Commitment and Preparation
Dedication to QCSYE membership is largely demonstrated through regular attendance at all scheduled rehearsals, concerts, and events as well as consistent, individual musical preparation. The quality of the QCSYE program remains high because each of its members is individually invested in playing their part to the best of their ability. Every member makes an equally important contribution to the QCSYE experience.

Code of Conduct
All participating QCSYE musicians are representatives of the organization, and the behavior of each musician reflects upon the entire group. It is essential to respect the rights and property of others. We count on all participants to use common sense in avoiding situations and behavior that would put themselves or anyone else at risk, cause problems for the group, or adversely affect the safety, performance, and enjoyment of all. QCSYE strictly enforces a zero tolerance policy with regards to the use of drugs and alcohol, smoking, other illegal activities, and any form of harassment towards students and staff both from QCSYE students and their families. QCSYE reserves the right to immediately dismiss any member or family who violates the Code of Conduct.

Verbal, Physical, and Sexual Harassment
QCSYE does not tolerate any form of bullying. See a QCSYE staff member immediately if you are experiencing verbal or physical harassment of any kind. QCSYE Staff will immediately interfere and assess the situation, and the student inflicting the harassment may be asked to leave rehearsal. The staff member reserves the right to notify the student’s parent or guardian. If this harassment continues after one verbal and written warning, the student may be asked not to return. Sexual harassment of any kind will result in immediate dismissal from the QCSYE.

School Music Program Enrollment
The QCSYE program provides advanced ensemble experiences designed to complement and support core music education opportunities provided by school music programs and private lesson instruction. QCSYE members are required to participate in band, orchestra, mariachi, or choir year-round at the schools where they are enrolled (if applicable, homeschooling students do not need to join a school ensemble program unless desired). School music enrollment will be confirmed for each QCSYE member in late August. Members not able to participate in music at school for reasons beyond their control will be required to submit a written waiver—signed by the music teachers at the school, academic counselor, or school principal/superintendent—in order to participate in the QCSYE program. Tuition is non-refundable in the case that enrollment cannot be confirmed. The QCSYE reserves the right to waive the policy in exceptional circumstances, determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the needs of the student, school music program, and QCSYE. Such considerations will be reviewed by a committee consisting of a public music educator, Director of Education and Community Engagement, QCSYE Music Director, and QCSO Education Committee member.

Private Lesson Instruction
Members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons in order to receive instruction that will help them meet the high musical standards set by the QCSYE. If you are not taking private lessons but would like to begin, read more about the QCSO Private Lesson Program. The QCSO Private Lesson Program offers private lessons for every orchestral instrument as well as voice, saxophone, and euphonium. All QCSYE students receiving a financial award toward tuition will also receive a financial award toward private lessons. Registration, instructor profiles, and more are available here.

Probation and Dismissal
Any member’s failure to meet behavioral standards, satisfy attendance requirements, or sustain an adequate level of musical preparation may result in probation, determined at the discretion of the conductor. After a period of probation, a consultation between the conductor, member, and parent/guardian will be arranged to discuss whether the member will be allowed to continue participation in the QCSYE.

Membership in the QCSYE is both a privilege and a responsibility. As one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the region, the QCSYE maintains its standing through the commitment and dedication of its musicians. Consistent participation of each individual at weekly rehearsals results in successful performances. The attendance policy protects the musical integrity of the orchestras, as well as the individual efforts and investments of each player involved. The policies below apply to all QCSYE program members.

QCSYE musicians are permitted the following number of rehearsal absences:

• Two absences between August 17 and November 16
• Two absences between November 17 and February 15
• Two absences between February 16 and April 26

All absences are treated equally, regardless of nature, and will be added to your absence total. The only exception to this policy (conflicts with school music program events) is described below. Please plan ahead to avoid exceeding your permitted number of absences for each concert cycle.

Reporting an Absence
If a member will miss a regular weekly rehearsal or retreat they must complete the online Rehearsal Absence/Tardiness Form at least two weeks in advance of the absence or tardiness. Forms for absence from dress rehearsals must be submitted at least one month in advance (see below for more details for a dress rehearsal absence). If, as in the case of emergency or illness, a member is unable to give advanced notice of an absence, please complete the online Rehearsal Absence/Tardiness Form.

Absence Policy Exception: School Music Program Conflicts
If a student will miss a rehearsal due to participation in a school music program event, please indicate so in the description of the absence on the Rehearsal Absence/Tardiness Form. At the discretion of the conductors and staff, these absences will not be counted toward the total number of permitted absences.

Dress Rehearsals and Concerts
Rehearsals identified as dress rehearsals in the calendar for each ensemble are especially important for the success of a concert. Attendance at all dress rehearsals is mandatory. If an unavoidable conflict will make it impossible to attend a dress rehearsal, students are expected to submit the online Rehearsal Absence/Tardiness Form at least one month in advance and notify the conductor in person as soon as possible. Absence from a dress rehearsal may result in a member not being permitted to perform the concert. Attendance at all concerts is mandatory. If there is a school music program event on the same date as a QCSYE concert, or if other extraordinary circumstances prevent a student from performing a concert, submit the online Rehearsal Absence/Tardiness Form and notify the conductor in person as soon as possible and at least one month in advance of the QCSYE concert. Missing a concert without an excuse from your conductor may result in dismissal from the QCSYE program without tuition refund.

Late Arrival to and Early Departure from Rehearsal
QCSYE members are encouraged to begin developing the professional habit of arriving at least 10 minutes early to rehearsal. If a member arrives more than ten minutes late to rehearsal or must be excused more than ten minutes early, a half absence will be added to their total absence count.

Excessive Absences
If a member exceeds the maximum number of permitted absences for a concert cycle, they may be asked to sit out all QCSYE activities (without a tuition refund) until the next concert cycle begins at the discretion of the conductor. A written petition for reconsideration may be submitted in the event of extraordinary circumstances. Any questions regarding absences should be directed toward Kevin Sells.

Inclement Weather Procedure
In the event that a rehearsal is cancelled for inclement weather, members will be notified by Kevin Sells via email and text messaging system by noon the day of the event. Please subscribe to the emergency text message system for your student’s ensembles by following these instructions: Text @QCSYCO to 81010.

Rehearsals are held on a weekly basis during the QCSYE season. Members are expected to arrive at every rehearsal prepared to make their best contribution to the work of the group.

A master calendar for each ensemble is included at the end of this handbook. Refer to it for specific dates, times, and locations for every rehearsal and performance. Every effort will be made to avoid changes to the master schedule; it is, however, subject to change. Schedule changes will be thoroughly communicated as early as possible.

Additionally, each ensemble will receive a weekly email the Tuesday before each rehearsal with detailed information, including location, time, and any announcements. To receive additional reminders, please text @QCSYCO to 81010.

What to Bring to Every Rehearsal

• Instrument
• Music folder with all parts
• Accessories (mute, bow, mouthpiece, rosin, reeds, valve oil, strings, rock stop, etc.)
• Pencil with functioning eraser
• Water (beverages other than water are not permitted because of the risk of spills on instruments, music, and equipment. Students who bring a beverage other than water to rehearsal will be asked to throw away the beverage.)

Every member is expected to bring their music to rehearsals. String players must bring their music to rehearsals in order to make markings for at-home practice. Members should not rely on their stand partner to be responsible for having music at rehearsal.

Rehearsal Expectations

• Arrive at the rehearsal space at least 10 minutes before rehearsal begins in order to physically, mentally, and musically warm up
• Return name card to attendance music stand to indicate your presence at rehearsal
• Come to rehearsal having given adequate time, attention, and effort to practicing the week’s assignments
• Treat your colleagues, coaches, staff, and conductor with respect at all times
• Refrain from eating and drinking (water permitted) during rehearsals and concerts
• Remain only in authorized QCSYE rehearsal rooms

Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices
The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is strictly forbidden during rehearsals, retreats, and performances. Each ensemble and its conductor will have specific parameters surrounding the presence of phones and other electronic devices. Unapproved usage of a phone or other electronic device during rehearsals, retreats, or performances will result in its confiscation by a QCSYE staff person.

Restroom Breaks/Leaving Rehearsal
Every member is expected to remain in the rehearsal room during rehearsals. Using the restrooms, making phone calls, etc. is reserved for breaks scheduled during the rehearsal time.

Building Security
The rehearsal venue will be located beginning at 7:00 PM each Sunday for student’s safety. Please email Kevin Sells at ksells@qcso.org if you are arriving after 7:00 PM to be let into the building.

Music
Music folders and parts will be distributed at the first rehearsal of each concert cycle. Each member will be given their own set of the music and is responsible for keeping and caring for it until collected after the performance. If a student loses their music, they are responsible for replacing their parts by printing from the files available on the Concert Orchestra Musician Page (linked at the top of the page). In a case of emergency if a student forgets their music, QCSYE staff will have a spare part available to be returned at the end of rehearsal.

Instrument Liability
All QCSYE students and families are responsible for their instruments and all personal belongings brought to rehearsals, retreats, and concerts. Lost, stolen, or damaged instruments, instrument accessories, and all other personal items are not the responsibility of the QCSYE. We strongly encourage all members to have their instruments insured. Should any damage occur to your instrument or any personal items go missing while you are participating in a QCSYE activity, please notify a staff member immediately.

Student Liability
QCSYE is not responsible for any injury that may occur while at a rehearsal, concert, or event. All rehearsal and performance spaces that are used by the QCSYE are not owned or operated by the QCSYE, and therefore QCSYE cannot exercise responsibility for a student after they have left the boundaries of the rehearsal or performance space. This includes hallways, other floors of the buildings, and areas outside the respective performance spaces. We ask that students do not leave the building of the rehearsal or performance space for any reason during rehearsals or concerts. Should you become injured while you are participating in a QCSYE activity, please notify a staff member immediately.

Concert Orchestra Tuition: $390.00

FINANCIAL AID
The QCSYE program is committed to preventing financial circumstances from becoming a barrier for any young musician’s participation in its ensembles. Financial aid will be considered for any musician who is accepted to a QCSYE ensemble and submits the online financial aid application. Please submit the online Financial Aid Application by Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

INVOICING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
The QCSO Finance Department will email invoices to each student’s primary parent/guardian by or before August 1, 2025 from a program called “My Music Staff.” The invoice will reflect the $50 tuition deposit and any previous payments that apply and will include thorough payment instructions for each payment option.

Pay in Full
If you would like to pay tuition in full, you can do so online via a link included in your invoice by Monday, August 25, 2025. Invoices not completed within 10 days of the due date will be issued a non-refundable $25 late fee.

Pay in Four Monthly Payments
Payments will be collected via credit/debit card using an auto-invoicing system for the months of August, September, October, and November by the 25th of each month. Invoices not completed within 10 days of the due date will be issued a non-refundable $25 late fee.

Financial Award Recipients
Directions for payments will be included in your financial award letter (sent by or before July 1, 2025). Invoices not completed within 10 days of the due date will be issued a non-refundable $10 late fee.

Withdrawal Policy and Tuition Refund
Students who wish to withdraw their QCSYE membership must:

1. Inform their conductor in person, then
2. Submit a written withdrawal statement to the QCSYE office along with their music and folder.

Tuition may be refunded until 3:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2025, less a $25 withdrawal fee and non-refundable deposit. No refund will be given after this date. Refunds will not be issued until the QCSO office receives a written withdrawal statement and the student’s music and folder.

Spring entrance auditions are held for musicians interested in being considered for membership in the Concert Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Youth Symphony Orchestra. Musicians interested in participating in Prelude Strings must complete an online application and teacher reference form in order to be considered for membership. For any positions not filled by spring entrance auditions, auditions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Entrance auditions may be performed only once, re-auditioning will not be permitted, and all placements are final.

Strings
Section seating assignments and part assignments will be made at the discretion of the conductor and on a rotating basis to meet the unique musical demands of each repertoire selection.

Winds + Percussion
Section seating assignments and part assignments will be made at the discretion of the conductor and on a rotating basis to meet the unique musical demands of each repertoire selection. Additionally, the doubling of wind and brass parts is a common aspect of the youth orchestra experience. Occasionally, the conductor will ask that a part being doubled be momentarily performed by one player for orchestral, intonation, or ensemble reasons.

• Bright white, collared, sleeved (beyond the elbow), non-translucent button-down dress shirt or blouse (tucked in)
• Black dress pants (not form-fitting) or ankle-length black skirt
• Black socks or hosiery (no bare legs or feet)
• Black dress shoes (no open-toed shoes or sandals)

QCSYE Concert Tickets are available for purchase exactly one month before the concert. Tickets cover only 40% of the cost to produce the concert and are $12-30 for adults and $7-12 for students (based on zoning). Children (0-3) attend for free.

Every QCSYE member is entitled to 1 free adult ticket to all QCSYE performances* (if you have more than one student in the program, you can receive as many complimentary adult tickets as members). All tickets must be purchased online (www.qcso.org) using the following discount code upon checkout: QCSYE1 (Zones 1 – 4 or seats not labeled in orange/dark orange).

Discounted tickets must be ordered online by or before the Friday before the concert at 11:59 PM. The discount code (QCSYE1) will not be active after that date. Discounted tickets are only available online and cannot be used at the Box Office.

Complimentary tickets that are purchased with a name that is NOT the member or parent/guardian names listed on the student’s Placement Confirmation Form will be refunded. Please do not share this code with friends/extended family.

*If you have students performing in both Winter Concerts, you can use the complimentary discount code for both concerts. 

QCSYE Concert Tickets Here

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION + APPLICATION

QCSYE Parent Meeting via Microsoft Teams
Friday, August 1, 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Meeting will be recorded and shared with families that are not able to attend.

Register for Parent Meeting Webinar

Why do we offer a virtual parent meeting? We serve a large region of students from across the Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois region. We want to provide the opportunity to as many families as possible before the season begins.

Rehearsal | Sunday, August 17 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, August 24 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, August 31 | Labor Day Weekend
Sectionals + Rehearsal | Sunday, September 7 | 5:15 – 7:20 PM (Extra 20 Minutes) | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 14 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Sectionals | Sunday, September 21 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 28 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
RECOMMENDED: QCSYE Night @ Masterworks | Saturday, October 4 | 5:30 – 9:45 PM | Adler Theatre
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 5 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 12 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 19 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 26 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, November 2 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, November 9 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School

QCSYE Fall Concert | Sunday, November 16 | 3:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 1:00 PM

Join us for QCSYE Night @ Masterworks! This is a special event that includes a pre-concert dinner and game night followed by the first QCSO Masterworks Concert of the season.

QCSYE Night @ Masterworks
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Pizza Party & Game Night: 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Friends of MLK Center
Walk to Adler Theatre: 7:00 PM
Concert Begins: 7:30 PM – Adler Theatre
Concert ends: approx. 9:30 PM – Adler Theatre (Chaperoned pick up at entrance to Adler Theatre on 4th Street under the marquee)

Admission to the concert is free, and it costs $15.00 to participate in the dinner. To RSVP for the event, please register below by Tuesday, September 30. Limited spots available, dinner fee is non-refundable and the event is first to register, first served.

Parents, if you would like to chaperone the event/concert (and attend for free), please sign up below! Please also complete the $15.00 dinner fee if you plan to eat with the group.

CHAPERONE SIGN UP

Rehearsal | Sunday, November 23 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, November 30 | Thanksgiving Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, December 7 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School
Sectionals | Sunday, December 14 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
No Rehearsal | December 15 – January 10 | Holiday Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 11 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM  | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 18 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 25 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM  | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, February 1 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | TBA
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, February 8 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | TBA

QCSYE Winter Concert | Sunday, February 15 | 7:00 PM
Davenport Central Performing Arts Center | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 5:45 PM

Rehearsal (Open to Guests) | Sunday, February 22 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Sectionals | Sunday, March 1 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 8 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, March 15 | Spring Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 22 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 29 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, April 5 | Easter Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 12 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Dress Rehearsal | Friday, April 19 | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Bettendorf High School

QCSO/QCSYE Side-by-Side Concert | Sunday, April 26 | 3:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 1:00 PM