The Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy strives to provide its students with a safe and secure environment, and one that is conducive to a productive and enjoyable learning experience. Students, parents, volunteers and faculty are expected to respect the Academy’s Code of Conduct. Parents are ultimately responsible for the behaviour of their minor children and are expected to help them to understand and respect the Academy’s Code of Conduct.

Attendance

Players are expected to be at all rehearsals and performances. Although occasional unforeseen absences due to illness or family emergency are unavoidable, members must make every effort to inform the conductor of anticipated absences as far in advance as possible. Absences can have significant impact on what the orchestra can or cannot play for a given concert.

In rare instances the OYOA Board of Directors or the School Board may decide that safety issues warrant cancellation of classes. The OYOA will make every effort to post the cancellation on our website. Please see the section on cancellations.

Punctuality

Players should arrive for rehearsals and performances in plenty of time to set- up, tune-up and psych-up. For most players, this will mean arriving for rehearsal at least 15 minutes early and being in their seats 5 minutes before the start. Conductors will normally set an earlier arrival time for performances.

Behaviour

Students, parents, volunteers and faculty will conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a safe and nurturing environment, conducive to a productive and enjoyable learning experience.

• Students, parents, volunteers and faculty are to be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.

• Aggressive, provocative or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

• Players are to be attentive to the directions of their coach or conductor during rehearsals, and to exercise self-control before and after rehearsals and during breaks so as not to disturb others.

• Students will not engage in “rough-housing”, malicious pranks or other activities that endanger their own safety or that of their fellow students.

• Parent attendance in classes will be at the discretion of the instructor/ conductor.

• Parents and other volunteers will not interfere with the running of classes by instructors/conductors.

• Advertising, recruiting for, or selling items for non-OYOA activities or organizations at the OYOA shall only be done only with the express approval of the OYOA Board of Directors.

Property

Students, parents, volunteers and faculty must show due regard for the property of the Academy, the facilities used for rehearsals and performances, and the personal effects of other students. Individuals or the parent/guardian of those younger than 18 years of age will be held financially responsible for wilful property damage.

Controlled Substances

The consumption of alcohol or other controlled substances by a student while participating in Academy activities is grounds for immediate expulsion without refund from the Academy.

Resolution

Behaviour contrary to this Code will first be brought to the offender’s attention by the relevant teacher, chaperone or parent volunteer. If the behaviour continues and if the offender is younger than 18 years of age, the Duty Officer will contact the offender’s parent or guardian to determine a course of action. Serious or repeated breaches of the Code will be referred to the Board and may be cause for expulsion from the Academy.