Welcome to he Senior Musicians protected area.

Important information for Senior Members will be made available on this page. The information will be updated regularly, and members must check this page from time to time to ensure that they are up to date with the most current information.

General Information

WCYO® Senior Orchestra players are allowed to take part in the Senior Jazz Band rehearsals at any time. Jazz Band participation is encouraged to help participants with confidence in performance and improvisation. However, when the Jazz Band receives performance invitations, the more regular or advanced players will be given the opportunity to participate. Participants for performances will be selected according to merits and specific event criteria.

YOUR SAFETY AT WCYO

You and your family are WCYO’s number one priority and your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. WCYO respects that parents / guardians have primary responsibility for the care of their children. We call on parents/guardians to communicate proactively and honestly with us about issues and concerns, regardless of how big or small it seems to be.

When, where and how will orchestra rehearsals be scheduled?

  • Symphony orchestra rehearsals are scheduled mainly on a Friday afternoon between 14:30 and 18:30 – see the Calendar.
  • Rehearsals will mainly be at Curro Langebaan Independent School hall but might be at other venues from time to time. Notices will be sent out in advance, but also check the Calendar.
  • If there are transport issues, please discuss this with WCYO Management, as there might be several solutions, lifts and lift clubs available.
  • Strings, winds and ensemble rehearsals will also be scheduled during these times as far as possible, depending on the performances planned.
  • Different rehearsal time slots will be scheduled for the various orchestras / bands / ensembles and will be indicated on the WCYO Calendar, as well as non-rehearsal days, as not all the groups will rehearse every Friday. A quarterly calendar will be available on the website (www.wcyo.org.za) and per email.
  • Strings, winds and ensemble rehearsals will also be scheduled to be during these times as far as possible, depending on the performances planned.
  • Additional rehearsals may be scheduled on school holidays / Saturdays / long weekends, depending on upcoming projects and concerts, which will be announced in advance and is mainly applicable to the Senior Symphony Orchestra.
  • Orchestra members must make sure to be available for all rehearsals, practice camps and performances.
  • The conductor / teachers / concert master has the right to replace / demote positions / dismiss members who miss / cancel rehearsals / performances without the appropriate permission, or due to disciplinary problems.
  • Parents are welcome to discuss conflicting interests with the conductor or orchestra manager in order to make alternative arrangements for rehearsals, to enable players to proceed with all their activities.
  • Must ensure that you attend all rehearsals. In the case of unavoidable absence, the Excuse Request Form must be completed and submitted at least a week before a rehearsal, and two weeks before a performance, even after making a verbal excuse.
  • Senior members must please discuss conflicting interests with the conductor or orchestra manager in order to make alternative arrangements for rehearsals, to enable players to proceed with all their activities.
  • The WCYO Board, Management and Conductors have the right to withhold annual awards if orchestra members do not attend all rehearsals and/or performances as per the Calendar.
  • Senior Jazz Band Rehearsals will be announced on the Senior Jazz Band WhatsApp Group, weekly. If you would like to attend rehearsals, please contact Mr D’mitri Linnerd.

Where do I get the sheet music and rules?

  • All sheet music will be emailed to members on a regular basis. It is the responsibility of all orchestra members to check their email on a regular basis, print parts, and take sheet music to rehearsals and practical lessons, when possible.
  • Printed copies will be available, only if arranged not later than two days before a rehearsal, at a cost of R2.00 per copy.
  • Orchestra books, 96-page thin hardcover books and front pages will be provided free of charge to orchestra members. No flip files will be allowed under any circumstances.
  • WCYO members are expected to practice and know their parts for rehearsals to keep their orchestra rank position. The conductor / teachers / concert master has the right to replace / demote positions / dismiss members who attend rehearsals without sheet music / orchestra books / without preparing the relevant repertoire, or lack of progress. It is wise to take your orchestra parts to lessons on a regular basis and ask your teacher for assistance if necessary.
    All orchestra members must own and bring a solid sheet music stand to rehearsals and performances, and all senior orchestra players are encouraged to bring a specialised instrument stand to rehearsals also, especially wind instruments (to prevent damage to instruments).
  • All sheet music-, instrument stands and accessories can be ordered directly from WCMAc (sales@wcmac.co.za).

WCYO Attire for Senior Members

All dress should be elegant, neat, professional.

Females

  • Black Skirt: Below the knee when seated, if split, it should not be higher than the knee and only at the back. Formal fabric and the necessary black under-dress, if necessary OR
  • Black Pants: Must be well-cut, formal fabric (no jeans, jeggings, leggings, not too tight).
  • Black Shoes: School or elegant, neat or pumps (no high heels).
  • Black Socks / Stockings: Black only, no patterns.
  • Shirts: White collar shirt (long or short-sleeved, clean and ironed, with WCYO logo embroidered – to be embroidered at Eldorina in Vredenburg (Proses Street).
    • Principal Players are allowed to wear black shirts instead of white.
  • Tie: Senior players only. WCYO tie – order directly from WCYO – email mariaan@westcoastmusicacademy.co.za
  • Pullover / Jersey: WCYO Pullover / Jersey – order directly from WCYO – email mariaan@westcoastmusicacademy.co.za
  • Jacket: WCYO Jackets (can be ordered at Eldorina in Vredenburg).

Take note: No other black jacket will be allowed with the Orchestra Attire. You are welcome to contact mariaan@westcoastmusicacademy.co.za to enquire about 2nd hand jackets.

Males

  • Black pants: Formal material / suit pants / very neat (NO black jeans).
  • Black belt.
  • Black Shoes: School or dress shoes, polished.
  • Black Socks: Black only. No patterns.
  • Shirts: White collar shirt (long or short-sleeved), clean and ironed, with WCYO logo embroidered – to be embroidered at Eldorina in Vredenburg (Proses Street).
    • Principal Players are allowed to wear black shirts instead of white.
  • Tie: Senior players only. WCYO tie – order directly from WCYO – email mariaan@westcoastmusicacademy.co.za
  • Pullover / Jersey: WCYO Pullover / Jersey – order directly from WCYO – email mariaan@westcoastmusicacademy.co.za
    Jacket: WCYO Jackets (can be ordered at Eldorina in Vredenburg).

Excuse form

If you need to apply for a leave of absence for some reason or another and are unable to attend a rehearsal/performance or any other related Jazz Band, Ensemble or Orchestra event, please fill in and submit the Excuse Form on the membership page.

Events Calendar

Click on the link below for the Events Calendar showing WCYO upcoming events. In the calendar, click on any event for more info.

Click for Calendar

 

“Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter – to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to a world of peace, and see reality in a new way, as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water.”
Albert Einstein