• Arrive fifteen minutes before the rehearsal start time.

• Bring music, a pencil, and water to every rehearsal.

• Be respectful during rehearsals. (This includes not talking, using cell phones, completing homework, or disrupting the rehearsal in any other way.)

• Never chew gum or eat food during rehearsal time.

• Stay on site during the entire rehearsal unless prearranged with the Symphony Manager.

• Clean up after rehearsals.

• Listen to and practice music outside of rehearsals. (Our limited rehearsal time is for polishing, not for learning notes.)

• Fully commit to the rehearsal process by making every effort to attend all rehearsals.

• Absences must be approved by 1) reporting rehearsal conflicts during registration and 2) notifying the Symphony Manager of any changes to rehearsal conflicts at symphony@zionsyouth.org.

• Approved absences are those necessitated by other musical or school commitments, illness, family emergencies, or major family events, such as weddings. Approval will not be given for family vacations, homework, or recreational conflicts.

• In case of an emergency or illness, communicate with the Symphony Manager.

• DRESS REHEARSAL IS MANDATORY!

As a representative of ZYSC, it is important that you understand your responsibilities:

• BRING YOUR BEST SELF TO REHEARSAL. Be mature and thoughtful. Be on time. Be prepared to rehearse. Listen to and follow directions. Communicate effectively with a good attitude. Treat every person with respect. Dress appropriately and modestly. Bullying, disrespect, or abuse in any form cannot occur in our rehearsals and performances, or in association with ZYSC in any way. Please be gracious and kind to those who serve you, including those who feed and clean up after you. If you have a behavior issue, you will not be able to perform with us.

• LEARN YOUR MUSIC. Since no one else can do your job, you must. We hold you to a high standard of discipline and hard work throughout the process, from the first rehearsal through the last performance. You will learn a lot of music in rehearsals. You will need to practice at home and be committed to rehearsal attendance. If you do not learn your music, you will not be able to perform with us.

• TREAT THE REHEARSAL BUILDING WITH RESPECT AND CARE. Our building is a dedicated house of worship, and we are invited guests. Use the building carefully and gently. If you spill or drop something, clean it up or pick it up. Do not shout in the chapel, do not run in the building. Always act appropriately. This is also expected at The Smith Center, or anywhere we rehearse or perform.

• REPRESENT ZYSC. You are literally Zion’s Youth. We expect you to demonstrate that with every action. We are thrilled when we hear that our youth are kind, joyful, gracious, considerate, generous, loving, and respectful. Youth who cannot honor these responsibilities will not perform with ZYSC.

• Black concert dress:

  • Boys must wear a black suit, white shirt, black socks, and black shoes.

  • Girls must wear a long black dress with long sleeves to the wrist (or a black top and a long black skirt), black tights, and black shoes. No jewelry (except a small pair of earrings).

• Hair should be a natural hair color only (no dyes), and it must be pulled off of your face (no top buns).

• As a representative of Zion’s Youth Symphony & Chorus, be on your best behavior at all times.

• Stay in the assigned areas of The Smith Center.

• Get prior authorization if you need to leave The Smith Center facility or grounds.

• Clean up after yourself, including food and beverages.

• Leave valuables at home.