General Information

The Community Music School of Webster University orchestras and ensembles are intended to support and enhance students’ individual lessons and school music programs.

Policies

Applicants for orchestras and ensembles must participate in their school music programs. This policy is waived when no applicable music program exists.

Notification letters will be mailed as soon as possible after all auditions have been completed. No results will be given over the phone. Audition comments or ratings are confidential and will not be released.

Please note: Acceptance into a Community Music School performance program requires a commitment for the full 30-week academic year. Attendance is taken at rehearsals. Frequent absence may result in re-seating at the discretion of the conductor. In the event of a conflict or illness, please call 314-968-5939 and leave a message.

To best serve the musical needs of its students, the Music School reserves the right to dismiss any student because of lack of interest, frequent unexcused absences (more than two rehearsals), behavioral problems, delinquency in payment of tuition, and/or failure to abide by policies.

Rehearsals missed due to student absence will not be rescheduled and there will be no refund/credit of tuition. Students who are unable to attend rehearsals due to a long-term (more than 3 consecutive weeks) physical problem will receive a credit or refund for rehearsals missed. Students who miss rehearsals due to delinquent tuition payments will not be given a refund/credit of tuition for those rehearsals.

Inclement Weather

If rehearsals are canceled due to inclement weather, announcements will be made on KSDK-TV Channel 5, KMOX-AM 1120 radio, and www.stltoday.com. Stueents may also call the Community Music School at (314) 968-5939 for information on cancellations.  The CMS will be closed when Webster University is closed.   Closing information can be found on the Webster University website -- www.webster.edu.  Students also receive notifcation of cancellations via SMS text messages to a cell phone, an e-mail account, blackberry or text pager, RSS feed, or any combination of these by visiting http://www.webster.edu/technology/websteralerts and going to the new user sign-up form. 

When inclement weather or any other unforseeable circumstances force the closing of the school for safety considerations, classes, lesson, and rehearsals will not be made up and no reimbursement will be made.


In order to ensure that student performance and audition experiences are positive and educational for each student, the Music School recommends that students consult with their individual lesson teacher prior to auditioning.

Students and parents agree to accept faculty and administrative decisions regarding auditions, financial aid, scholarships, evaluations, awards, and applications of policies made under the published policies and procedures of the school.

The school Director and Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts are, respectively, the ultimate authority regarding decisions made under the published policies and procedures of the school, unless the provisions of the specific policy of Webster University delegates authority elsewhere. An appeal for a decision regarding instruction should be directed to the Office of the Director of the Community Music School of Webster University. The appeal will be reviewed by the Director and the Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.

Each orchestra/ensemble member will receive a folder and music for the year which will remain the property of the Community Music School. Members are responsible for lost or damaged music or folders

A principal player is expected to be very well prepared for and to attend all rehearsals and concerts, to be ready to play any solos, and to be able to act as a leader in the section. Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in re-seating at the discretion of the conductor.

An assistant principal player is expected to have the same qualifications as a principal player, but only plays solos or leads the section if the principal player is absent.

A third chair player needs to be very well prepared and have excellent attendance. He or she moves up to the first stand if the principal or assistant are absent. It is unlikely that he or she will play solos.

Sitting in the first few seats is an honor and a responsibility.

Registration and Billing

Statements indicating tuition due for the first semester plus the $25 annual registration fee will be sent to students after acceptance letters are sent. (Students who have already paid the registration fee during the current academic year do not need to pay the registration fee again.) Statements for the second semester tuition will be sent to students in January 2009.

After notification, any accepted student who decides not to participate must contact the Community Music School prior to the first week of rehearsals or they will be billed for the $25 registration fee and a portion of the tuition for those rehearsals that have already taken place.

Limited financial assistance is available.  Call (314) 968-5939 to inquire.

Special Note

The Community Music School reserves the right to modify or cancel any orchestra, ensemble, or program due to insufficient enrollment or instrumentation or due to extenuating circumstances.