FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of time commitment is required to be part of the Maple Valley Youth Symphony?
Most groups have a 2-hour rehearsal scheduled once a week during the academic school year and musicians are expected to come prepared to participate in all rehearsals. The concert schedule involves between four and six concerts throughout the year. Our regualar season begins in September and ends mid - May. Our Summer Stock begins mid -May and ends n July and includes 3 additional community performances including the 4th of July fireworks performace at Lake Wldereness Park and any Summer Travel. The musicians also are encouraged attend a five-day summer camp in August.
How are musicians selected for specific groups?
Musicians are selected for our orchestra groups through our audition process. Placement is at the discretion of our conductor and anyone else involved in the audition. There is a group for every playing level. The MVYSO wants each student to be comfortable and confident in his or her group. If the student becomes unconfident or underchallenged, please let the conductor know and we will reconsider the placement. Placement in a different group will be considered based on playing level and work ethic of the student and the instumentation needs of our groups.
How are chair placements determined?
The MVYSO follows a general policy of seating rotation. Specific chair placement is at the discretion of the conductor and may change throughout the school year. The goal is to provide fair opportunity and learning experience, but includes consideration of student ability, maturity and rehearsal habits. The emphasis is on cooperation, rather than competition.
Initial chair placement will be based on audition.
Are rehearsals and concerts optional?
Rehearsals and concerts are extremely valuable for developing leadership, character, musicality and social relationships. The entire group benefits from the participation of each musician and suffers in their absence, therefore musicians should set these dates in their calendars at the beginning of the school year.
Is tuition expensive?
Tuition starts at $150 per trimester and includes the costs of procuring music, the instruction of a reputed conductor, individual and sectional coaching from adult musicians, leadership training and quality performance opportunities. The MVYSO subsidizes all activities through fundraising, sponsor and donor cultivation and other marketing activities. Tuition for our groups is as follows:
Beginning Strings - $150 per trimester
Debut Orchestra - $150 per trimester
Philharmonia Orchestra - $170 per trimester
Symphony Orchestra - $190 per trimester
Wind Ensemble or String Sinfonietta - Additional $50 per trimester
Tuition assistance is available on a limited basis depending on need. Please email elisa@mvyso.org and we'll send you a Tuition Assistance application or download it from our members page. Tuition assistance is provided by Rotary of Maple Valley and Black Diamond. Most tuition assistance is partial tuition asssistance. Please see parent guide for more information regarding tuition assistance policies and expectations of tuition assisted students and families.
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