Mission Statement

 

          The Rappahannock Youth Orchestras, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(C)3 organization, dedicated to the nurturing of young people through the discipline of musical performance.  The organization, as of the 2005-6 season, conducts business as Rappahannock Youth Symphony or RYS.

 

Goals

 

          The orchestras are a supplement to the school programs and serve to raise the standard of playing in public, private, and home schools.  Since 1996 the RYO/RYS has given opportunities to young people from the ages of 10-18 (in the Greater Fredericksburg Area) to excel in the performance of community concerts.  The young people become members who enjoy both the educational and social benefits that RYS extends to them.  These members especially enjoy meeting other young people with similar interests and talents.

 

History

 

          The RYO held their first organizational meeting on April 14, 1996 at Peace United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg.  Among those in attendance were Deborah Tripp, Founder, Ronald Barricklow, Susan Fines and Ruth Ann Muse.  Special guest speaker was Pauline Anderson, now Musical Director of the McLean Youth Symphony and member of the Youth Orchestra Board of the American Symphony Orchestra League.  Pauline helped the RYO prioritize the development of out initiative in this first meeting.

 

 

 

Professional Staff

 

Ronald D. Barricklow II

          Vivace Orchestra, Head Conductor

         

          Mr. Barricklow obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education with Performance Emphasis from Hartt School, University of Hartford.  He is founding musical director of the Rappahannock Youth Orchestra, and has conducted the Vivace Orchestra since its inception in 1998.

          Mr. Barricklow is the Orchestra Director at Brook Point High School and Stafford Middle School in Stafford County, Virginia.  In addition, he maintains a private studio where he teaches beginning to advanced strings.

          Mr. Barricklow studied viola with Kenneth Starch and Steve Tenebom.  He enjoys performing as a violist with the Rappahannock Pops, and the Fredericksburg String Quartet.

          Mr. Barricklow is an active member of VBODA, MENC, VASTA, and ASTA.

 

Jennifer Lukas

          Allegro Orchestra, Conductor

 

          Ms. Lukas obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Mary Washington College where she graduated Cum Laude.  While attending Mary Washington College, she performed as Principal First Violin for the College-Community Symphony Orchestra as well as Principal Violist for the Chamber Orchestra.  She now performs with the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra and the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra.  Ms. Lukas currently is a string teacher in the Stafford County Public Schools.

 

Ioana B. Weathers

          Legato Orchestra, Conductor

 

          Mrs. Weathers obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and a Masters in Strings Pedagogy from the Budapest Conservatory.   Mrs. Weathers is currently a strings teacher for Prince Williams County.  She has conducted and judged for All County Strings.  Mrs. Weathers also has performed as a violinist with the Carson Symphony Orchestra and the El Camino Symphony Orchestra.

          Prelude, Conductor

 

          Ms. Piller obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Ms. Piller is currently a strings teacher for Stafford County Schools.  Ms. Piller was a member of the Fredonia College Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Western New York Chamber Orchestra and Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra.  She is a current member of the University of Mary Washington College-Community Symphony Orchestra and Rappahannock POPS Orchestra and the American Teachers Association.

 

Ryan Ashley Nobles

          Executive Director

 

          Ms. Nobles obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Mary Washington.  While attending the University of Mary Washington she was principal cellist in the University-Community Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.  Ms. Nobles is currently a private cello instructor in the greater Fredericksburg area.  She actively performs in a string quartet, is a member of the University of Mary Washington Friends of the Orchestra Board and performs in the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra and the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra.

 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

 

          Rappahannock Youth Symphony accepts musicians of any race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or handicap, based solely on their musical ability and age without regard for their ability to pay membership fees, which may be waived.

          Membership on the RYS Board of Directors and employment as RYS Staff is open to qualified individuals without discrimination as to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or handicaps.

 

Non-Profit Destination

 

          Rappahannock Youth Orchestras, Inc., dba, Rappahannock Youth Symphony or RYS, is a 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt organization.  All donations are tax deductible.

 

 

Membership Policies

 

          Participation

 

          Participation in the RYS is based upon passing an audition as is offered in May or September or at other times deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors and Orchestra Coordinator.  It is suggested and encouraged that students who do pass the audition process and elect to participate in RYS participate in their school instrumental program.

 

          Registration

 

          All members are required to submit a new registration form each season.  During the spring, previous members will receive registration forms for the upcoming season.  They should be completed and returned by the date requested.  This will offer members and their parents a way to avoid the lines during last minute registrations.  All new members are required to submit a registration form and signed performance agreement at the mandatory parent meeting held in September.  Please make sure that all information is as complete as possible, with emergency contact phone numbers that can be used for reaching you in the event of a cancellation or change in the schedule.  The form includes medical release statement.  Please advise us of any changes of email or house address or phone number(s).

 

 

Auditions and Auditions Fee

 

          Auditions for new members and for members aspiring to play in a higher-level orchestra will be held August 27.  Auditions are open to any young musician who plays an orchestral instrument.  The audition fee for new members is $10.  This audition fee will be applied to the membership fee if the student is offered a chair in the RYS.  The audition fee is non-refundable.

 

Audition Requirements are as follows:

 

Prelude & Legato (Strings Only)

                   Beginner & Intermediate Orchestra

                   Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass

·        A Major, G Major, D Major Scales

·        Prepared Piece & Sight Reading

          Allegro (Strings Only)

                   Advanced Intermediate Orchestra

                   Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass

·        Eb, Bb, F, C, D, G and A Major Scales

(2 octaves, some in third position)

·        Prepared Piece demonstrating shifting and vibrato abilities & Sight Reading

Vivace (Full Orchestra)

                   Advanced Level

·        Requires Scales, prepared piece and sight reading

·        Violin -A Major, G Melodic Minor

·        Viola – D Major, C Melodic Minor

·        Cello – D Major, C Melodic Minor

·        Bass – F Major, G Melodic Minor (2 Octaves)

·        All scales are to be 3 octaves.

·        Bowing for all is to be 2 slurred, 2 separate, ascending.

·        Four slurred, descending

·        Woodwinds and Brass – All major scales and chromatic scale ~ detache ascending, slurred descending, mm= 120 per eighth note

·        Percussion:  Bring snare, mallets/sticks, know all rudiments.

 

All requirements are subject to change.

 

Seating Auditions

 

          Seating auditions are held late fall at the discretion of the conductor for all levels.  Reseating after the first concert will be at the discretion of each conductor.

 

Section Leaders

 

                    Sections leaders hold a position of responsibility representing both the RYS and their peers.  Proficiency, professionalism and dedication are essential to these positions.

 

Membership Fees

 

          The fee(s) for participating in the RYS 2007-08 season are:

 

                   $270 per member

                   $140 for ½ season members

                   $140 per sibling of first member

 

          Membership must be paid in full on or before the first rehearsal held on September 10, 2007, unless arrangements are made otherwise.

 

          All memberships must be current in order for the member to participate in upcoming events.

 

          Please make checks payable to the Rappahannock Youth Symphony.

 

          It is our policy that no child shall be discouraged from participating in RYS due to financial reasons. Full or partial tuition assistance is available for families in need.  A letter to the Board should be presented describing financial need which includes supporting documentation such as qualification for the free lunch program.  Families receiving tuition assistance will be expected to contribute volunteer hours.  The tuition assistance request must be completed by September 1, 2007.

 

          The membership fee covers a wide range of expenses associated with the daily running operations of RYS.  However, the membership fees only cover approximately one half of the expenses found in the RYS budget.  The other one-half of the budget needs to be met by sponsors, fund-raising, and ticket sales.

 

Membership Attire Requirements

 

          The RYS is a training organization for possible future careers as professionals, therefore proper dress is expected.  Each level of orchestra requirements certain attire.

 

Each concert requires specific attire which is noted on the calendar as Formal or Casual.

 

~ Formal Attire ~

 

Prelude & Legato

 

          Boys:  White long sleeved collared dress shirt

                   Black neck tie (not a bow tie)

                   Black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks

                  

          Girls:  Long black dress pants or black palazzo pants

                   White, short sleeved no-collar blouse/shell

(No cream or beige color)

                   Black hosiery/socks

                   Black closed toe shoes (low or flat heel)

                            

Allegro

 

          Boys:  White long sleeved tuxedo shirt

                   Black bow tie

                   Black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks

 

          Girls:  White top, lined

(Ordered from Formal Fashions)

                   Black palazzo pants or long black skirt

(Order from Formal Fashions)

                   Black hosiery (required)

                   Black closed toe shoes (low or flat heel)

                                                                  

Vivace

 

          Boys:  Black tuxedo (may be ordered from Formal Fashions)

                   White tuxedo shirt

                   Black Bow Tie

                   Black dress shoes and black socks

                  

Girls:  Long black gown/dress (Formal Fashions)

                   Black hosiery (required)

Black closed toe shoes (low or flat heel)

Quiet jewelry

Hair pulled away from face

                  

~ Casual Attire ~

 

Casual attire for all performing ensembles will be the RYS t-shirt, black dress pants, black socks, black closed toe shoes (low or flat heel) and quiet jewelry for women. 

 

Please note:  There will be no distracting jewelry or headwear, and absolutely no sandals, flip-flops, tennis shoes, black jeans or leather clothing.  Hair for both girls and boys will be pulled back off the face.  Failure to comply will result in not being able to play at the concert.

                                     

Parents are welcome to bring their “gently used” attire to sell or donate to other parents at the first rehearsal.   

 

 

Scholarships and Awards

 

          Two $500 RYS Scholarships are offered annually to students who meet the criteria set forth below.  The Scholarship / Awards Committee will meet following the deadline for submission and winners will be announced at the final concert in April 2008.

 

          To apply for an RYS Scholarship the applicant must be a RYS member in good standing and a graduating Senior in the class of 2008.  The member should have plans to attend a college in the fall, 2008, and he/she must write a 500 word essay to be submitted to Scholarship Review Committee and postmarked no later than April 2, 2008.  Attendance and tardy record as well as attitude and contribution to RYS will be considered.  The topic for the essay this season will be announced in the Winter RYS newsletter.

          RYS also gives a $100 Essay Award to an applicant that is a RYS member in good standing.  The member must write a 75-100 word essay, to be submitted to the Scholarship Review Committee and postmarked no later than April 1, 2008.  The topic of the essay this season will be announced in the Winter RYS newsletter.

 

          Recipient are chosen based on musicianship, dedicated to the RYS and the required essay.  The RYS scholarship committee will review the criteria and make recommendations to the RYS Board for selection.  The winners will be announced at the final concert in the Spring.

 

Concerts, Tickets and Promotion

 

          RYS holds three major events during the season.

 

Winter Concert                December 9, 2007

Spring Concert                       April 27, 2008

 

          Please look for updated performance locations and times throughout the year, as these are subject to change.

 

All attendees must purchase a ticket for the concerts; there is no exception for family members.   The cost per ticket for the Winter and Spring Concerts is $10 per person and $5 for seniors and children 6-18 years of age.  The cost per ticket for the Symphony and Tea is $20 per person and $10 for children 6-18 years of age and seniors.  Children under six years of age may attend RYS events for free.

 

          RYS performers do not need a ticket to attend events.  We ask that each current RYS performer sell two (2) tickets per event.  Please understand that these events help to support the RYS as it continues to grow each year. 

 

          In addition to ticket sales we ask that each member’s family help publicize upcoming events.  Event fliers will be distributed to members prior to each event.  Please post these fliers at your place of work, the public library, grocery store and other high traffic areas.  Students may also help by passing these fliers on to their orchestra /band teacher at school.

 

Music Teacher Passes

         

          The RYS offers a Music Teacher Pass to all area music teachers. This pass entitles any area music teacher and one guest, to attend any RYS event for FREE.  Members please let your private instructors and school orchestra directors know that they are entitled to this pass and encourage your music teachers to take advantage of this offer to see and experience the talent of the RYS. 

 

Fundraising

 

Sponsorship/Donation Opportunities

 

The Rappahannock Youth Symphony offers the choice of support that best meets your interest.  Various levels of donor support are offered and different gift options are available at each level.  The donor’s name will be listed in the RYS program for each concert event and will receive the gifts as listed at each level. 

 

v     Platinum Level                 $1,000 or more

8 Season tickets with reserved seating to:

          The Violin Project Auction / Winter Concert

          The Spring Concert

10 seats at a reserved table for the Symphony and Tea

Name listed in all 2007-08 season programs

 

v     Gold Level                       $500 - $999

6 Season tickets with reserved seating to:

          The Violin Project Auction / Winter Concert

          The Spring Concert

4 reserved seats to the Symphony and Tea

Name listed in all 2007-08 season programs

 

v     Silver Level                     $150 - $499

4 Season tickets in the reserved section to:

          The Violin Project Auction / Winter Concert

          The Spring Concert

2 reserved seats to the Symphony and Tea

Name listed in all 2007-08 season programs

 

v     Bronze Level                            $50 - $149

2 Season tickets:

          The Violin Project Auction / Winter Concert

          The Spring Concert

Name listed in all 2007-08 season programs

 

v     Friends of the RYS           $25 - $49

Name listed in all 2007-08 Season Programs

 

          Please refer to the sponsorship / donation forms located at the end of this Handbook to submit your request or to offer a tax deductible donation to the RYS.

 

 

 

Advertising Opportunities

 

          RYS provides each ticket holder a professionally printed 5” x 8” concert program.  If you or someone you know is a business owner, we strongly encourage advertising in the RYS Concert Program.  It is a very inexpensive way to reach hundreds of people within the RYS family and audience, and receive a tax deductible donation at the same time.

 

          Rates for each program are as follows:

·        5” x 8” ad on back cover (Full Page) $300

·        5” x 8” ad inside (Full Page) $200

·        5” x 4’ ad inside (Half Page) $100

·        2 ½” x 4” inside (Quarter Page) $50

 

Any questions regarding a donation, sponsorship and advertising may be directed to Ryan Nobles at celloskirt@aol.com.

 

The required form for these opportunities: Program Ad Form.

 

          Other Fundraising Opportunities/Programs

 

          If you are a federal employee or member of the military you may donate to RYS via the Combined Federal Campaign, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.  This will enable federal and state employees the option to contribute a tax-deductible donation to the RYS via automatic payroll deduction.  At the bottom of the form write in the name “Rappahannock Youth Orchestras, Inc.” and the donation will be recorded.

 

Special Events

 

The Annual Rappahannock Youth Symphony and Tea, The Violin Project, and The Family Italian Dinner

 

          These Rappahannock Youth Symphony exclusive community fundraisers will be offered this year to meet the RYS budget expenses and further the mission of the RYS.  

          The Violin Project takes place during the RYS Winter Concert.  Artists paint donated violins which are auctioned as a fundraiser for RYS programs. 

The Symphony and Tea is held in the Spring.  This event features a custom tea made exclusively for the RYS and only available for purchase through the RYS.  This tea is served along with an amazing array of tea cookies and sandwiches, in an elegant setting, in the Spring of each year. 

For the 2007-08 season, the RYS is planning an Italian Family Dinner in October.  Please see your newsletters for additional information about each of these events. 

 

Rehearsal and Concert Policies

 

          Locations

 

          All rehearsals are held at:

 

                   Battlefield Middle School

                   11120 Leavells Road

                   Fredericksburg, VA, 22407

 

          Please use the main entrance of the building.  

 

Arrival and Attendance Policy

 

          Being on time to rehearsals is essential.  All students must arrive before 6:45 pm to have adequate time to set up stands, chairs, music and instruments. Tuning begins at 6:45 pm.  When this is done in an orderly, timely fashion students will be relaxed and prepared for an excellent rehearsal experience. Upon arrival each member will check-in at the front entrance of their rehearsal room.  All members must go directly to their assigned room and remain there while they prepare for rehearsal.  Members should set up their stand and chair and practice in their seat until tuning begins.

 

          The opportunity to participate in the Rappahannock Youth Symphony requires a dedicated commitment on the part of musicians and their families.  Every effort should be made to reconcile other sports and school activities with RYS rehearsals and concerts.  All orchestra members and their families are expected to abide by the following conditions of membership:

 

Rehearsal Release / Dismissal Policy:  In the past it has been a challenge for many parents to pick up their children in a timely manner causing RYS members and their parents to remain at the rehearsal until 9:30 and in some cases 9:45 p.m.  Therefore the following policy will be in effect this season. 

 

          Rehearsal will end promptly at 8:30 p.m.  It is required that all students be picked up NO LATER THAN  8:45 p.m.  NO member will be allowed to leave the rehearsal unless a parent or guardian is escorting them.  Exception: If a member drives his or her own vehicle to and from rehearsal they are permitted to leave on their own.

 

Attendance:  Musicians are expected to be present at and ON TIME for all rehearsals and concerts and to remain for the entire duration.  Attendance is always taken.  Regular attendance is essential for worthwhile rehearsals and quality performances.

 

Absences:  Absences are strongly discouraged.  Members may not have more than TWO absences per concert season.  Any reason for an absence must be communicated to the Executive Director via phone call or e-mail (email preferred) as soon as possible.

 

Consequences of absences:  After 2 absences per concert season, the Executive Director and the conductor may choose to re-evaluate your participation in Rappahannock Youth Symphony.

 

Rehearsal and Concert Readiness

 

          Members should arrive 1 hour prior to concerts.

 

All Members must attend each rehearsal and concert with the following:

          1. Proper Attire (see calendar for appropriate attire)

          2. Well-adjusted instrument

          3. Folding Music Stand w/each section labeled

          4. Pencil

          5. Music Folder

 

Each member must bring a folding stand to every rehearsal and it must be labeled.  All items brought for rehearsal MUST be LABELED.  Any item left at a rehearsal will become the property of RYS if not claimed.

 

Rules of Conduct

 

          All RYS members are expected to demonstrate appropriate conduct and behavior that exhibits respect toward fellow participants, property, staff members and volunteers before, during and after all rehearsals and concerts.  If inappropriate behavior and/or conduct are exhibited, the Board President or Executive Director will contact the student’s parents or guardian to discuss the matter and recommend a course of action.  If necessary and warranted, administrative staff reserves the right to dismiss any student from the RYS.  Dismissal due to disciplinary action from conduct reflecting unfavorably on the orchestra, violation of the Attendance Policy, habitual lateness, or lack of adequate musical preparation and progress will result in forfeiture of tuition.

 

Facility Rules

 

          While being a visitor at a School owned property all rules and regulations in effect for the school system would apply during the use of the building.

 

Food & Drink

 

          No food, drink, candy or gum is allowed during rehearsals and or concerts.  Bottled water is acceptable.

                  

Chairs, Music Stands and Equipment

 

          Members may be asked to set-up and return chairs and music stands for any rehearsal or concert.

 

         

Talking

 

          Refrain from unnecessary talking so as not to interrupt the rehearsal time.

                            

Dress Code

 

          The dress code for rehearsals will follow that found in your school’s Code of Conduct.

                            

Inclement Weather

 

          Rehearsals or concerts may be postponed or canceled due to inclement weather.  Please listen to 93.3FM for cancellations.  Visit the RYS website or call the RYS phone number, 371-6200, option #3, for the inclement weather announcement.  Please make sure we have all of your current important phone numbers and addresses, and they are kept up to date by notifying us of any changes as soon as possible.  Please note that if Spotsylvania Schools are cancelled there will be no rehearsal.

 

Practice Time

 

          It is strongly suggested that there be 40-45 minutes (Prelude & Legato) and 60 minutes (Allegro and Vivace) per week of additional practice time, outside of the weekly rehearsal, dedicated to RYS concert selections.  This practice should be in addition to other practice time.

 

Professional Concerts

 

          Observation of professional orchestras is helpful to the developing musician.  We are very fortunate to have three excellent professional music organizations in our community.  Members of RYS are encouraged to attend events held by the Rappahannock Pops, the University of Mary Washington Community Symphony Orchestra and the Fredericksburg Festival of the Arts Series.   For more information about these organizations please visit or call:

 

 

          www.rappahannockpops.org       804-224-7723

          www.fredfest.org                      540-374-5040 

          www.umw.edu/orchestra           540-654-1012

         

 

 

          RYS depends on the donation of time and other non-monetary support from parents.  Each family is required to help in a variety of RYS activities, committees, events, promotions, and fund raising. 

 

Communication

 

          During the year there are several mailings which give details for upcoming events and meetings.  The website is also a source for information about RYS.   Please visit us at www.rysymphony.com or email us at rysymphony@yahoo.com

          RYS has a main phone number for information and voice mail for messages to our organization.

 

                   540.371.6200

         

          Please call this number for up to date information on rehearsals, performances and cancellations.  

         

          The RYS functions with a small, part-time staff and depends on students and parents to respond promptly to deadlines, to be aware of the calendar, and to communicate in a timely manner.

 

Reimbursements

         

          Parents who spend money on behalf of RYS may request reimbursement, either in advance of or after purchase.  Eligibility for reimbursement must be confirmed by the Treasurer prior to purchase.  The repayment request must be made to the Treasurer and accompanied by an RYS Reimbursement Form.  They will be made available upon request.  Receipts for these expenses must be provided to the Treasurer with the form. Examples of such expenses include copies, flowers, and supplies for refreshments. 

 

Photography

         

          Please be aware that from time to time photographs will be taken of RYS members, which may, at RYS’s discretion, be used for publicity in print media and on the internet.  Names of students will only be used after obtaining permission.

 

          Please, no flash photography during performances.

           

Suggestions

         

          All suggestions are welcome and encouraged.  Please use the form in the back pocket of this handbook for letting us know your thoughts.