PSSO-Member Policies and Requirements

PSSO Parents and Members, Please Read all the Below Information Carefully



Because of concerns about poor attendance, late arrivals, early departures, and lack of individual preparation, the following Membership and Attendance Policies have been established. These policies are similar to those of area youth orchestras that also rehearse outside of school hours.

A successful orchestra is like a team, and all players need to be doing their part. Parents, you have played an important role in your children's musical achievements, and we ask your help in reminding them what this teamwork involves and assuring that they take seriously their part in upholding the PSSO's long reputation for quality and professionalism.

A parent's orchestra payment and signature on the registration contract, along with your child's signature on the PSSO Student Agreement Form indicates your agreement to abide by the PSSO Attendance and Membership Policies and the Rehearsal Expectations.

2011 is the year preparations begin for the European Tour scheduled for summer 2013. It is a good time to build, with renewed commitment to excellence by all. PSSO membership in both 2011-12 and 2012-13 makes students eligible for available grant money, a nice reward for their work.

Excused Absence Form

PSSO Attendance Policy




Membership in the Preucil School String Orchestra is both a privilege and a responsibility. Attendance is required at all rehearsals, sectionals and concerts.

1. Only the Conductor or the Director of the School can grant an excused absence. The only excused absences from rehearsals or performances are:

  • Confining illness — (i.e. running a temp, contagious)
  • School music events or performances.
  • Family emergencies.

2. Only 2 excused absences will be allowed per season. (2 for Fall and 2 for Winter). (See #6) Note: Each season will have its own attendance records. When the winter season starts, a new attendance record for each student starts. Everyone starts at 0.

3. There are no un-excused absences allowed. (0 for Fall and 0 for Winter). 2 tardies or 2 early departures = 1 unexcused absence. (See #6)

4. All foreseen absences must be reported to the Conductor no later than one week prior to the absence on a signed Excused Absence Form or by a parent submitting the Excused Absence Form on the Preucil School website.

5. Absences due to illness or emergencies are to be called in to the North Campus Office, 319-248-1248, followed with submitting a signed Excused Absence Form at the next rehearsal or on the Preucil School website.

6. Members of the PSSO are expected to be dedicated musicians who will not try to “find” excuses to be absent. Abuse of the attendance policy or lack of musical preparation may require the Conductor and the Director of the School to re-evaluate the player’s seating or continued membership in the orchestra.

Members of the PSSO understand and appreciate the responsibility this opportunity carries. The orchestra only achieves success through the collective contribution of all its members.

Registration: Parent's signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.

PSSO Membership Policy




Welcome to the start of the 2011-12 school year and Preucil School String Orchestra season! We are looking forward to a great year and would like to share a few of our plans with you.

This year all students will be placed in one orchestra for the entire year, starting with the fall term. The year will be divided into two separate seasons: Fall (Sept. 12- Nov. 14) and Winter (Nov. 21- March 7). There will be one concert in fall and two in winter.

  • The Fall String Concert, featuring PSSO, will be on Sunday, November 13 — 3:00 pm in the Iowa Mennonite School Fine Arts Auditorium.
  • The Hancher String Concert is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2012 — 2:00 pm in the Iowa Memorial Union.
  • The Orchestra Festival (Spring Concert) date has yet to be set.

Professor Anthony Arnone will again be the PSSO conductor, and he is looking forward to working with Preucil students on the music that has been programmed for the year. In order for this group to reach its potential, there are certain student expectations in the areas of attendance, membership, and rehearsals that all participants need to understand and agree to prior to registering. Please read Attendance Policy carefully!

Membership in the Preucil School String Orchestra (PSSO) is open to all qualified Preucil School of Music students through recommendation by their teacher.

  • Members must be in grades 10-12 or have met specific playing requirements.
  • Playing requirements: Information is available through Preucil Faculty.
  • Membership in the PSSO is a privilege. Members are trusted to act accordingly and follow guidelines and procedures set by the school administration, director of the orchestra and faculty.
  • A student must be a member of the PSSO one year in advance of the Tour year to receive any available grant money. Next tour is scheduled for the summer of 2013; thus students must be a member in 2011-12 and 2012-2013 seasons.
  • It is understood that members will attend all PSSO rehearsals and performances and follow the Attendance Policy.
  • Full year participation (Fall and Winter) is strongly recommended. Students with Fall conflicts may join in November for the Winter Season, at the full year orchestra fee.
  • Registration: Parent's signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies that parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.

Note: 2011-12 Fall Registration is Saturday, August 20th — 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. at the Main Campus. Parents and students: be sure to have read and discussed all orchestra materials prior to registration and bring your student’s signed Agreement Form.

We have much to be proud of at the Preucil School of Music, but it takes everyone to create and maintain quality. Thank you for helping to make this a successful season for the PSSO as we build to a tour in the summer of 2013!

PSSO Rehearsal Information




When: Mondays 5:30 - 6:50 p.m. Where: North Campus Walder Hall

Click for a master schedule for PSSO and all related Monday groups. Refer to it for specific dates and times. Any changes will be announced at rehearsals, posted at both buildings, sent by email and/or post card and posted on the school’s Facebook page and website.

What is expected of you before rehearsals:

  • Practice your parts.
  • Take your music into your lessons for help.
  • Find a recording of the music you are playing and become familiar with it.

What to bring to rehearsals:

  • Your instrument in proper playing condition, plus all necessary accessories (i.e., mutes, extra strings, rosin).
  • Pencils for marking music.
  • Music folder. All members are given a folder and all are expected to bring their music to rehearsals/concerts.
    Outside players: Your music is used for all rehearsals and concerts.
    Inside players: Your music is used as a backup in case your stand partner is absent. Please put in the important markings from rehearsals. This will also help at home practice.
  • Excused Absence Form, (filled out with parent’s signature), if needed to be turned in – or submitted online.

What is expected of you at rehearsals (and concerts):

  • Arrive 10 minutes ahead of the start of rehearsal, warm up, and get organized.
    Remember: “To be on time, is to be late” and “To be early, is to be on time.”
  • Listen respectfully to directions and announcements
  • No talking, gum-chewing, eating, studying during rehearsals.
  • Turn off all cell phones and other (texting) electronic devices during rehearsals.

Registration: Parent’s signature and payment at registration, along with a signed PSSO Student Agreement Form, verifies parent and student have read and agree to the student expectations in the areas of membership, attendance and rehearsals.