Page 72 - AYO Governance Manual Draft

Rehearsals
Rehearsal Procedure
1. Arrive 15 minutes before rehearsal. Be seated and warmed up by the start of rehearsal.
2. An attendance register is ticked off 5 minutes before rehearsal commences.
3. Tuning begins at the scheduled time of rehearsal.
4. There will be a 15 minute break approximately half way through 2.5 or 3 hour rehearsals.

Rehearsals
The orchestra predominantly rehearses on Wednesdays 7-10pm. Please note that should a
rehearsal start late, it may run overtime.

Clusters/Workshops
These take place on consecutive days and usually comprise a 2-hour sectional and 3-hour tutti
rehearsal each day. Best efforts will be made to ensure they occur during school and university
holiday periods.

Camp
If a residential orchestra camp is planned, this will be scheduled over a 3-5 day period in holiday
time and will be compulsory for all members involved in the relevant programme. This is not a
regular event and it has been some years since a camp has been held.

Applying for leave
Absences from rehearsal are detrimental to the orchestra’s progress and individual
development. The Music Director and the tutors prepare schedules based on full attendance.
Nevertheless, AYO does recognise that some absences may be unavoidable due to special
circumstances. Please adhere to a no-surprises philosophy by following the following regime:

1. Prepare an application: specify the date(s) and time(s), the purpose for seeking leave and all
other relevant information. Try to maximise your attendance – if you can, try to miss only half a
rehearsal. Applications may be made under the following circumstances:
Education: includes examinations, tests, interviews, competitions, professional
development
Compassion: to attend funerals, weddings, other extraordinary personal circumstances
Sickness: we expect you to reschedule non-urgent medical appointments if possible

2. Send your application: Please email the Music Director and the Manager at
“antunpoljanich@gmail.com” and “manager@ayo.org.nz” at least a week in advance.

3. Notify your section leader either in person or by text: If you are unsure who your section leader
is, or how to contact the section leader, please email info@ayo.org.nz to obtain this information.

4. Assumption of approval: you will only be contacted if your application is not in accordance with
the guidelines above or if you do not submit your application in time.

Withdrawal from programme
If a member cannot perform in a concert and notifies AYO with less than 3 weeks’ notice, they will
be expected to fully compensate AYO for reasonable expenses in hiring another player to replace
them for up to two rehearsals and the concert.

Unauthorised absence
Members who are absent without leave may be required to complete an Artistic Assessment. In the
case of serious or repeated offending, players may be demoted or dismissed from the orchestra.

Conduct Policy