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 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, or choir at the schools where they are enrolled (if applicable). School music enrollment will be confirmed for each QCSYE member. 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—in order to participate in the QCSYE program.

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.

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 20 and November 12
• Two absences between November 13 and February 18
• Two absences between February 19 and May 12

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). If, as in the case of emergency or illness, a member is unable to give advanced notice of an absence, please send an email to ksells@qcso.org indicating that they will not be at rehearsal or the retreat and giving a specific reason for the absence.

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 Chelsea Sammons 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 Tuesday 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

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 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. In the case of an emergency, students should sign out at the rehearsal room entrance (there will be a sheet to do so).

Music
Music folders, including parts for all upcoming performance repertoire, will be distributed at the first rehearsal of each concert cycle. Each member will be given their own copies of the music and is responsible for keeping and caring for them until they are collected after the performance.

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: $550.00

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 22, 2023.

Invoicing and Payment Options
The QCSO Finance Department will email invoices to each student’s primary parent/guardian contact by or before Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The invoice will reflect the $50 tuition deposit and will include thorough payment instructions for each payment option.

Option 1: Pay in full by Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Option 2: Pay in four installments for the months of September, October, November, and December. (Payment arrangement must be made in advance with QCSYE General Manager and authorization for payments will be collected via credit/debit card using an auto payment schedule.) To arrange Option 2 payments, contact Chelsea Sammons at (563) 424-7990. Please note: a $2.50 processing fee will be added to credit/debit card payments for the Option 2 installments described above.
Financial Award Recipients: Contact Chelsea Sammons at (563) 424-7990 to organize payments.

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 3:30 PM Tuesday, August 29, 2023, less a $25 withdrawal fee. 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 Youth String Ensemble, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Youth Symphony Orchestra. Musicians interested in participating in Prelude Strings must complete an online application form along with a music 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 learn. In the QCSYE’s full orchestras, auditions are designed to help in the preparation and advancement of the musicians in the program. These orchestras have regular string seating audition during the season and will be submitted via video by noon the day they are due.

Youth Symphony Orchestra Strings
At the beginning of the season, returning string players will be seated based on the previous season’s seating audition. New members will be seated based on their placement audition. Two weeks before the seating audition date (outlined in the season calendar below), the conductor will announce the excerpts selected from the repertoire on which musicians are currently working. The day of the seating audition, musicians will perform the excerpts for a QCSO musician or professional adjudicator. Adjudicators will assess and provide written feedback which will be given to musicians at the following rehearsal. 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.

Youth Symphony Orchestra Winds and Percussion
At the beginning of the season, returning wind and percussion players will be seated based on the previous season’s seating assignment. New musicians will be assigned parts based on placement 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. 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.

Youth Symphony Orchestra

Non-binary students in YSO and YPO may choose either attire option for concerts.

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

Concerto Competition Audition Requirements & Application

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

FALL RETREAT
Rehearsal | Sunday, August 20 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Retreat | Friday, August 25 | 4:00 – 9:00 PM (Dinner Included) | Pleasant Valley High School

Riverfront Pops Rehearsals + Performance | Saturday, August 26
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning Rehearsal at Pleasant Valley High School
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 Music of Journey

REGULAR REHEARSALS
No Rehearsal | Sunday, August 27
No Rehearsal | Sunday, September 3 | Labor Day Weekend
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 10 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 17 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, September 24 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School (String Seating Auditions Due at 1:00 PM)
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 1 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 8 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) Winds Call Time: 5:30 PM | Bettendorf High School
Scratch Cupcakes Sales | October 10 – 28
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 15 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 22 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, October 29 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, November 5 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) | Bettendorf High School

QCSYE Fall Concert | Sunday, November 12 | 3:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 11:00 AM

No Rehearsal | Sunday, November 19 | Thanksgiving Break
No Rehearsal | Sunday, November 26 | Thanksgiving Break (String Seating Auditions Due at 1:00 PM)
Concerto Competition | Sunday, December 3 | 5:00 PM | TBD
Rehearsal | Sunday, December 3 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, December 10 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
No Rehearsal | December 11 – January 6 | Holiday Break
Winter Retreat | Sunday, January 7 | 1:00 – 4:45 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 14 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 21 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, January 28 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, February 4 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) | Augustana College Bergendoff Hall
Dress Rehearsal | Sunday, February 11 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School

QCSYE Winter Concert | Sunday, February 18 | 7:00 PM
Davenport Central Performing Arts Center | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 4:40 PM

Rehearsal (Open Rehearsal) | Sunday, February 25 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Pleasant Valley High School
Katz Scholarship Audition | Sunday, March 3 | 5:30 PM | Centennial Hall
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 3 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) | Bettendorf High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, March 10 | Spring Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 17 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School (String Seating Auditions Due at 1:00 PM)
Rehearsal | Sunday, March 24 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
No Rehearsal | Sunday, March 31 | Easter Break
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 7 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Late Start) | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 14 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School
Rehearsal | Sunday, April 21 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School

Dress Rehearsal | Friday, April 26 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA

QCSO/QCSYE Side-by-Side Concert | Sunday, April 28 | 5:30 PM
Adler Theatre | Davenport, IA
Call Time: 11:45 AM for Dress Rehearsal from 12:00 – 2:30 PM

Spring Retreat | Sunday, May 5 | 3:45 – 8:15 PM | Bettendorf High School

YSO Finale Concert | Sunday, May 12 | 3:00 PM
Bartlett Performing Arts Center | Moline, IL
Call Time: 1:30 PM