PSSO POLICIES

PSSO Attendance Policy

Membership in the Preucil School String Orchestra is both a privilege and a responsibility. Attendance is required at all rehearsals, sectionals and concerts.

1. Only the Conductor or the Director of the School can grant an excused absence. The only excused absences from rehearsals or performances are:

• Confining illness — (i.e. running a temp, contagious)
• School music events or performances.
• Family emergencies.

2. Only 2 excused absences will be allowed per season. (See #6)

3. There are no unexcused absences allowed.
2 tardies or 2 early departures = 1 unexcused absence. (See #6)

4. All foreseen absences must be reported to the Conductor no later than one week prior to the absence on a signed Excused Absence Form or by a parent submitting the Excused Absence Form on the Preucil School website.

5. Absences due to illness or emergencies are to be called in to the North Campus Office, 319-248-1248, followed with submitting a signed Excused Absence Form at the next rehearsal or on the Preucil School website.

6. Members of the PSSO are expected to be dedicated musicians who will not try to “find” excuses to be absent. Abuse of the attendance policy or lack of musical preparation may require the Conductor and the Director of the School to re-evaluate the player�s seating or continued membership in the orchestra.

Members of the PSSO understand and appreciate the responsibility this opportunity carries. The orchestra only achieves success through the collective contribution of all its members.

Registration: Parent’s signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.

PSSO Membership Policy

Welcome to the start of the 2021-22 year and Preucil School String Orchestra season! We are looking forward to a great year and would like to share a few of our plans with you.

We return with the same format for PSSO as we used in 2019-20. Philharmonia and Sinfonietta will rehearse as separate orchestras and they will come together to play as the PSSO. Anthony Arnone will be conducting Sinfonietta, Carey Bostian will conduct Philharmonia and they both will work with PSSO.

In order for this group to reach its potential, there are certain student expectations in the areas of attendance, membership, and rehearsals that all participants need to understand and agree to prior to registering. Please read Attendance Policy carefully!

Membership in the Preucil School String Orchestra (PSSO) is open to all qualified Preucil School of Music students through recommendation by their teacher.

• Members must be in grades 10-12 or have met specific playing requirements.
• Playing requirements: Information is available through Preucil Faculty.
• Membership in the PSSO is a privilege. Members are trusted to act accordingly and follow guidelines and procedures set by the school administration, director of the orchestra and faculty.
• A student must be a member of the PSSO or Concert Orchestra one year in advance of the Tour year to receive any available grant money. The next tour is scheduled for the summer of 2022.
• It is understood that members will attend all PSSO rehearsals and performances and follow the Attendance Policy.
• Registration: Parent’s signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies that parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.
• It is understood that boys and girls in PSSO will rent the assigned orchestra uniform. All new students and students needing to exchange their uniforms need to take care of this in September with Denise at the North Campus Office.

We have much to be proud of at the Preucil School of Music, but it takes everyone to create and maintain quality. Thank you for helping to make this a successful season for the PSSO!

PSSO Rehearsal Information

When: Mondays 5:45 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: North Campus Walder Hall

Click for a master schedule for PSSO and all related Monday groups. Refer to it for specific dates and times. Any changes will be announced at rehearsals, posted at both buildings, sent by email and/or post card and posted on the school’s Facebook page and website.

What is expected of you before rehearsals:

• Practice your parts.
• Take your music into your lessons for help.
• Find a recording of the music you are playing and become familiar with it.

What to bring to rehearsals:

• Your instrument in proper playing condition, plus all necessary accessories (i.e., mutes, extra strings, rosin).
• Pencil for marking music.
• Music folder. All members are given a folder and all are expected to bring their music to rehearsals/concerts.
  Outside players: Your music is used for all rehearsals and concerts.
  Inside players: Your music is used as a backup in case your stand partner is absent. Please put in the important markings from rehearsals. This will also help at-home practice.
• Excused Absence Form, (filled out with parent’s signature), if needed to be turned in – or submitted online.

What is expected of you at rehearsals (and concerts):

• Arrive 10 minutes ahead of the start of rehearsal, warm up, and get organized.
  Remember: “To be on time, is to be late” and “To be early, is to be on time.”
• Listen respectfully to directions and announcements
• No talking, gum-chewing, eating, studying during rehearsals.
• Turn off all cell phones and other (texting) electronic devices during rehearsals.

Registration: Parent’s signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.