STUDENT RESOURCES
Setting the Stage for Success
FAQ
COMMUNICATIONS WITH CYO
CYO utilizes Google Groups to send out information by email from our General Manager and Conductors. Please ensure you are receiving emails from CYO at civicyouthorchestra@gmail.com and your conductor(s). Check spam and other folders and email settings. If you are not receiving emails, please email our General Manager at civicyouthorchestra@gmail.com to be added to our Google Group. Concert and event information, event registration and forms, and the rehearsal season calendar, are posted to the CYO website.
​
ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS
The commitment of every musician to regularly attend rehearsals and concerts is essential to the success of each individual musician and the unique team experience of being in an orchestra. As a member of this orchestra, students are expected to show consistent and punctual attendance at all rehearsals, sectionals, events, and performances. Attendance at all concerts and concert-day dress rehearsals is required, and attendance at all rehearsals is expected with limited exceptions in accordance with the CYO Attendance Policy.
​​
​​
​
​
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
All members are expected to arrive 20 minutes before rehearsal time to help set up the rehearsal space, tune their instruments, and warm up. As members arrive, they will check in to record their attendance. Always bring a pencil, your music, and other essentials for your instrument. No food or beverages, except bottled water, are allowed in rehearsal space. Members can eat snacks outside during break. All electronic devices must be silenced and cell phones stored in instrument cases or music bags during rehearsals.
An orchestra’s strength comes from the commitment of each individual member. All members need to practice their parts outside of rehearsal time. Ask private teachers for help on difficult passages. Listen to recorded performances as part of preparation. YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music are good sources.​
​
REHEARSAL PICK-UP
At the end of rehearsal, all members are expected to assist in resetting the rehearsal space by racking up chairs and music stands, picking up trash and gathering any personal items. Non-driving CYO musicians must be picked up from Saturday rehearsals in a timely manner, and no later than 15 minutes after rehearsal dismissal times.
REHEARSAL ATTIRE
To maintain a respectful environment, all members must come to rehearsals with appropriate attire. Examples of inappropriate clothing include very short skirts or shorts, tank tops, crop tops, and clothing with offensive graphics. Undergarments should not be visible. CYO staff reserves the right to request changes to a‬ member's attire, call a parent/guardian to bring different clothing to rehearsal, or send the‬ member home to change.‬ Review the CYO Dress Code.
​
CONCERT ATTIRE
CYO concert attire is ALL BLACK. Review our CYO Dress Code for concert attire requirements or the Concert Attire page.
​​
​
​
​
CONCERT TICKETS
Concert tickets are typically ordered on the CYO Event page and picked up at rehearsal. Announcements to order tickets will be made through email and posted on our website. CYO musicians performing in the concert do not need a concert ticket. Some ensembles may have a call-time to meet backstage after the start time of a concert. Musicians may be dropped off backstage earlier so that parents can attend the concert.
​
CONCERT VIDEOS
CYO engages a professional videographer to record each concert. Video downloads are made available for purchase on the CYO website. Individual video or photography is NOT permitted in the concert halls at CCAE. CYO is honored to be endorsed by the California Center of the Arts, Escondido and performs in the Concert Hall and Center Theater at CCAE.
SEATING AUDITIONS
All members participate in seating auditions conducted during scheduled rehearsals. Each conductor will announce their process, timing and frequency of seating auditions, and the results.
NEW AND MOVE-UP AUDITIONS
New members can audition for CYO in the spring and summer. Ensemble move-up auditions will occur in the summer. Audition is not required to stay in the same ensemble. Check our Schedule an Audition page for updates about audition dates for the next season.
​​
SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Participation in school music programs is recommended and highly encouraged by CYO to strengthen and enhance students in their musical development. CYO is committed to serve as a supplement to, not a replacement for, music in the schools.
​​
PRIVATE MUSIC TEACHER
All CYO musicians are expected to take music lessons with a private music teacher. Music lessons help students gain personalized feedback to grow and develop as a musician. Music teachers can also help you with difficult passages in your parts of ensemble music.
​​
SUMMER WORKSHOP AND ANNUAL RETREAT
All Prelude, Intermezzo, Intermediate, Chamber, and Wind Ensemble musicians are required to attend Summer Workshop in July. New members to CYO may also register to attend Summer Workshop. All Symphonic and Symphony musicians are required to attend the CYO Annual Retreat during Labor Day Weekend.
​
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CYO parents/guardians are invited to sign-up to volunteer to assist with rehearsal check-in, concerts, and events. Please let us know if you have any special skills that you believe could benefit CYO. Email us at civicyouthorchestra@gmail.com to get started.
FUNDRAISING AND DONATIONS
Generous parent and community support for CYO make it possible to continue our goal of providing the best music education and performance opportunities for our students. We need and expect all families to participate and help promote our fundraisers because it makes a difference in funding our program. The CYO Annual Fund and See’s Candies fundraiser are our two primary fundraisers in November/December. Other opportunities occur throughout the year. To make a difference in the lives of young musicians at CYO, visit our Donate page to make a donation.
MAKING CYO PAYMENTS
We accept and prefer Zelle payments.
Stay connected with CYO!
Follow Us @sdcyo
Rehearsal Location:
Classical Academy High School - PLC
130 Woodward Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
​
Rehearsal Time:
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - Noon
​
Contact Us:
(760) 728-1977
