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 mandatory. Since the CSOYO is a training organization for possible future careers as professionals, proper concert dress is expected. No exceptions will be made to the dress code. If a student is not properly attired, he/she will not be allowed to perform, and failure to perform will result in possible dismissal from the orchestra.

Females: Black dress (dress must have sleeves and the hem be mid-calf or longer with no slits above the knee). Spaghetti straps, backless, sleeveless, and sequin dresses are unacceptable concert attire. Black dress pants or skirts (no slits in skirts above knee) and black blouses are acceptable. Black hosiery is required even with black dress pants and black dress shoes (no tennis shoes, flip flops, or open-toe shoes). No distracting jewelry, headwear, or leather clothing are allowed.

Males: Black coat and black dress slacks with white dress shirt, black bow tie, black socks and black dress shoes. Absolutely no tennis shoes or leather clothing are allowed.

*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.