Registration

Code of Conduct

GSYO offers a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills and learn about being part of an orchestra. An orchestra is a team that needs every player to pull their weight. To accomplish this all musicians must be committed to the program and adhere to the following:

• Appropriate behavior and discipline during rehearsals and performances.
• Full attention to the conductors and respect towards conductors, coaches, staff, volunteers, private property and fellow musicians.
• Receive regular and ongoing private instruction on orchestral instrument.
• Arrive prepared for rehearsals: practice at home, work with private teachers on music as needed.
• Arrange activities to avoid conflicts with rehearsals and concerts.
  

There is a zero tolerance policy with regard to the use of drugs and alcohol, smoking, and other illegal activities, and any form of harassment towards students and staff, both from GSYO students and their families.

Demographic Information

GSYO is collecting this information to fully understand the make-up of our student population and to better serve our community. This is also incredibly helpful when applying for grants. We thank you for your participation.

Attendance Policy

1. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, arriving promptly and ready to play at the appointed time.
2. Students who are ill should submit an Absence Notification through the GSYO Website no later than the morning of their expected absence. All regular rehearsal conflicts should be reported, in writing, to the Orchestra Assistant at least two weeks prior to the conflict. For concert conflicts, an Absence Notification must be submitted through the GSYO website by the second rehearsal of the affected concert set.
3. Students are expected to attend all concerts.
4. Within a concert sequence, any musician who misses more than two rehearsals, or misses a concert, will be evaluated on an individual basis by the staff, and may be subject to the consequences listed in item 6 (below).
5. Students who are active in school bands and orchestras should submit their school concert schedule, in writing, as well as the School Music Form to the Orchestra Assistant by September 9. GSYO supports school programs, and will work with each student to support their commitment to school music programs.
6. Infraction of the above rules may result in demotion in section, dismissal from a concert, re-auditioning for the conductor, or dismissal from the orchestra/ensemble. Students who miss concerts may be required to reimburse GSYO for a replacement musician.

Seating Policy

The conductor approves seating decisions after auditions and in consultation with coaches. Rotation within sections will be used whenever possible, at the conductor’s discretion, in order to give qualified students an opportunity to play in a higher seat.

Excellent attendance and attentiveness during rehearsals will be considered when placing students of comparable ability. In addition, attitude and leadership skills will be a consideration for principal positions.

All issues or inquiries regarding seating audition results or a musician’s placement in the orchestra should be directed to the Executive Director.

Note: Under no circumstances should any parent or musician directly contact a conductor or coach on the subject of seating. Anyone in violation of this policy may be subject to dismissal from the orchestra/ensemble.

Media Notification

As pertains to GSYO Rehearsals, Concerts, and Camps: Golden State Youth Orchestra (GSYO) and its designated volunteers photograph and record GSYO rehearsals, concerts, camps, and other official GSYO events. These photos/videos are for archival as well as marketing purposes (website, print, and social media). The content will not be sold and minors will not be identified without prior consent from a parent. If there is concern about this practice, please contact Executive Director Jesse Schiffman at jschiffman@gsyomusic.org.

Minor Waiver

I understand that such participation required mine and my child's cooperation with the staff and/or volunteers in charge; that my child will abide by the GSYO code of conduct; and that I will not hold GSYO responsible for any lack of cooperation or willful misconduct on my child's part that results in injury, damage, or loss of any kind. I understand that my child must obey the following safety rules during any GSYO activity:

1. Student will not leave the room during rehearsals without the permission of a responsible adult in charge, including visits to the restroom.
2. Student will not engage in any behavior that may cause harm to another person or private property.
3. Student will stay close to the rehearsal area during breaks, and will not leave the area without permission during the break time.
4. Student will return promptly to the rehearsal at the end of break time.
5. Student will not accept a ride home from another member without the permission of their parent(s); student will not walk/bike home without parental permission. 

In case of emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact me. In the event that I cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission to the hospital and or physician selected by the adult in charge to secure proper treatment for my student, including paramedic services, hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, and injections of medication.

In return for the benefits such minor will receive from participation, I agree not to sue and hereby release and agree to hold harmless the Golden State Youth Orchestra, its employees, staff, and any volunteers working with the Association for and from liability and responsibility, except for any loss or injury caused intentionally or by willful misconduct. 

The release is intended to protect the Golden State Youth Orchestra, its employees, staff and any volunteers working with the Association from claims of negligence (the failure to use reasonable care). However, it is not intended to exempt them from responsibility for their willful or intentional injury to the person or property of another.

I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability, hold harmless agreement, and assumption of risk agreement and that it is a legally binding contract between the Golden State Youth Orchestra and me. I further understand that this release is binding on my heirs or anyone making a claim. I sign of my own free will.

Health Summary

Health Summary Agreement

To the best of my knowledge, the information I have supplied on this health summary is complete and accurate. In case of emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact me. In the event that I cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission to the hospital and/or physician selected by the adult in charge to secure proper treatment for my student, including paramedic services, hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, and injections of medication.

Financial Obligations

Your required financial obligation will be the Tuition Fee and Ticket Card. At a minimum, the 6-Ticket Card is required. The 10-Ticket card would also fulfill the obligation.

We kindly request 100% parent participation at the level of your ability, for the Annual Fund Campaign.*

Tuition Fee: $1,335 ($534 deposit due with registration; remainder due 9/1)
6-Ticket Card: $109 (due 8/15)

*We ask all of our families to make a tax-deductible donation to GSYO during the season. The Fall Annual Fund Campaign is a vital part of the budget, and our goal is 100% participation. Although not required, substantive member donations are an important signal to outside funding organizations. Even a small donation of any size to GSYO during the season can make a big difference when everyone participates. In addition, we ask all families to volunteer at GSYO concerts and on GSYO teams throughout the season.

Financial Aid: It is the policy of GSYO that no student should be excluded from participation due to financial hardship. Financial Aid is need-based. If you would like to apply for financial aid, please fill out the application (will open below) and make the $100 payment at this time. You must either upload a copy of your most recent Federal Tax Return or mail a copy to the GSYO Administrative Office at 4055 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 to complete your request. GSYO Administration will notify you of any amount awarded as soon as possible.

Family Discount: Families with more than one musician enrolled in GSYO can take a 10% discount on the tuition fee (not applicable to tour, tickets or camps/retreats); instructions and information available in the registration forms. Family discount available during Spring registration only. Family discount cannot be applied to Financial Aid payments or awards.

Late Fee: Please add the payment dates to your calendar. There will be a $50 fee assessed for payments received more than three days after the due date. GSYO will send you a reminder email approx. one week before the deadline. If you would like to keep a credit card on file and authorize GSYO to process your future payments automatically, please request a credit card authorization form from Deepika: deepika@gsyomusic.org.

Golden State Youth Orchestra would appreciate check or ACH payments. These payment methods will help GSYO reduce credit card fees and allow us to allocate financial resources towards orchestra programs.

GSYO offers a fee discount for those who prefer to pay by check or Electronic Fund Transfer (via ACH). 

Tuition Fee: $1,300 ($520 deposit due with registration; remainder due 9/1)

Please note, if you make your tuition deposit payment via check or Electronic Fund Transfer (via ACH), any subsequent tuition payments (for the season) must be made by check or ACH.

Financial Aid Request

Your financial aid request will not be processed until the GSYO Office has received a copy of your most recent Federal Tax Return. Please mail a hard copy to 4055 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 or upload a copy to this form by the registration deadline.

If you have more than one musician concurrently enrolled in GSYO, you must submit a Financial Aid request for each student. The Family Discount cannot be applied to Financial Aid Deposits or Awards. The number of musicians enrolled will be taken into consideration when making Award decisions.

The $100 Financial Aid Deposit is due at this time. When you submit the registration, you will be redirected to a page where you can make the payment with your credit/debit card. You may also mail a check to the GSYO Office: 4055 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303.

Your registration is not complete until we have received the deposit. GSYO Administration will be in contact with you during the summer regarding your application and any amount awarded.

Enrollment Agreement

Stay Tuned Up Over the Summer!

The (optional) Summer Conservatory Program is for GSYO string players and is directed by Jordan Webster, Chamber Players Conductor.

The class meets at Union Presbyterian Church in Los Altos, Monday through Friday, July 14-25, 9am-noon with a performance on the final evening.

Recommended for musicians ages 6-14.

Beginning Strings: Young players will play some arrangements of well-known classical pieces (for example: a Bach Prelude and Fugue, Ode to Joy, Mozart's String Quartet), as well as some original and exciting works for string orchestra. Recommended for incoming Chamber Players musicians and string players with 1-2 years of lessons; Chamber Players-level violinists who are switching to viola are also encouraged to participate.

If you are applying for Financial Aid, or making your payment via check or electronic fund transfer (via ACH), you will be directed to a payment page or form.