Attendance Policy
Attendance at rehearsals is of vital importance to the quality of the Jazz, Choral, Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Chamber Music Programs. However, an attendance policy that has no flexibility is impractical. Consequently, unless by special arrangement with the Conductor of the Ensemble AND Dr. Dennis, the following has been MYA’s Attendance Policy since autumn of 1998: (Updated to reflect additional concerta as of the 2006-2007 Season)
Students accepted into the Orchestra, Jazz, Wind Symphony or Choral Programs are expected to attend all rehearsals, but are allowed:
- 2 absences for the October concert
- 2 absence for the December concert
- 2 absences for the February concert (4 if you are in Reading, Cadet, Concertino, Philharmonia or Concert orchestras, who don't perform in the December concert)
- 2 absences for the April/May concert
Please note that there are a number of sectionals (count as +1 absence) and extra rehearsals (1 week before the concert) scheduled during the year that can be used as make-ups for regular rehearsals, so this policy allows for 3-4 Saturday conflicts each concert.
All students must submit an Absence Form for anticipated absences as early in the semester as possible. Students are responsible for finding out what was covered in the rehearsal and for practicing that material before the next rehearsal.
Attendance is taken at all rehearsals by the conductor or with sign-in sheets posted in the rehearsal hall.
Note: Exceptions to the Attendance Policy are only made after a written request has been approved by the ensemble conductor, attendance committee and Director. All exceptions must be approved by the ensemble conductor and MYA Director on or before the first rehearsal of each concert series.
New Attendance Policy
October, January/February and April/May Concerts: Orchestras, Bands and Choruses are expected to sit with their ensemble during concerts when they are not playing. MYA will reserve seating at each concert for all performing ensembles to sit together. Attendance will be taken and counted toward the next concert’s attendance record. Please address any questions or conflicts to Allan Dennis.
Chamber Music Musicales and Soiree: Chamber ensembles are expected to attend the entire Musicale/Soiree on which they are performing, not to exceed 60-75 minutes in length. Please come early enough to warm up as an ensemble and be in the Musicale/Soiree when it begins, not warming up. Attendance will be taken and future performance opportunities, scheduling and locations on the programs will be considered. Please address any questions or conflicts to Allan Dennis.
