Page 71 - AYO Governance Manual Draft

APPENDIX - PLAYERS’ HANDBOOK

This handbook has been prepared as a guide for musicians, outlining the orchestra’s policies,
procedures, rules and information. All policies are subject to the Rules of the AYO Society.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Auckland Youth Orchestra is to provide the best possible orchestral
training and tuition to young musicians at the pre-professional level and to enrich the cultural life of
the community by presenting music at the highest level of artistic achievement.

Governance
Every musician who successfully auditions and pays their annual subscription fee is a
member of the AYO Society. The members of the Society, amongst other things, vote to appoint an
Executive Committee and Players’ Representatives at the Annual General Meeting, held in
November/December. The Committee is responsible for the overall direction, administration and
management of the orchestra. The Music Director is responsible for artistic management and
development.

Artistic Standards
AYO is dedicated to attaining the highest achievable artistic standards. Each member is
expected to meet these standards of musicianship.
Artistic Assessments may be held during a programme. The purpose of these Assessments
is to ensure that musicians are preparing their allocated parts diligently and to review placement
and part allocation in the orchestra. Only excerpts from the programme repertoire will be assessed.

Music and Library
Orchestral parts will be distributed to members prior to or at the first rehearsal. Parts should
contain markings which should be adhered to unless changed by Section Leaders, tutors or the
Music Director at rehearsal.
All parts and folders must be returned before leaving the final concert venue for that
programme. The cost of lost or damaged parts or folders will be invoiced to offending musicians.

Volunteering
Musicians may be required, from time to time, to undertake and perform tasks and services
for the orchestra. These tasks may include fundraising, concert promotion, orchestral set up, and
the packing in and out of orchestral instruments and equipment. Musicians may be expected to
participate in a roster scheme. All musicians acknowledge that recordings (audio or visual) are the
property of AYO.

Player Representatives
If you have any ideas or problems with regards to AYO, please make a Player
Representative your first contact point. They will be able to help or put you in touch with someone
who can.