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Each ASYO concert is prepared over the course of fewer than twelve rehearsals, making every rehearsal critically important.
Each ASYO concert is prepared over the course of fewer than twelve rehearsals, making every rehearsal critically important.
Each session is a unique and essential step in preparing for performance. Missing even one rehearsal impacts not only your individual readiness but also the ensemble’s cohesion, precision, and artistic quality. Your presence and full participation are vital to the success of the entire orchestra.
Each session is a unique and essential step in preparing for performance. Missing even one rehearsal impacts not only your individual readiness but also the ensemble’s cohesion, precision, and artistic quality. Your presence and full participation are vital to the success of the entire orchestra.
Attendance & Rehearsal Expectations
Attendance & Rehearsal Expectations
As a member of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, your consistent attendance and full participation are essential. Your presence impacts not only your own progress but also the success of the entire ensemble. Please check your calendar in advance. Please schedule other activities accordingly.
As a member of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, your consistent attendance and full participation are essential. Your presence impacts not only your own progress but also the success of the entire ensemble. Please check your calendar in advance. Please schedule other activities accordingly.
General Attendance Policy
General Attendance Policy
- All rehearsals are required, including the Dress Rehearsal.
- Students who miss the Monday rehearsal before a concert (or the dress rehearsal) may not be allowed to perform in the concert, at the conductor’s discretion.
- You are allowed a maximum of two (2) excused absences per semester. Please do not feel as though it is okay for each member to have two absences. Two absences during a concert cycle should be rare. Good attendance is essential in keeping the quality of the ensembles high.
- KNOWN CONFLICTS SHOULD BE REPORTED USING THIS FORM.
Excused Absences
Excused Absences
Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include:
Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include:
- A required school concert
- A fixed religious observance
- Serious illness (e.g., fever over 100°F, visit to the doctor)
- Death of a family member
Day of rehearsal absences must be reported through the Emergency Absence Form (EAF) . This link can be found on the main page of the ASYO Portal (once active).
Day of rehearsal absences must be reported through the Emergency Absence Form (EAF) . This link can be found on the main page of the ASYO Portal (once active).
"Having too much homework" or a "big project due on Tuesday" is not a valid reason to miss rehearsal. Youth Orchestra is a significant commitment and should be treated as a top priority. Absences not only impact your experience but also affect the entire orchestra. Please manage your academic schedule accordingly.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY in regards to attendance issues!
"Having too much homework" or a "big project due on Tuesday" is not a valid reason to miss rehearsal. Youth Orchestra is a significant commitment and should be treated as a top priority. Absences not only impact your experience but also affect the entire orchestra. Please manage your academic schedule accordingly.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY in regards to attendance issues!
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused Absences
Any absence that is NOT reported through the EAF is considered UNEXCUSED. More than TWO unexcused absences during the SEASON is considered a violation of the Handbook and will result in the musician being placed on disciplinary probation.
Any absence that is NOT reported through the EAF is considered UNEXCUSED. More than TWO unexcused absences during the SEASON is considered a violation of the Handbook and will result in the musician being placed on disciplinary probation.
If a student reaches TWO absences in a concert cycle, the musician will be notified that another absence will put them in jeopardy of performing the concert. Specific reasons for for previous absences will be considered, as well as a possible playing test from your conductor, will be taken into consideration when they make the decision on the musician being allowed to play in the concert.
If a student reaches TWO absences in a concert cycle, the musician will be notified that another absence will put them in jeopardy of performing the concert. Specific reasons for for previous absences will be considered, as well as a possible playing test from your conductor, will be taken into consideration when they make the decision on the musician being allowed to play in the concert.
Students with excessive absences (excused and unexcused) may be asked not to play the remaining rehearsals for that concert cycle. The final decision will be made by the conductor of the ensemble the student is in. Additionally, the musician's participation in future concert cycles will be at the conductor's discretion.
Students with excessive absences (excused and unexcused) may be asked not to play the remaining rehearsals for that concert cycle. The final decision will be made by the conductor of the ensemble the student is in. Additionally, the musician's participation in future concert cycles will be at the conductor's discretion.
Please remember: choosing to drop out, or missing multiple rehearsals and being removed, does not qualify you for a tuition refund. See our Tuition Policy for full details.
Please remember: choosing to drop out, or missing multiple rehearsals and being removed, does not qualify you for a tuition refund. See our Tuition Policy for full details.
If you are already aware of a conflict for the 2025-2026 Season, please use this form to submit it prior to the season starting.
If you are already aware of a conflict for the 2025-2026 Season, please use this form to submit it prior to the season starting.
Weather Policy
Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, ASYO will follow the Asheville City Schools schedule:
If Asheville City Schools are closed or dismiss early, ASYO rehearsal is cancelled.
If weather conditions are severe in surrounding areas, we may cancel or delay rehearsal. Notices will be sent through CutTime.
Rehearsal Guidelines
Rehearsal Guidelines
Arrive at least 10 minutes early to every rehearsal. In the music world, on time is late—arriving early is expected.
Traffic in Asheville around 5:00 p.m. can be unpredictable, so please plan accordingly, especially if traveling from high-traffic areas.
Bring all required materials:
Your instrument (in good working condition)
Your music
Your own music stand
A pencil
ASYO rehearses at Asheville High School, and we are guests in the space. Please note:
Photocopiers and extra copies are not available. You are responsible for keeping up with your music.
Respect the space. Members will be held accountable for the care of the facilities. Leave all rehearsal spaces exactly as you found them.
Music Stand Requirement
Music Stand Requirement
All ASYO members must bring their own music stand to every rehearsal.
Stands at Asheville High School are not to be moved or used for sectionals, even if you rehearse in a space where stands are present.
Wire stands are not ideal for ASYO rehearsals—they tend to fall easily and cannot properly support music folders. We recommend:
Peak Music Stands
Manhasset Stands
Let’s work together to create a strong, committed, and respectful rehearsal environment. Your preparation, presence, and professionalism make all the difference.
Let’s work together to create a strong, committed, and respectful rehearsal environment. Your preparation, presence, and professionalism make all the difference.
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