SOGO Musician Handbook 2022-2023 Season

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

GENERAL: 360.352.1438 (Voice mail) EMAIL: studentorchestras@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.studentorchestras.org

MAILING ADDRESS

1629 22nd Ave SE Olympia WA 98501

OFFICE HOURS

Hours vary. Please leave a phone message or email.

REHEARSAL LOCATION

Jefferson Middle School 2200 Conger Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502

CONCERT VENUE

WA Center for the Performing Arts 512 Washington St SE Olympia WA 98501 360.753.8586 WashingtonCenter.org

ARTISTIC STAFF

Cameron May, Music Director Greg Allison, Artistic Director

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Krina Allison, Executive Director Email: studentorchestras@gmail.com Zoe Chapman, Executive Assistant Amber Young, Finance Director Email: sogo.bookkeeper@gmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Absences……………..…………..................5 Artistic Staff...........................................13 Board……………………….……………..…...14 Concert Details ……….....……………….…....11 Concert Dress..........................................9 Concert Etiquette………….......................10 Concert Season ………………....…….………...4 Fees……………………………......................6 General Information............................7/8 Communications Cancellations Donations SOGO Emporium Fundraiser Advertising Community Service Hours Volunteering Musical Opportunities …....…..……………..6 Policies ………………….……....………………...14 Practice Tips ………………....….……………...12 Rehearsal Calendar ……....…………………….4 Student Responsibilities..........................5 Attendance Reporting Absences Safety Percussionists Tickets ……………......…………….................11

CHANGES OF ADDRESS—phone & email

Please inform the SOGO office of any changes in address, phone numbers, email addresses, private teachers and schools via our email at: studentorchestras@gmail.com We do our best to keep our records current so you will not miss an important mailing.

CANCELLATIONS: Inclement conditions

1. Check the SOGO website at www.studentorchestras.org

2. Call the SOGO phone (360.352.1438) and listen for a recorded message

3. Listen to Mixx96.1

4. Check the SOGO Facebook page at Facebook.com/StudentOrchestras

2022-23 SEASON SCHEDULE

REHEARSAL (arrive 15 minutes early):

Debut Orchestra

2:45-4:15 p.m. Brass Choir 3:30-4:15 p.m. Academy Orchestra 4:30-6:15 p.m. Conservatory Orchestra 4:30-6:30 p.m. Ensembles Arranged

All rehearsals are on Sundays at Jefferson M.S., 2200 Conger Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502

DRESS REHEARSAL Sundays at the Washington Center. Enter from the alley - there will be signs posted in the alley. Parents may attend the dress rehearsal (follow signs into the theater from the alley).

Brass Choir load-in 11:00 AM Brass Choir 11:20 AM—11:55 a.m. Debut 12:00 PM—12:45 p.m. Academy 1:00 PM—1:45 p.m. Conservatory 2:00 PM—3:00 p.m. Concert Call Time 3:30 PM (concert dress required)

REHEARSAL CALENDAR

There are slight differences in the calendar for each group. Be sure to check the web site for your specific group. Dates are subject to change.

AUGUST 2022 24 Auditions (via Zoom) 28 Tuition Due; Music Pick-Up 28 Orchestra Kick-Off; New parent meeting SEPTEMBER

Rehearsal

(Saturday) Conduct Us Fall Arts Walk

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

REPORTING ABSENCES: QUICK REFERENCE

1. Advanced absence reporting—fill out the absentee form online at studentorchestras.org. (Click the Membership tab)

2. Illness - fill out the absentee form online at studentorchestras.org and call to leave a message at 360.352.1438.

SOGO EXPECTS: Participation in your school music program, attendance at all rehearsals and concerts, arrival at rehearsal 15 minutes prior, music prepared before rehearsal through practice at home, HAVE FUN!!!

Consistent attendance and participation in all rehearsals and concerts are vital to the success of the ensemble as a whole. Your absence from rehearsal is difficult for your fellow musicians, conductor, and the ensemble. If necessary to miss a rehearsal, fill out an absentee form online. (Click the Membership tab)

ATTENDANCE: Promptness (arriving 15 minutes early to warm-up) and perfect attendance are expected of all SOGO musicians. Because of the high level of musicianship required by SOGO orchestras, attendance is a key factor in providing a complete, productive and worthwhile musical experience. Please bring your own music stand for rehearsals.

ABSENCES: You are allowed a maximum of one (1) absence per concert cycle. Excused absences include: death in the family, sickness, required school events, and religious observances. Homework excuses are not considered acceptable. Dress rehearsals are mandatory.

EXCEEDING THE LIMIT: If more than one (1) rehearsal is missed per concert session, your conductor(s) and teaching artists will determine your participation in the performance. Musicians with more than one excused absence per concert series may be ineligible to participate in the concert.

ABSENTEE FORM: There must be an absentee form filled out for all absences. Fill out the form online at studentorchestras.org (click the Membership tab)

SAFETY: Knowing if your child should be at a rehearsal is an issue of safety. We try to be vigilant in knowing where your child is during rehearsal times, so if your child is absent, please inform us.

Parents, please be prompt in picking up your child following rehearsal. The building is open at 2:30 p.m. prior to rehearsal and closed following the last rehearsal at 6:30 p.m.

CAUTION: Do not leave your car unlocked or leave valuables visible in your car.

PERCUSSIONIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Check in Sunday at least 15 minutes prior to rehearsal start time.

2. All necessary stands, mallets, instruments and other equipment must be ready by the start of rehearsal.

3. Do not leave rehearsal until all percussion instruments are put away and secured.

4. Come prepared with ALL music and mallets each week, as sectionals may consist of repertoire not necessarily covered during rehearsal.

5. You may be called on to help load and unload percussion equipment for dress rehearsals and concerts. Please check with your conductor.

MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES

MUSIC HISTORY: SOGO musicians receive quarterly presentations in music history to provide them with more in depth understanding of the performance literature.

SUMMER MUSIC: Students of all ages should get ready to rock, swing, and explore music styles from around the globe at SOGO Summer Music. This one week program in July includes exciting classes such as fiddling, music theory, composition, conducting, orchestra, and more. Cost: $75 (multiple class discounts available)

TUITION (due in full before music can be picked up): Debut Orchestra $550 Academy Orchestra $575 Conservatory Orchestra $650

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Tuition can be paid online. SOGO also accepts cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard.

TUITION REFUND: see Tuition Policy on page 14

SCHOLARSHIPS:

*Financial Scholarship Tuition assistance is available through our Future Music Makers scholarship fund. Apply online.

*Goldberg Family Merit Scholarship Provided by the Goldberg Family Charitable Foundation, this scholarship awards musicians for their longevity and commitment to the study of music in SOGO. This is a one-time 50% tuition scholarship. Eligibility: Musicians who are beginning their 4th season or more with SOGO and have been awarded placement in the Conservatory Orchestra. Apply online.

*Military Discount

SOGO offers a 10% discount on tuition for military families.

*Payment plans are also available. Email sogo.bookkeeper@gmail.com.

MUSIC POLICY: All SOGO music is the property of the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, and is a valuable resource. By accepting the music folder, SOGO musicians (and their guardian) are agreeing to return all of the music on time and in good condition.

As such, musicians are reminded of the following:

• Please mark music lightly with pencil only, not pen. Be careful to avoid unnecessary marks that might make the music difficult to read.

• Debut and Academy Orchestras – Immediately following each concert, musicians return their music and folder in the designated boxes.

• Conservatory Orchestra musicians will return previous music at the first rehearsal following each mid-season concert. Immediately following the May concert, musicians return their music and folder in the designated boxes.

• A replacement fee of $25 will be charged for any lost Conservatory folder.

• For all musicians, a fee of $5 per piece of music will be assessed on music that is lost. Thank you for helping us to care for this valuable resource – our SOGO music.

GENERAL INFORMATION

COMMUNICATIONS

MAILING ADDRESS: 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501

PHONE: 360 352.1438 (leave a message)

EMAIL: StudentOrchestras@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Communications throughout the season will be sent via email.

NEWSLETTER: The newsletter is sent to members via email during the season. Please read and pass on the communication to family and friends—get the word out!

WEBSITE: The website is updated and our most current information is regularly posted at www.studentorchestras.org. Many of your questions can be answered there.

FACEBOOK: The SOGO Facebook page is updated and our most current information is regularly posted at facebook.com/studentorchestras. Do not send inquiries via Facebook, but we will gladly respond through StudentOrchestras@gmail.com

CANCELLATIONS: Inclement conditions check Facebook and website and if electricity is out listen to Mixx96.1. Call the SOGO phone (360.352.1438) and listen for a recorded message. Check the website at www.StudentOrchestras.org for updates.

DONATIONS: SOGO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. You can help ensure the health and vitality of SOGO through a tax-deductible financial contribution. Please consider this to be your orchestra. Tell friends and family about us and seek their attendance at concerts and fundraisers. Tuition only less than 50% of operating costs. The remainder is covered by donations, fundraisers, community sponsors, and advertising.

FUNDRAISERS:

• BUY LOCAL Holiday Fundraiser: Poinsettias, wreaths, and coffee are for sale from September through November. Pick-up of items is the first week after Thanksgiving break. SOGO partners with local businesses Starlake Nursery, Sherwood Forest Farms and Olympic Crest Coffee Roasters for our holiday fundraiser. We ask that our families help sell these beautiful florist quality items and freshly roasted coffee to friends and business associates.

• GIVE LOCAL: Stretch your donation dollars from in the fall when The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound hosts Give Local, an online giving event. Donations are stretched through an incentive fund. More information will be available in the fall.

ADVERTISING: Advertise your business or invite a business owner to advertise in the SOGO concert program. Forms are available to download from the website (click the Donate tab). The advertisement will be seen by hundreds of audience members, a link to the business is provided on the SOGO website, and advertisers are listed during the year in the newsletter.

SPONSORSHIP: Please contact the office if you are interested in sponsoring an event.

SOGO EMPORIUM: The Emporium has music-related gift items, SOGO tee-shirts, hoodies, and more. Located in the lobby of the Washington Center, items are sold during the SOGO concerts.

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS: Service hours may be available to musicians. Examples of opportunities are: helping with the music library, setting up or tearing down the rehearsal space, moving equipment, and non-paid ensemble performances in the community. If your child is enrolled in a program that requires community service hours, they may speak to their conductor about opportunities.

REGISTRATION: Be sure your child’s registration information is current. Please inform the SOGO staff if there are any changes to your address, phone or email.

MODEL RELEASE FORM: During the season we photograph and video tape rehearsals and concerts. This material may be used in different communications (i.e. newsletter, social media, brochures, advertising). If you want to opt out, please inform the office.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL: SOGO has a collection of instruments for use by its members.

REHEARSALS: Parents are welcome to attend rehearsals anytime. We also encourage SOGO musicians to bring interested friends to participate in rehearsals to see what the SOGO experience is all about!

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

PARENT MEETING: There is one scheduled New Parent Meeting during the season at the first rehearsal.

VOLUNTEER: Parent volunteers are a very important component in the success of SOGO. Help is needed for a variety of tasks: • Attendance check-in • Rehearsal setup • SOGO Emporium • Mailings • Concert supervisors • Transport percussion equipment • Special Events • Fundraising

VOLUNTEER FORM: The volunteer sign-up is available online when you register for and audition. For further information, please contact the office.

BOARD: Board meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. (except in July). If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact a board or staff member to find out further information.

CONCERT DRESS

DEBUT & ACADEMY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS

• Long sleeve white dress shirt with black bow tie or white 3/4 to long sleeve blouse (tucked in).

• Black dress pants or long black skirt (to the floor). No jean-like pants, miniskirts, or tea-length skirts.

• Black dress socks or black opaque hosiery.

• Black closed-toe dress shoes.

• No exposed shoulders, necklines, or midriffs.

• Minimal jewelry.

CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS

All-black for EVERY musician! Acceptable examples include:

• Top (Black): All-black dressy shirt with shoulders covered and appropriate necklines. All-black coat optional.

• Bottom (Black): dress pants, floor-lengh skirt, or floorlengh dress, black hose.

• Shoes/Socks (Black): All black socks or hose, closed-toe black dress shoes

• Accessories: Kept to a minimum and NO perfume or cologne.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE FOR MUSICIANS

Our concerts are part of the learning experience and should be thought of as part of the instruction that we provide. Certain standards are asked of every concert participant.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE OF THE CONCERT DAY: Concerts are held on Sundays at 4 p.m. at the Washington Center. On these days, each group will have a dress rehearsal earlier that afternoon. Concert dress is not required for dress rehearsal.

Brass Choir load-in 11:00 a.m. Brass Choir 11:20 a.m.—11:55 a.m. Debut 12:00 p.m.—12:45 p.m.

Academy 1:00 p.m.—1:45 p.m. Conservatory 2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. Concert Call Time 3:30 p.m. (concert dress required)

1. Always enter the Washington Center from the alley behind the theater.

2. While backstage, conduct yourself in a responsible and helpful manner. Use the time to warm up your instrument or practice quietly. Your conductor or teaching artist will tell you when and how your group should go to the stage.

3. After your group’s dress rehearsal is finished, you may leave the Washington Center if you have permission from your parents. However, all musicians must be back to the Center by 3:30 p.m. to be ready for the actual concert in concert dress.

4. Like the dress rehearsal, you will get specific instructions from your conductor or teaching artist when it is your group’s turn to go to the stage to play in the concert. Leave all electronic devices and purses backstage or with your parents.

5. Alley doors will be locked after concert begins. Please plan to meet your parents in the lobby after the concert.

6. Musicians stand in respect when the conductor comes on the stage. No gum chewing or talking. Sit when indicated by the conductor. Sit up, feet flat on the floor, and watch and listen carefully, tune carefully. At the end of the piece, watch the conductor and sit until you are asked to stand up.

7. When your group is done playing, you will exit the stage as instructed and go sit in a designated area in the theater to listen to the remainder of the concert. Conservatory musicians may sit in their designated section during the first half of the concert, since they do not perform until after the intermission.

8. Please be quiet and courteous, both as you go from the stage to your assigned seating, and while you listen to the concert. If you have your instrument with you, please make sure it is also quiet and safe. If you have any questions about what to do with your instrument, ask your conductor or teaching artist.

9. Concerts usually last 2 hours. Typically, during the first half the Brass Choir, Debut Orchestra, and Academy groups perform. There is a 15-minute intermission, then the Conservatory Orchestra performs during the second half of the concert.

CONCERT TICKETS & DETAILS

SEASON TICKETS: Tickets are available for purchase in the fall through the Washington Center Box Office at 360.753.8586 or at WashingtonCenter.org. Be aware there is a $4 Washington Center facility fee for each ticket. Tickets for upcoming concerts go on sale in September for the following dates:

•Sunday, November 6, 2021, 4 p.m.

•Sunday, March 5, 2022, 4 p.m.

•Sunday, May 21, 2022, 4 p.m.

Reserved seating only. Please purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line the day of the concert. Do not purchase a ticket for your SOGO musician(s). Performing musicians have designated seats with their orchestra when not performing on stage.

GROUP SALES: Group rated tickets for groups of 15 or more in C section seating only must be purchased in advanced through the SOGO office.

EVENT TICKETS: SOGO event tickets are sold exclusively online at StudentOrchestras.org or at the door*.

Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. Brass Choir HO HO Purchase tickets in advance. Adults/Seniors $10; Students $5; Family 4+: $26.

*At the door Adults/Seniors $13; Students $8; Family 4+: $35.

MESSIAH SING-ALONG: FREE and open to the public. Monday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Center.

MUSIC EDUCATOR TICKETS: Music teacher may receive two (2) complimentary tickets to each concert. SOGO sends a formal invitation to school music departments announcing the ticket offer.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE: Concerts are a time for your musician to shine. Your support and having you in attendance to hear their accomplishments is very important. We have a few suggestions to help you enjoy your experience:

1. We encourage young children to attend the concerts, but if they become distracting during the concert, quietly exit to the lobby. There is a monitor to view the concert until the child has calmed down.

2. Non-flash photography is allowed at the Washington Center; video is not allowed. The public is invited to view the post-concert video on YouTube.

3. Please remember to turn off all electronic devices during the performance.

4. Staying for the entire concert is standard etiquette and is appreciated by all. Every musician has worked hard and the concert programming is intended for your listening pleasure. SOGO concerts usually last 2 hours.

5. Alley doors will be locked after concert begins. Please plan to meet your child in the lobby after the concert.

PRACTICE TIPS

For helping your musician achieve success in practice

1. Give your musician a place to practice. Allow them to play uninterrupted in a quiet place that is accommodating and comfortable.

2. Expect them to practice in a regular manner with quality work. It is a wise thing to discuss music often with your child, as well as to set aside time in the day designated solely to practice. This schedule should be firm but flexible to changing events. For the Debut and Academy musicians, students should practice at least half an hour a day, five to six days a week. For Conservatory musicians, students should practice 45 minutes to an hour per day. It should be understood that additional musical involvement (i.e. private lessons, school) may require more practice time. Being in SOGO is a responsibility, and we expect the musicians to put in the necessary time to adequately learn and prepare their music. Sometimes orchestra parts will be difficult enough to require outside help. It should also be noted that the quality of practice is valued, not the quantity.

Additionally, it is a smart decision to play classical music in the musicians’ environment as much as possible because it acts as a catalyst for successful learning as well as interest in the arts. Classical King FM 98.1 in Seattle (streaming online at King.org) is a great source of classical music. Saturday evenings King FM offers NPR’s “From the Top”, a showcase of young talent in America.

3. Be aware there are different ways to practice. Musicians can break down pieces by aspect, and learn and work on those aspects separately. Additionally, practice can include studying a part, studying music theory, and so on. When possible, buy recordings of current pieces so the musician can listen and understand the composition of the piece. Auditory learning is essential to becoming a better musician, and will assist in the success of practice.

4. Keep open communications about practicing. Rehearsing can involve a lot of emotions, positive and negative. Thus, it is necessary to be open to talking about it as much as the student wants. Understand where your musician is coming from. They can feel a lot of pressure from rehearsals, peers, school, etc. Understand that you are there to help your musician succeed, not to force them. Sometimes, you will need to find out what motivates your musician, but at the same time, by practicing, your student is showing self-motivation, as well as maturity.

~Compiled by Student Board

CONDUCTORS

CAMERON MAY is Music Director of SOGO and the SPSCC Symphony Orchestra at South Puget Sound Community College. Mr. May received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He continues to maintain his violin playing through his position as Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. When not conducting, teaching, or playing violin, Mr. May can be found reading on his back porch, walking in the woods, or going out of his way to chase after Amtrak trains.

GREG ALLISON is the Artistic Director and conductor of the SOGO Brass Choir and Academy Orchestra. He received his B.A. and M.A. in Music Education from Western Washington University where he studied trumpet with the late William D. Cole. Mr. Allison taught instrumental music in the Olympia School District for 40 years and is now retired. Besides telling jokes, Mr. Allison pastors a small church and is learning to play piano.

DAN CRAIG is co-conductor of the SOGO Debut Orchestra and the Director of Bands for the Napavine School District. He received his BA in both Music Education and Tuba Performance from Central Washington University and earned his MS in Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Craig is an award-winning tuba player, performing regularly throughout the region. He is a member of the Evergreen Brass Ensemble, the Northwest Wind Symphony, St. Martins Wind Ensemble, and the SPSCC Symphony Orchestra at South Puget Sound Community College. Mr. Craig is extremely excited to be conducting the Debut Orchestra and is looking forward to a great season of music-making!

JORDAN GOLDSTEIN is co-conductor of the SOGO Debut Orchestra and the orchestra teacher at Washington Middle School and Centennial and McKenny Elementary Schools. Once a student of the Olympia school district, Mr. Goldstein has since received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Puget Sound, as well as a Master of Music in Viola Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. When not playing or teaching, Mr. Goldstein can be seen enjoying a cup of tea, watching old movies, or searching for a new and exciting animal fact. Mr. Goldstein is honored to once again be back in the South Puget Sound area, giving back to the community that helped shape him and foster his love for music.

LIZ WARD is the Assistant Conductor of the Brass Choir. Ms. Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Musical Arts degree from Yale School of Music. She is a private teacher and manages the Evergreen Brass Quintet.

TEACHING ARTISTS

STRINGS

Mary Jo Rydholm, violin

Daniel Boschee, violin

Damian Nelson, violin*

Anne Edge, viola Joe Bichsel, cello Nick Masters, bass

WOODWINDS

Erin Happenny, flute

Elliot Anderson, oboe

Daniel Aliment, clarinet

Dan Meuse, bassoon

BRASS

Dr. Ed Sandor, trumpet

Liz Ward, French horn

Dan Craig, low brass

PERCUSSION

Laura McBride

ADJUNCT

Anne Edge, Music Historian Mark Thome, Court Composer

*SOGO Alum

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Milt Harper, President

John Fleckenstein, Past President

Anna Garrett, Vice President

Carrie Penkman, Secretary

Greg Tudor, Treasurer

STUDENT BOARD

Maria Aurelio, violin

Taylor Hopps, trumpet

Sky Lin, cello

Alessandro Martinez, clarinet Locke Walker, trumpet

TUITION POLICY

SOGO

Enrollment

Before 1st rehearsal

SOGO BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ernesta Ballard

Anne Edge Lindsey Ford

Bill Peden

Jennifer Titus

ShiauYun Wang

Sandy Williams

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Cameron May

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Greg Allison

ADMIN STAFF

Krina Allison, Executive Dir. Zoe Chapman, Executive Asst. Amber Young, Finance Mgr.

Tuition Due

Full tuition due on or before music pick-up

Refund/Withdrawal

2/3 of tuition is refunded when withdrawal is before Oct. 1; no refund after Oct. 1

After 1st rehearsal and before 1st concert Full amount due immediately No refund

After 1st concert and before 2nd concert 70% of full tuition due immediately No refund

After 2nd concert 40% of full amount due immediately No refund

SOGO incurs significant expenses for each member before the first rehearsal.  For example, music for the first concert and most music for the remainder of the season must be purchased in July and August – before rehearsals begin.  In addition, staffing decisions are based immediately following May/June auditions and orchestra placement.

If a student or family believes special circumstances exist that would support reimbursement of tuition after October 1, the tuition reimbursement request must be submitted in writing to the SOGO Board for consideration and include an explanation of those special circumstances.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color or national origin, gender, marital status, gender preference, or non-job related physical, sensory, or mental handicaps in its education programs, financial assistance, employment practices, or performances.

HARASSMENT POLICY

SOGO maintains a strict policy of prohibiting harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, age, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local employment discrimination laws.

POLICIES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SOGO policies and procedures are of a dynamic nature and subject to change. Policies and procedures are continually updated during SOGO Board meetings and are online.

TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION

Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax Identification # 91-2079223

Sponsors

Sponsors

Foundations