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 the finest youth orchestra program 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 21 and November 15
• Two absences between November 16 and February 21
• Two absences between February 22 and May 9

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.

Side-by-Side Dress Rehearsal
The Side-by-Side Dress Rehearsal and concert are very special events where YSO performs alongside the professional musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. These are professional engagements for the QCSO musicians and start times and breaks follow the Collective Bargaining Agreement guidelines. Because this particular dress rehearsal is the only chance to rehearse with QCSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith absence requests will not be approved for any reason other than a school music program conflict. If you miss the dress rehearsal you will not be permitted to play the concert.

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 @QCYSO 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 Wednesday before each rehearsal with detailed information, including location, time, and any announcements. To receive additional reminder texts, please text @QCYSO 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 locked 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 YSO Musician 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.

Instrument Checkout
QCSYE maintains an inventory of selected auxiliary instruments (e.g. A clarinets) that can be checked out to its members. Members who check out these instruments are expected to assume all responsibility for maintenance, upkeep, and repairs. Arrangements for instrument loans can be made, on an as-needed basis, between ensemble conductors and Chelsea Sammons to parts that require an auxiliary instrument.

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.

Youth Symphony Orchestra Tuition: $595.00

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 Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

INVOICING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
The QCSO Finance Department will email invoices to each student’s primary parent/guardian by or before Monday, August 3, 2026 from a program called “My Music Staff.” The invoice will reflect the $75.00 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 Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Invoices not completed within 10 days of the due date will be issued a non-refundable $25.00 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 $25.00 late fee.

Financial Award Recipients
Directions for payments will be included in your financial award letter (sent by or before July 1, 2026). Invoices not completed within 10 days of the due date will be issued a non-refundable $25.00 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 Tuesday, August 25, 2026, less a $25.00 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.

Auditioning is an important skill for young musicians to cultivate. Seating auditions are designed to help in the preparation of the concert repertoire and consist of preparing excerpts from the music that will be performed at the next concert. Please see the season calendar at the end of this handbook for seating audition due dates.

SEATING AUDITION SUBMISSION FORM (with recording directions)

Strings
At the beginning of the season, string players will be seated based on the spring auditions. Three weeks before the seating audition due date, excerpts will be selected from the next concert’s repertoire and will be announced via email. Musicians will have three weeks to prepare the seating audition excerpts before performing a live seating audition (fall) or recording a video to submit by 1:00 PM on the due date (winter). QCSO musicians and/or Private Lesson Program instructors will assess and provide feedback which will be sent to student email addresses after results are posted. The conductor will determine final seating based on the compilation of the adjudicator’s feedback. Other considerations such as behavior and attendance may be taken into consideration. Note: violinists may switch between parts within the season.

Winds and Percussion
At the beginning of the season, wind and percussion players will be seated based on the spring auditions. Seating and part assignments may be adjusted by the conductor throughout the year based on students’ progress and repertoire requirements. Considerations such as behavior and attendance may be taken into consideration. Musicians will have three weeks to prepare the seating audition excerpts before performing a live seating audition (fall) and additional woodwind, brass, and percussion seating auditions may be scheduled throughout the season at the conductor’s discretion. 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.

Attire A

• Floor- or ankle-length, sleeved (beyond the elbow) black dress OR
• Floor- or ankle-length black skirt and sleeved (beyond the elbow), non-translucent black blouse OR
• Black dress pants (not form-fitting) and sleeved (beyond the elbow), non-transparent black blouse
• Black hosiery
• Black dress shoes (no open-toed shoes or sandals)

Attire B

• Black suit, tuxedo, or black jacket with black pants
• Bright white, long-sleeved button-down shirt
• Black bow tie
• Black socks
• Black dress shoes

Riverfront Pops Concert Attire
Either blue or black pants (jeans acceptable), closed toe shoes, and your YSO Riverfront Pops t-shirt (distributed at first rehearsal to each student).

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.

QCSYE Concert Tickets Here

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION + APPLICATION

Concerto Competition Audition Requirements & Application

The QCSYE Concert Club is a group of Youth Philharmonic and Youth Symphony Orchestra members who attend QCSO Saturday Masterworks and Up Close concerts together for free throughout the season.

• Members are automatically enrolled in the club when they attend a concert with the group.
• No tickets are required to attend a concert and there will be a section that is blocked off for students to sit together.
• Club members will be recognized in each QCSYE concert program.
• QCSYE members will have the opportunity to join at any time during the season and may attend as few or as many concerts as they wish.
• Full information for each concert will be sent via email one month and one week before each concert, including meeting place/time, concert program, and venue information.
• All Concert Club events are chaperoned by QCSYE staff unless otherwise stated.
• Optional: Pre-concert gatherings may be scheduled throughout the year at a venue within walking distance of the concert venue for those who want to get to know other youth orchestra students.
• Optional: Purchase Concert Club t-shirt before October 15 to be delivered by Fall Concert.

Members who attend 5 or more concerts throughout a season will be eligible for a special “Maestro Dinner” with Hisham Bravo Groover. Date/time/location TBD and GF and Veg option will be available.

MASTERWORKS CONCERTS
UP CLOSE CONCERTS

Prelude Strings Mentors are YSO string members who are invited attend weekly Prelude Strings (QCSYE’s beginning level string ensemble) rehearsals each week. This is an opportunity for YSO students to develop leadership and teaching skills while making a meaningful impact on our younger musicians. Mentors sit and play alongside Prelude Strings students during weekly rehearsals, model musicianship and professionalism, and help reinforce a positive rehearsal environment.

Mentor Role Duties:

• Time Commitment: Sundays, 3:15 – 4:45 PM (before YSO rehearsal)

• Location: Same as your regular YSO rehearsal

• Eligibility: Open to all YSO string students

• Perks: Leadership experience, music education experience, volunteer hours, and the chance to make a difference!

How to Apply:
There is a video interview application process to help us get to know you better. Your video (max 5 minutes) will include responses to a few brief questions about your interest, leadership experience, and availability.

Submission Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026, by 1:00 PM
Submit via: YouTube (unlisted link) or Dropbox (shareable link)

Full details, including the interview questions and recording tips, are available here: Prelude Strings Mentor Application. All questions regarding Prelude Strings Mentors can be directed to ksells@qcso.org.

QCSYE Parent Meeting via Microsoft Teams
Friday, August 7, 4:00 – 5:00 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.

FALL RETREAT
Fall Retreat | Friday, August 21 | 4:30 – 9:00 PM (Dinner Included with GF and VG option) | TBD

Riverfront Pops Dress Rehearsals + Performance | Saturday, August 22
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning Rehearsal at TBD
4:45 – 5:45 PM – YSO Stage Rehearsal at LeClaire Park
6:30 – 7:00 PM – YSO Performance at LeClaire Park
7:30 PM – QCB&T Riverfront Pops: The Who*

*YSO members attend the Riverfront Pops for free. They will receive a t-shirt that acts as their ticket. Parents/guardians will receive a discount code for a complimentary adult ticket. Full details will be sent in July.

REGULAR REHEARSALS
No Rehearsal | Sunday, August 23
Rehearsal | Sunday, August 30 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
No Rehearsal | Sunday, September 6 | Labor Day Weekend
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 13 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 20 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 27 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
RECOMMENDED: QCSYE Night @ Masterworks | Saturday, October 3 | 5:45 – 9:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 4 | 6:15 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD
Sectionals | Sunday, October 11 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 18 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD (Live Seating Audition During Rehearsal – Strings & Winds)
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 25 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, November 1 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, November 8 | 6:15 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) |TBD

QCSYE Fall Concert | Sunday, November 15 | 3:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 11:30 AM*

*There will be a supervised holding room if students would like to stay after the stage rehearsal ends. Students must return by 2:30 PM – do not be late.

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

QCSYE Night @ Masterworks
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Pizza Party & Game Night: 5:45 – 7:15 PM – Friends of MLK Center
Walk to Adler Theatre: 7:15 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 $10.00 to participate in the dinner. To RSVP for the event, please register by Wednesday, September 30. 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 $10.00 dinner fee if you plan to eat with the group.

CHAPERONE SIGN UP

No Rehearsal | November 22 – December 1| Thanksgiving Break
Concerto Competition | Sunday, December 6 | Starting @ 5:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, December 6 | 6:15 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, December 13 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
No Rehearsal | December 14 – January 9 | Holiday Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 10 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 17 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Sectionals | Sunday, January 24 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 31 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, February 7 | 6:15 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, February 14 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD (String Seating Auditions Due at 1:00 PM Virtually)

QCSYE Winter Concert | Sunday, February 21 | 3:00 PM
Centennial Hall | | Augustana College | Rock Island, IL
11:30 AM: Call Time

*There will be a supervised holding room if students would like to stay after the stage rehearsal ends. Students must return by 2:30 PM – do not be late.

Open Rehearsal  | Sunday, February 28 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Katz Scholarship Audition | Sunday, March 7 | Starting @ 5:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 7 | 6:15 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD
No Rehearsal | Sunday, March 14 | Spring Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 21 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
No Rehearsal | Sunday, March 28 | Easter Break
Sectionals | Sunday, April 4 | 6:45 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 11 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 18 | 6:00 – 8:15 PM (Late Start) | TBD

Dress Rehearsal with Quad City Symphony Orchestra* | Saturday, April 24 | Adler Theatre
Rehearsal #1: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch Provided (GF + VG options): 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Rehearsal #2: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

QCSO/QCSYE Side-by-Side Concert | Sunday, April 25 | 3:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 12:00 PM**

*Please note that these are professional services for QCSO musicians. All rehearsal times and lengths are in accordance with the QCSO Musician Collective Bargaining Agreement.
**There will be a supervised holding room if students would like to stay after the stage rehearsal ends. Students must return by 2:30 PM – do not be late.

YSO Finale Dress Rehearsal | Sunday May, 2 | 3:00 – 5:15 PM (Early Start) | TBD

YSO Finale Concert | Sunday, May 9 | 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 5:30 PM