Students should plan on arriving at rehearsal 15 minutes prior to the start of their rehearsal time to ensure they have plenty of time to get settled and warmed up before rehearsal begins. Check the rehearsal schedule for your ensemble’s rehearsal times! When students arrive, they should sign in at the check-in table before going to their rehearsal rooms. If a student does not check in and has not given prior notice of their absence, the primary contact for that student will receive a phone call from us.

Students are responsible for learning their music prior to the first rehearsal so that rehearsal time can be spent on developing ensemble skills. Each musician is responsible for bringing their own music and a pencil to every rehearsal so directions from the conductor can be marked in. All members must assist in setting up and taking down chairs, music stands, and equipment at the beginning and end of every rehearsal. Musicians must give their full attention to anyone who is on the podium. No talking, playing of instruments, or cell phone use is allowed unless directed. For a full list of expectations, reference our Student Handbook.

Before the first rehearsal of each concert cycle, print out your assigned parts and place them in a black three-ring binder (we recommend the 1/2" black binders). If the piece of music has multiple pages, arrange the music in such a way that you will be able to flip the page without interrupting your playing too much. Each musician is responsible for bringing their own music to every rehearsal (even if they have a stand partner) so directions from the conductor can be marked in every part with a pencil.

All absences can be recorded with the “Anticipated Absence Form.” You can find this in the PYPO Member Portal or at this link: Anticipated Absence Form. Only two absences are permitted per concert cycle. You can read more about absences in the Student Handbook, which can also be found in the Member Portal.

Cell phone use is not allowed during rehearsals or performances. Phones, smart watches, and all other electronic devices should be turned on silent during rehearsals and performances and left in the student’s case. If this rule is disregarded, staff members may collect and hold the phone until the end of the rehearsal or performance. Smart watches should be stored in cases and silenced during performances as well.

CONCERT DRESS OPTION A Solid black short-sleeve or long-sleeve blouse (shoulder must be covered - no tank tops nor spaghetti straps) with solid black tailored dress pants or floor-length skirt (no leggings, jeans, jeggings nor short skirts) - OR - Solid black short-sleeve or long-sleeve floor-length dress (shoulders must be covered - no tank tops nor spaghetti straps) Plain sheer or black socks/tights (no colored or patterned legwear) Solid Black, closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers, no sandals) CONCERT DRESS OPTION B Long sleeve black dress shirt Solid black dress pants (no pin stripes, no black jeans, etc.) Solid black socks (no colored patterns) Solid black dress shoes (no sneakers, no sandals)

Yes!! If you are interested in private instructions, please reach out to your ensemble director or pypostaff@gmail.com. We would love to connect you with private teachers in your area.

Carnegie Coffee Company in Carnegie (7 minutes from Carlynton), and Fig Tree Coffee in Crafton (11 minutes away) are two favorites. See if you can spot another PYPO parent while you wait!

There are a lot of ways to meet other PYPO parents! At the parent meeting we’ll be sharing more about the events and coffee hours we’ll be hosting this year. You can also look out for volunteer opportunities at rehearsals and concerts, and plan to stay for the entirety of each concert to support fellow PYPO families.