Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to be a member of YCA?
2. Do you need to audition to join YCA?
3. When does the orchestra rehearse?
4. Do I need to attend every rehearsal?
5. What is proper concert attire?
6. Does the orchestra make any trips abroad?

Please see the YCA Handbook for more details.

Do you need to audition to join YCA?
Acceptance in to the Young Concert Artists is based on an audition. Auditions are held each spring for new applicants. Notification of acceptance is made at the final concert. Any notifications not picked up at the concert will be mailed afterwards. If the orchestra lacks players in any section during the season, prospective players may audition for the Music Director by special arrangement. Auditions usually consist of a short prepared piece (2-4 minutes), a scale, and sight-reading. Memorization is not required.

Please click here for more details.

When does the orchestra rehearse?
The rehearsal schedule for the main orchestra can be found here.
The rehearsal schedule for the Prelude orchestra can be found here.

Do I need to attend every rehearsal?
Participation in all rehearsals is vital to the preparation for the orchestra's performances. While it is recognized that there may be occasional conflicts with members' school activities, all absences do affect the preparation of the orchestra.

The YCA staff will offer any assistance in resolving scheduling conflicts or in reaching a compromise that is acceptable to both parties. Please provide YCA with two weeks notice to attempt to work out a resolution, and remember that compromise requires flexibility from all parties involved.

Absences must be approved at least 2 weeks in advance. Absences due to illness or emergency must be reported to YCA before the beginning of the missed rehearsal. All absences, lateness, or early dismissal for legitimate reasons must be presented to the Music Director in writing at least two weeks in advance. More than one unexcused absence in a season may be grounds for dismissal from the orchestra. Note that tardiness or absence because you have misread (or not read) the schedule will be considered unexcused.

Emergency absence - If you have a last minute absence as a result of illness, family emergency, car problem, etc., please call the YCA phone number, 473-8152, and record your absence.

Forms for absences or late arrivals or early dismissals are available in the Member Box that may be found at each rehearsal and on the website.

If there are two absences in a concert period, the player will have to re-audition for the Music Director. Three absences will disqualify the player from the upcoming concert. Any absence from a dress rehearsal will disqualify a player from performing in the concert. A maximum of 4 excused absences are allowed per season.

Please attempt to schedule events such as vacations and school-related obligations as far in advance of concerts as possible and do not schedule them to conflict with any dress rehearsal. Our members come from many different school districts. Most school holidays and breaks do not coincide. Please schedule any vacations to minimize the number of rehearsals missed.

Please click here to download the YCA Handbook and absence forms.

What is proper concert attire?
Men: White shirt, black slacks, black neck tie, black socks, black suit jacket, and polished black dress shoes.

Women: Black long dress or black blouse with mid-calf or long black skirt or black dress pants, sheer black hosiery, and black dress shoes. Skirts should cover the knees when you are seated. Dresses and blouses should have a conservative neckline and sleeves.

Does the orchestra make any trips abroad?
Young Concert Artists musicians do not travel outside of the Colorado Springs area at this time. In future planning efforts, some travel opportunities may be considered.

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