Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia

School aged students are eligible for membership and must participate in their school band or orchestra program on the same instrument that they play in Bay Youth. Private lessons are strongly recommended. Members must meet performance and conduct standards as outlined in this handbook, attend weekly rehearsals, concerts and fulfill financial obligations. Vacancies within each orchetra will be filled at the discretion of the director.

The audition is an evaluation of a student's technical and musical ability by the Artistic Staff. The audition material may consist of orchestral excerpts, a prepared piece of the student's own choosing, sight-reading, and/or scales. Excerpts will be available well in advance of audition dates.

Group assignments are based primarily on musical maturity and technical ability. Orchestral seeting order and part assignments are made at the discretion of the Artistic Staff.

For Symphony members only: Concerto Competition auditions for the Concerto Concert are held in December. Details and applications will be available in October.

Tuition and Library Deposit

Junior String Orchestra: $150 tuition, $10 deposit
String Orchestra: $180 tuition, $15 deposit
Concert Orchestra: $270 tuition, $20 deposit
Symphony Orchestra: $325 tuition, $25 deposit

All payments should be made payable to: Bay Youth Orchestras of VA (include your child's name on the check).

Tuition myst be paid (or payment arrangments made) to attend rehearsals. No refunds will be issued. Returning members wanting to maintain their position with the orchestra must make a non-refundable deposit of $50 toward their fall tuition no later than July 15. The balance will be due no later than September 1. Families with multiple members receive a 20% discount for additional students after paying the highest tuition in full.

Financial Assistance: Tuition scholarships and work-study positions are available based solely on financial need. Contact the Manager for an application. Questions regarding payment should be directed to the Manager or the Treasurer.

Membership Agreement

Upon receiving notification of acceptance into the Bay Youth Orchestras, musicians are asked to complete and sign a Membership Agreement Form. Signing that form acknowledges the understanding and support of the policies, requirements, and expectations of Bay Youth Orchestra members. The handbook outlines the objectives and policies to facilitate one's personal contributions to the orchestras and will help one benefit from membership.