Important Info for Spring 2021
Chamber Strings Semester
Parents and students, read through the information below and contact us at info@pyco.org if you have any questions.
Spring 2021 Schedule

Rehearsals for Chamber Strings are on Sundays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the PYCO School of Music and streamed live on Zoom.

Please visit pyco.org/season-schedule for the list of dates for this semester. We are planning to record performances at the end of April for a spring concert series. More details will be sent out as the recording dates approach.
Items needed each week for in-person rehearsals: 
  • Your instrument
  • Any accessories you need for your instrument (shoulder rest, rock stop, extra reeds, mouth piece, etc.)
  • Your face covering
  • A pencil
  • Your music (sheet music links below)
  • If you need water, please bring your own bottle

PYCO will provide music stands, you do not need to bring one with you.
Important Details About Our Health and Safety Protocol
  • Everyone must enter the PYCO School of Music at the main entrance (Suite 103). Masks are required for entrance and must be worn at all times inside, except for students who need to remove their mask when playing their instrument.
  • After rehearsal, students will exit the recital hall doors at the rear of the building.
  • Each in-person student is required to submit a liability waiver. You may print and fill out the form and turn it in when you come to rehearsal, or else we can provide a printed form for you. This form only needs to be submitted once.
  • Upon entering the building, students and staff will undergo a temperature check by PYCO Staff. Students and staff will pass or fail the CDC recommended 100.4°F temperature check.
  • Once inside, students will wait to enter the recital hall socially distant via marks on the floor.
  • Restrooms
  • Students are encouraged to use the restroom at home before coming to rehearsal
  • Students must ask to use the restroom
  • Students must wash hands for at least 20 seconds after restroom use.
  • You can review our Health and Safety Protocol HERE.
Sheet Music PDFs
Printed copies will also be available for in-person students at rehearsal.
Please note, ensemble directors adjust the repertoire throughout the season as needed and the music in Google Drive will be updated accordingly.
Zoom Link for Rehearsals
Please note, this link will be the same for each week of rehearsals.
Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 925 2365 4940
Passcode: pycozoom
Please feel free to use the Zoom chat feature if you have any questions during rehearsal.
When attending via Zoom, the home workspace should include the following. We suggest you keep everything together in one bag or box if possible so your supplies are always ready for rehearsal.
  • Your instrument and any accessories you need for your instrument (shoulder rest, rock stop, extra reeds, mouth piece, etc.)
  • A music stand and the computer screen (preferably a device larger than a phone) with the Zoom video on it, CLOSE TOGETHER AND BOTH VERTICAL. The student at all times should to be able to see both their sheet music and the conductor on the Zoom screen. Two diagrams that may be helpful are below (art credit - Amy Stubbs).
  • Headphones for the Zoom connection (that do not interfere with the ability to play your instrument). The student needs to be able to hear the conductor and the in-person part of the ensemble while they are playing, and computer speakers are often not loud enough.
  • Please note, we continue to monitor sound quality and welcome your feedback. We appreciate your patience as we do our best to improve the at-home student experience.
  • A chromatic tuner (one that can produce the notes as well as hear the notes)
  • A metronome (both the tuner and the metronome can be apps or their own stand-alone gadget)
  • All the music printed out
  • Plentiful, working pencils
  • Preferably your video should be on so that we can see you, and please rename yourself if needed.
Attendance & Rehearsal Policies

  • Students must inform the PYCO staff of their absences as soon as possible in writing by sending an email to info@pyco.org. No verbal notifications are allowed.

  • It is crucial that all students are ready to begin playing at the start of rehearsal time. Students coming in-person are welcome to come 15 minutes before rehearsal begins to unpack and get ready.

  • If you normally come in-person but will be joining us online (or vice versa), please email us at info@pyco.org to tell us so that we can plan accordingly.

Each and every student plays an important part in their ensemble. Communication about participation is vital to ensuring that all students have a rewarding and fulfilling musical experience.
Quarantine Policy

Any student who is placed under quarantine from school should also be under quarantine from PYCO rehearsal.

Per CDC guidelines and following the PYCO COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocol, students must stay home when appropriate. Those who are sick or have recently had close contact with a sick person must stay home, and those who have tested positive for COVID-19 must stay home.

Any PYCO student who is quarantined should still join rehearsal on Zoom if possible.
Email Notifications

As the season progresses, we will send updates via email to the email address(es) we have on file for you.

For group emails, we use the services of Constant Contact. To ensure that you receive these emails, please add info@pyco.org to your contact list, and make sure to check your spam or junk mail folders.

If a member of your family would like to be on our email list but is not already, please let us know and we will add them.

If you unsubscribe from Constant Contact, we will not be able to send you any emails about rehearsals or other important updates, and we cannot add anyone back onto an email list who has unsubscribed.

Gmail users, please note that Gmail sorts emails into different category tabs like Personal, Social, Promotions, etc. Do not forget to check these other categories for PYCO email. Gmail Help has more information about controlling this feature.

Information sent in emails is also posted on our website. Check the PYCO website regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Important Website Links
Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra | 412-600-5369 | info@pyco.org | pyco.org