Membership

SOGO Auditions 2008-2009
May 12, 13, 15, 2008 for returning members
May 20 and 22, 2008 for potential members
June 18 ($25 non-refundable audition fee)
Call for appointment:  360.352.1438

Auditions for all of the ensembles are held in May of each academic year for placement in the fall.  All current members seeking to participate in the next year must audition for placement.  Each musician is asked to prepare and perform a solo or etude of their choice. Students are encouraged to work with their private instructor to determine appropriate audition material for the solo or etude.  The live audition will conclude with a sight reading piece to determine each musician’s skill in counting, key signature, technique and musicianship. After the audition, musicians are given a theory examination that will last approximately 20 minutes. There is a $20.00 non-refundable audition fee due at the time of the auditions in May.  A $25.00 non-refundable audition fee will be charged for auditions that take place at other time of the year. 

Music Theory Test - Download Here!

Auditions throughout the season - limited placement
Appointments can be made by calling 360.352.1438.  Students are asked to prepare a solo or etude.  Sight-reading material will be provided.  Please allow enough time after the audition to take a theory placement test (approximately 20-30 minutes).  Click here to downloaded a sample of the theory test (elementary page 1, middle school pages 1 & 2, high school and college age entire test).  Auditions by special appointment have a non-refundable audition fee of $25 and are held at the Allison home.  Limited placement.

Tuition
Tuition for the season is Debut - $280, Academy - $300, Conservatory - $320.  There is a $20 non-refundable audition fee due at the time of the spring audition (all other times of the year $25).  Full tuition is due on or before the first rehearsal in September.

Student Expectations

Participation in School Music Programs
All students in SOGO are expected to participate in at least one ensemble in their school music program.  The conductors reserve the right to review this policy on an individual basis and make recommendations based on each situation.

Private Lessons
All students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.  SOGO believes that this is a very important part of a musician's development.  Conductors and coaches can recommend qualified teachers.

Rehearsals
Students enrolled in SOGO must come to rehearsal prepared to work on the music provided to them.  With our minimal rehearsal time, it is very important that the student prepares their part in advance, as to not waste time for the conductors and coaches.  It is also important that every student in the ensemble is in their seat and ready to play when the rehearsal starts.

Absences
Members of SOGO are required to attend all rehearsals and concerts.  In the event that a student must be absent a rehearsal, a request to be excused from rehearsal form needs to be filled out and submitted to the conductor before the requested absence.  Requests will be granted for:

• Required School Events

• Illness

• Death in the family

• Religious Observances

If an illness or family emergency requires a student to miss a rehearsal or concert, please return the form as soon as possible after the absence.  If at all possible, please call the conductor before 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

If a student has more than one (1) absence in preparation for any concert, the conductor reserves the right to dismiss the student from performing in the concert.

Music
Students check out SOGO music at the first rehearsal.  The music received by the students is owned by SOGO and must be returned at the conclusion of the concert.  Failure to return SOGO music will result in a $5.00 fee fore each piece of music not returned.

Students are responsible for keeping the music safely in their folder, writing lightly in pencil, and keeping it away from dogs, cats, pesky siblings, and any other perils.  Students are expected to bring SOGO  music to each rehearsal even if they share a stand as to be able to make markings they will need for practice.

Music Theory
The goal of the music theory curriculum is to prepare students for the Conservatory Orchestra by providing them with a good working knowledge of musical concepts and fundamentals.  Academy and Debut students must purchase the Complete Essentials of Music Theory.  This book is available at area music stores.

Tuition
Tuition for the season is Debut - $280, Academy - $300, Conservatory - $320.  Full tuition is due on or before the first rehearsal.  Tuition payment coupons are available upon request and will be sent out in June, providing an option for families who prefer to pay tuition in three installments due in July, August, and September.

Concert Attire

	Ladies		Gentlemen
Conservatory	All Black:  Black shoes, hose/socks, long dress, long skirt or dress pants, black blouse (tucked in) with sleeves (not low necklines)		Black tuxedo black shoes black socks
Academy and Debut	Black shoes, hose/socks, long skirt/dress pants, white blouse (tucked in)		White shirt black slacks (no jeans), black shoes, black socks, black bowtie