Westchester Elementary Strings Orchestra

2018-2019 Information

Elementary Strings Sectional Rehearsals - Sunday, October 21, 2018

Sectional Rehearsals Attendance Form

Please refer to the list below for times and room for your section of the orchestra:

1:15 to 2:30 pm First Violins and Violas

2:45 to 4:00 pm Cello, Bass and Second Violins

Rooms: Room 116 and 104 (Our rehearsal room, and next door)

Please Save this Date

Sectionals are a very important part of our concert preparations. They allow us to improve the music specific to each section, in a relaxed, workshop-like setting, without asking the rest of the orchestra to wait for long periods of time. Consequently, this is a really important rehearsal, and your attendance is strongly encouraged.

If you have a family emergency or a previously scheduled commitment at your assigned time, please contact Mr. Klinger or parent liaisons ahead of time (info below).

General Information

Westchester Community College’s Academic Arts Building near Parking lot #4. (see http://www.gwyoa.org/contact for map). Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to unpack and tune instruments.

What to bring: music stand and folder (containing ALL the music), sharpened pencil, cello and bass rock stops.

Contact Information: Conductor: Bernard Klinger: bernard.klinger@gwyoa.org or berklinger@optonline.net

Parent liaisons: Mrs. Grace Baccay: grace.baccay@gwyoa.org , Mrs. Iris Wong: iris.wong@gwyoa.org

Inclement Weather Policy: Contact your conductor/parent liaisons when in doubt. Should the rehearsals be cancelled for weather, we will notify you by email. Please make sure we always have your current email address.

Inclement Weather Policy:

GWYOA follows the Westchester Community College decisions for bad weather closures. Please check the WCC website (http://www.sunywcc.edu), call the WCC Information number at 914-606-6900, or contact your conductor or parent liaison when in doubt. Should a rehearsal be cancelled for weather, we will notify you by email. Please make sure we always have your current email address.

Concert Information

Winter Concert - Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Westchester Community College’s, Hankin Academic Arts Building. Ticket price will be a suggested donation at the door. Musician arrival time and more information to follow.

Spring Gala Concert - Sunday, April 28, 2019 at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC. Tickets are available for purchase through Lincoln Center’s box office a few weeks before the concert. Seating is general admission, although you may be asked to choose seats when purchasing tickets. Student BUS transportation from WCC is provided - and is REQUIRED. Buses depart WCC at approximately 10:00 am. Transportation home from Lincoln Center is NOT provided.

Crowne Plaza White Plains Holiday Performance - Wednesday, December 5, 2018: Once again this year, Elementary Strings has been given the honor of kicking-off the Holiday Season at the Crowne Plaza White Plains / Downtown (website / map). Performing a selection of Holiday Melodies and Carols, as well as their Winter Concert program. Followed by the Crowne Plaza's Tree Lighting ceremony.

Students need to arrive between 4:30 - 4:45 pm. They will be directed to a location to store coats and cases and to tune instruments. Performance starts at 5:00 pm and should end between 5:45 - 6:00 pm. Concert or holiday attire required. Public parking is available just past Crowne Plaza entrance on Hale Avenue. Parents, family and friends welcome.

Elementary Strings Tours: The multiple venue, daylong tours offer students the opportunity to polish their performances for upcoming concerts.

Fall Tour: Thursday, December 6, 2018 (Snow date: Friday, December 7). Bus to / from WCC is provided. Approximate times: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Spring Tour: Thursday, April 26, 2018. Bus to / from WCC is provided. Approximate times: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Concert Attire:

Concert attire, as specified below, is required at all performances.

Black or navy pants, black socks and shoes, white shirt with conservative, straight tie, and black jacket. No athletic shoes/sneakers. Shirt must be tucked inside pants.

OR

All white blouse, black shoes, black skirt (knee length or longer).

General Information

Sectional Rehearsals:

1 in Fall; 1 in Spring - dates to be determined

Attendance and Behavior:

See Musicians' Contract: Item #1 states “Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Inappropriate behavior, excessive tardiness and absences (excused or not) jeopardizes the orchestra’s ability to perform and will necessitate a review by the conductor with the Board of Directors. More than two (2) absences per semester will be considered excessive and may constitute grounds for dismissal.” Cell phones and electronics must be silenced and out of sight during rehearsals.

Parent Volunteers:

Parents will be given a list of volunteer dates at the first rehearsal for: assisting the conductor with setting up the rehearsal room before rehearsal, monitoring behavior during rehearsal, and restoring room to original setup and condition after the rehearsal. Parents will be asked to volunteer once or twice per season, if you have a conflict on an assigned date, you may swap dates with another parent. Please arrive by 6:10 pm on your assigned date.

Westchester Elementary Strings Orchestra Contact Information:

Conductor: Bernard Klinger: bernard.klinger@gwyoa.org

Parent Liaison: Mrs. Grace Baccay: grace.baccay@gwyoa.org

Musicians' Contract and Tuition

Congratulations! Welcome to the 2018-2019 season of the GWYOA .

In order to hold your seat in the orchestra, you must complete and submit the Musicians' Contract and pay your Tuition by August 1, 2018. Wait Listed musicians will be offered your seat after the deadline.

Click here for Musicians' Contract

Tuition

Full tuition for the 2018-2019 season is $490.

Families with more than one child in GWYOA are entitled to a 10% tuition reduction off each child’s tuition = $441.

If you need to make payments in installments, please make arrangements via email: treasurer@gwyoa.org

Refund policy:

100% refund before the 1^st rehearsal (minus $20 processing fee); 75% refund after 1^st rehearsal (minus $20 processing fee); 50% after 2^nd rehearsal (minus $20 processing fee); 25% after 3^rd rehearsal (minus $20 processing fee); no refund after 4^th rehearsal.