email protected] as soon as possible to provide notification of absence.
Rehearsals will be held at Bainbridge First Baptist Church on Thursdays as follows:
- Debut Orchestra 4-5pm
- Sinfonietta 5:15-6:45pm
- Senior 7pm-8:30pm
Be prepared for rehearsal. NO ELECTRONICS PERMITTED. Bring a pencil, music stand, mask, bell cover for wind instruments, and your music to all rehearsals. Students are expected to practice their music at home and be as prepared musically as possible, and to follow the rehearsal guidelines that are set forth by the conductor. Respect all members’ desires to participate fully without distraction. The attendance of each individual student is important in order for the whole orchestra to prepare for a successful concert. Concert attendance is mandatory except for emergency situations. The conductor must be notified of any absence .
Break and Rehearsal Parent
A rehearsal parent will be present at each rehearsal to provide two-deep leadership and help oversee proper care of church facilities. Students are welcome to bring water bottles and a snack for break time to be eaten outside.
COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Strategies
The BIYO requires that all adults working with the youth orchestras, including conductors, coaches, and parent volunteers, be fully vaccinated, and highly encourages all eligible students to be vaccinated. In recognition that fit and filtration are critical to effective mask function, at the start of each term we will be issuing a KN95-type mask to each student who does not have their own mask with similar or better fit and filtration. HEPA air purifiers will be stationed in all rehearsal spaces, and doors will be propped to increase indoor ventilation.
Seating and Rotation Policy
A player’s ensemble and seating assignment within BIYO is at the conductor’s judgment and discretion. In September, students audition to be placed in either the Sinfonietta or Senior Orchestra. Initial seating is determined by September auditions. The most musical and technically apt musicians are assigned as principal players. Principal musicians have the added responsibility of functioning as leaders and role models for the members of their respective section. These students may or may not rotate seats throughout the year.
For Winter and Spring concerts, all students (except principal players) will change seats and are rotated between sections and/or within their respective section. BIYO does not emphasize competition between students when it comes to seating. The Music Director advocates learning, growth and personal development over outperforming a peer. Rotating chairs allows students to sit with other students, perform from a different vantage point in the orchestra and encourages teamwork. The Music Director takes the following information into account when rotating students and assigning students to the various sections (such as violin 1, violin 2 and so forth): attitude, personal preparation, active display of interest and improvement, attendance, overall technical ability and general musicianship. In general, seating is a fluid decision that is not easily made by the Music Director. External considerations such as repertory and balancing the overall ensemble can also factor into seating choices.
Concert Dress
Debut and Sinfonietta:
- Gentlemen: White shirt and dark pants; dark tie is optional; dark socks; dark shoes.
- Ladies: White blouse & dark pants or skirt, dark stockings, dark shoes.
Senior Orchestra:
- Gentlemen: Black shirt and black pants; dark tie is optional; dark socks; dark shoes
- Ladies: Black blouse and black pants or skirt; dark stockings; dark shoes
