Attendance Policy

Introduction: The CSOYO should be a high priority among after-school activities. The responsibility that comes with the privilege of participating in the CSOYO is the commitment to participation in all functions, including rehearsals and concerts as well as any preparation necessary. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and concert performances. There will be a sign-in table in the cafeteria at each rehearsal. Students will be expected to check in before proceeding to their designated rehearsal rooms.

Absences: Absences for illness, death in family, religious observances, graded school functions or other emergency circumstances will be evaluated and excused as applicable by the Manager. Excused absences for illness or other reasons are subject to verification by the Manager contacting the parent or requiring a written doctor's excuse. An absence without prior notice is considered unexcused. (See unexcused absences below.) In the event of a missing instrument, the student is still expected to attend rehearsal. Any student with a missing instrument who does not attend rehearsal will be credited with an unexcused absence.

Unexcused Absences: Students are allowed two unexcused absences per season. The first unexcused absence will result in a phone call to the parents. The second unexcused absence will result in a formal letter to the parents. Parents must sign and return the letter by the next rehearsal. The third absence will result in immediate dismissal from the orchestra. Tuition will be forfeited.

Dress Rehearsal and Concert Absences: Any unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal may, at the discretion of the conductor, prevent the student from participating in the following concert, resulting in immediate dismissal from the orchestra. Tuition will be forfeited. Any unexcused absence from a regular season concert will result in immediate dismissal from the orchestra. Tuition will be forfeited.

Notification: Any absence must be reported by calling the CSOYO voicemail (267-9011) before 5:00 p.m. on scheduled season rehearsal days. If an emergency arises after 5:00 p.m. which will cause student to miss rehearsal, a call to the voicemail must be made as soon as possible. Notification of any absence for a dress rehearsal, concert or event must be made no later than one hour before the scheduled rehearsal/performance. If an emergency arises after that time, call the voicemail as soon as feasible.

Tardy Policy: It is the responsibility of each member to be on time and prepared with instrument, music, and any accessories for all rehearsals. A student will be considered tardy for missing up to half of his/her designated rehearsal time. After that time, the student will be considered absent. When a student has been tardy three times, he/she will be credited with an unexcused absence.

Extracurricular Activities: It is the responsibility of the parent and student to speak directly with the Conductor about other activities in which the student participates before the activity season begins to ensure that no scheduling conflicts occur.


Concert Attire*

Proper concert attire is required of all CSOYO members. If a student is not properly attired for a concert, he/she will be asked to contact their parents for the necessary change of clothing.  If this is not corrected in time for the performance, the student may not be allowed to perform. Failure to perform could result in dismissal from the orchestra.  Please notify the CSOYO Manager, or a Board member, as soon as possible if there is any difficulty whatever in adhering to the dress code below.

Females: Black dress (dress must have sleeves and must be mid-calf or longer  no slits above the knee).  Spaghetti straps, backless, cap sleeve, low cut, sheer, sleeveless and sequin dresses are unacceptable concert attire.  Black dress pants (no capris, leggings, exercise pants, or tightly fitting dress pants) or skirts (no slits in skirt above the knee) and black blouses are acceptable.  Black blouses (no belly shirts) must meet the same requirements of the dress, with the exception of the length.  Black hosiery (no fishnet, nude or patterned stockings) is required, even with dress pants, and black dress shoes (no boots, strappy sandals, athletic shoes, clogs, flip-flops or open-toe shoes).  Black clothing should not be embellished with jewels, patterns, or cutouts; avoid faded black clothing.  No distracting jewelry, grooming, headwear, or attire are allowed.  Any questionable infractions of the dress code are subject to the discretion of the Board.

Males: Black coat and black dress slacks with white dress shirt, black bow tie, black socks (no short athletic socks) and black dress shoes.  Absolutely no tennis shoes or leather clothing or athletic shoes, clogs, boots, or sandals are allowed.  No distracting jewelry, grooming, headwear or attire are allowed.  Any questionable infractions of the dress code are subject to the discretion of the Board.

The CSOYO dress code is modeled after professional symphony orchestras across the U.S.  It is certainly not the intent of the CSOYO to force arbitrary standards of dress on the young people of our orchestras, but rather to encourage them to adopt professional adult standards of concert dress.  Symphony orchestra concerts are not an appropriate occasion for standing out or “exhibiting”, but to blend in with the group, just as the musicians should blend in musically as an ensemble.  It is to be hoped that the primary focus of attention during the concert will be on the music.  If there are any questions or doubts about this subject, please feel free to discuss the matter with the CSOYO Manager.

*There will be no exceptions made to the dress code. To avoid embarrassment and the possibility of missing a performance, please conform to this concert attire policy.


CODE OF CONDUCT


The Board of the CSOYO has developed this Code of Conduct to ensure that there is no misunderstanding concerning the proper expectations that are required from student musicians.  The following list details specific guidelines relating to behavior, attendance, dress code, and other possible infractions that will result in dismissal from the CSOYO.  This Code of Conduct is not limited to infractions listed below, and the Board reserves the right to take disciplinary action as the Board deems appropriate.

Student musicians are expected to be polite and courteous to everyone they meet, whether at rehearsals or at public performances.  The following are specific infractions that will result in immediate dismissal of a CSOYO student musician:

  1. Repeated incidences of rudeness to or harassment of fellow student musicians, conductors, coaches, staff, and/or CSOYO Board members
  2. The use of tobacco products and/or any illegal substance including, but not limited to, alcohol
  3. The use of profane language or the possession of objectionable printed or recorded material
  4. The possession of a weapon
  5. Theft or vandalism of property including, but not limited to: CSOYO student members, CSO, CSOYO, Hamilton County Schools, City of Chattanooga, Brainerd Baptist Church, and all venues where the CSOYO performs
  6. Violation of the Attendance Policy or repeated and intentional violation of the Dress Code
  7. Expulsion from school

A student on suspension from school may not participate in CSOYO rehearsals or concerts.  If a student misses rehearsals due to suspension, the absences will be considered unexcused per the Attendance Policy.  If a student misses a concert due to suspension, he/she will be dismissed from the CSOYO.