The rehearsal time is on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm at The Academy of Arts in Taylors, SC.  In an effort to promote spiritual growth and character, each rehearsal begins with a short character trait challenge.  Character traits are chosen strategically, targeting musical and spiritual issues.  Throughout the rehearsal members are encouraged to exercise musicianship and discipline in their performance and in their dealings with each other.  Less experienced players are challenged to improve as they sit beside more experienced players.  Those more skilled are challenged to play to the best of their ability and to assist in the development of less skilled players.

Repertoire

Repertoire for the LYO is chosen based upon musical merit and educational value.  The vast majority of the repertoire is based in traditional classical and sacred music.  Pieces of greater difficulty are assigned along side of pieces of less difficulty in order to allow members to see weekly progress at rehearsals.

Tuition and Payment Information

Tuition for the LYO is $150 for the spring semester.  This fee covers all music, folders, use of stands and rehearsal space.  A sibling discount of $25 is applied to extra students for families with more than one student enrolled.  Payment is due at the first rehearsal.  Payments not received at that rehearsal are assessed a $10 per week late fee.  To assist families, a monthly payment plan may be arranged.  These payments would be due the first rehearsal of each month.  Similarly, a $10 per week late fee would apply.

Attendance

Musical excellence and respect for fellow orchestra members, while not the most important aspects of the LYO, are vital to artistic and character development.  Because of this, attendance of all members is expected at each rehearsal.  Unlike a choir where one out of fifteen sopranos can be missed without much detection, one out of two horns or two clarinets would be half of the section and would be greatly missed.  Each member will be excused from two rehearsals (not a dress rehearsal) each semester without penalty.  These absences should not be thought of as “skips” but should be used for necessary matters and/or emergencies.  Attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory.  Upon reaching the third absence, the member will not be allowed to perform in the following concert.  However, he/she will be allowed to continue to attend rehearsals.  If it is known that a member will need to miss a rehearsal, please inform the director as soon as possible.

Personal Practice

The primary purpose of the weekly rehearsal is to promote unity and ensemble among the Orchestra.  Because of this, members are expected to practice their music at home.  Occasionally, some rehearsal time will be spent practicing particular passages of music with a section of the Orchestra.  This should be the exception, however.  The majority of rehearsal time will be spent perfecting the overall ensemble of the Orchestra.  Therefore, it will be necessary for each member to practice his/her part at home.  A metronome and tuner are great investments for aspiring musicians and are strongly encouraged by the LYO.