Member FAQ
When does BYOV rehearse?
For the 2021-2022 season, we rehearse as follows:
- Junior Strings: Mondays from 5:45-6:45pm in Norfolk
- String Orchestra: Mondays from 7:00-8:30pm in Norfolk
- Concert Orchestra: Mondays from 7-9pm in Norfolk
- Symphony Orchestra: Mondays from 6:30-9pm in Norfolk
- Concert Band: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm in Chesapeake
- Wind Symphony: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm (beginning late December) in Chesapeake
What is the tuition for BYOV?
Visit the Registration page for more information about tuition and payment options.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, and work study options are available. To qualify, first pass your audition, register, and then apply for financial aid. For more information please contact the Executive Director, Elizabeth Richards, for more information at [email protected]
Why does BYOV perform in so many different places? Why do they perform {place X} vs. {place Y}?
The process of planning our season involves many different factors. We would like to provide a wonderful concert experience for our students and parents. We need to find venues that are large enough to accommodate several of our groups at one time. Cost is a factor, as well as parking, access to backstage facilities, ease of access for students and audience, and proximity to any outreach activities. In some cases, our granting organizations require a performance in a specific city or venue.
Can I get my music ahead of time to practice?
Planning repertoire for the season is an intensive process as well. As soon as the repertoire is set, we do our best to get you your music as soon as possible. If the music to be performed is part of the public domain, you can most likely find it online at http://imslp.org. However, string players should be aware that correct bowings are essential, and will not be included in any online parts.
What percentage of your costs are covered by tuition? What are your other funding sources? What are your major expenses?
Membership dues cover about 50% of our costs. Our major expenses include conductor and staff salaries, hall rental, music rental/purchase, and the cost of professional coaches. Our board organizes several fundraisers throughout the year. Your snack purchases, concert recordings, flowers, logo merchandise, and raffle tickets are another source of income for BYOV. The remainder of our income is provided by generous donations, sponsorships, and grants. See a list of our donors and sponsors here.
What can I do to help BYOV?
Please help spread the word about our programs! You can also contribute to BYOV, and/or volunteer to help with fundraising, running auditions, or helping backstage at concerts. Our volunteers collectively contribute over 500 hours of volunteer service each season. Our staff is small so we are extremely grateful for our volunteers!
Why do I need to participate in my school music program to participate in BYOV?
At BYOV, we value music education. It is our primary mission. As such, we fully support the efforts of our public and private school teachers. Unfortunately, due to increasing internal and external pressures, school music programs are increasingly tenuous. Members who qualify for BYOV are often the very strongest players from school music programs. We rely on our partnerships with school teachers to help identify and attract members to fill our ranks. Therefore, it’s very important that we require participation in school music programs. Of course, there are sometimes exceptional circumstances. Any exceptions to our policy will require a waiver from your school music teacher.