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Read descriptions of Orchestras
Musicians through grade 12 or who have graduated from grade 12 and are under 19 are eligible to audition for Fairbanks Youth Orchestras. Placement and seating in ensembles are decided exclusively by the conductors.
All musicians must audition once each year. Auditions are in late August or early September at the University of Alaska Music Department. Audition information is available in August through the Fairbanks Symphony Association Office, 474-5733/5852, the website, or an FYO council member. Musicians are notified with the results of their auditions as soon as possible. Limited auditions are available in January for new players. Students who audition after the designated period may be seated in the back of their sections.
Seating in all sections of the orchestra will be determined by the conductors. The conductor may change the seating arrangement at any time and all decisions of the conductors regarding seating are final.
Seating in the String Orchestra is based on the following considerations: Music reading ability, physical comfort (musician’s size), and balance of sound. Overall the objective is to foster a cooperative atmosphere in which every student feels important.
Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra: Seating in all sections of the orchestras will be determined by the conductor, who will base his or her decisions on the musicians’ live auditions.
Please consider the following questions with your musician, his or her private instructor, and the conductor about possibly moving to the next orchestra level:
Requests to move during the orchestra year will rarely be considered; however, it is at the discretion of the conductors.
Rehearsals for all ensembles take place on Saturday mornings.
Conductors ask that students arrive at rehearsal at least fifteen minutes early. All musicians are expected to help set up and takedown chairs and stands for their ensembles. If a musician needs to leave early, they need to let the conductor know prior to rehearsal starting or at break time. All groups have a break time with snacks provided by FYO. There will be occasional conflicts with rehearsal locations, so please ask your musician for current information and check your email. All FYO musicians receive a folder and music that must be returned in good condition at the close of the season. Musicians who do not return their folders and music will be charged a $30 replacement fee. Musicians are expected to practice their parts regularly. Every member should bring mutes to rehearsals if parts require them. Students should carry maintenance materials such as rosin, cork, valve grease, and spare parts such as reeds or strings at all times. Bring a pencil to each rehearsal.
Rehearsal will be cancelled if the temperature given at the FYO website at 8:00 a.m. on Sat. is –40 degrees F or lower.
Regular fees for the year are $120 (additional children $110) if it is paid at the time of the audition. Fees for auditions after September 30th are $150 for the year and $140 for any additional children. Cash, check and credit cards (VISA and MasterCard) are accepted. Fees not paid by the fourth rehearsal will require a meeting with the financial officer of FYO. Please let us know quickly if you need a payment plan.
- The Sigrid Weller FYO Fee-Assistance Program covers orchestra participation fees to encourage players to join FYO who otherwise might not be able to for financial reasons. Applications are available at the time of the auditions. Parents should pay part of the fee and the grant may cover the balance.
- Private Lessons Grants are offered for musicians in need to help cover the cost of private lessons. Applicants who are chosen to receive a grant are given a set amount of money to use for private lessons only. Applications are available in the spring.
- The FYO Scholarship for Graduating Seniors is a one-time scholarship designed to honor college bound individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the FYO program. A committee will measure the applicant’s commitment by evaluating their participation in FYO programs, time and energy devoted to operation of rehearsals, concert productions, and dedication to service and fundraising activities of FYO. The application can be found on the FYO website.
FYO hosts one or two formal recitals to showcase student talent. All FYO musicians are encouraged to perform. Both solo and chamber music selections are welcome on the program. Because these recitals must take place in a limited amount of time, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The families of the performers are asked to contribute refreshments to the receptions following recitals if located at the Noel Wein Library. Students will be notified about sign up information for the recital through email. Any appropriate outfit may be worn Additional recital opportunities are offered for FYO members through a series of outreach recitals at the care facilities in Fairbanks, usually at the Pioneer’s Home and Denali Center. FYO provides a piano accompanist for all outreach recitals. For more information or to sign up for a recital, contact the YS student representatives. Representative will be chosen and their contact numbers made available in September.
It is very important to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Musicians should notify their conductor about absences as far in advance as possible. Contact information can be found in the back of the handbook. Musicians are allowed two excused absences per semester. Missing more than two rehearsals may jeopardize the musician’s seating in the orchestra. If a large number of players expect to be absent at one time, the rehearsal may be cancelled. If a musician goes over the allowed absences, a meeting may be scheduled with the musician, his or her parents, the conductor, and the FYO Executive Board to discuss the situation.
Orchestra members should keep in mind that they are guests at UAF or at any other facility used and need to respect the facilities. Safety and appropriate conduct are expected from all members. Playing in an excellent orchestra demands dedication and enthusiasm from everyone. Students must show respect for their conductors at all times. Cooperation is key to success, and courtesy, respect, and consideration for others are essential.
Parental help is needed for Saturday morning rehearsals, concert receptions and fundraisers. You will receive FYO news via email. Announcements are often made at rehearsals, so check with your child each week. Parents are welcome to attend rehearsals.
FYO presents two annual concerts in the Charles W. Davis Concert Hall. The first concert is in December and the second one is in May. All members of the orchestras must perform in these concerts. Families of FYO members are asked to bring finger food or juice for the reception following the Winter and Spring Concerts.
Youth Symphony Members Only—A third concert is in mid- October for the International Friendship Day Celebration at Pioneer Park. All members of the Youth Symphony must be available for this annual performance.
Concert Dress
String Orchestra - “Sunday Best” clothes of any color are appropriate.
Concert Orchestra - Girls should wear black or black and white, black hose or tights and black shoes. Boys should wear a white shirt, black dress pants, black shoes and socks, and a dark tie.
Youth Symphony - Boys wear a white shirt with a black dress suit, shoes and socks. Girls wear mid-calf length or longer skirts or long pants with black hose and shoes. Shirts should be three -quarter length sleeves or longer, no bare midsection. Modesty is the standard.
Please familiarize yourself with UAF parking policies so that you are not surprised by a parking ticket. For more information, visit the website at www.uaf.edu/fs/parking or call UAF Parking Services at 474-7275.
The youth orchestras are funded through donations and participation fees. The remainder of funding is earned throughout the year from various fundraising events such as coat checkers at the Fairbanks Symphony Ball, and sales of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and CDs. Another fundraising source is the refreshments sales at the Fairbanks Symphony Concerts as well as at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival concerts. Parental help is needed for the refreshment sales. If you have any ideas for FYO fundraising events and are willing to put some time into making them happen, please contact a council member.
The council is a board consisting of 14 adults and 2 student members. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of all three orchestras. The members are always receptive to ideas and suggestions, and they appreciate help. Their goal is to make FYO an enjoyable and enriching experience. Meetings are usually held the first Monday of the month from September through May. If you are interested in serving on the council, please contact one of the council members. There are currently vacant positions on the council. If you are interested in serving on the council, please contact one of the council members.
Council meetings are held the first Monday of the month at the Kayak
Room between the UAF Library and the Davis Concert Hall. All meetings
are open to the public. (Exception - September-meeting is held the
second Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.)
Student Representatives: Two or more Youth Symphony students are elected yearly to represent all three orchestras and attend the council meetings. They serve as liaisons between the musicians and the council.