Tuition & Policy

2023-2024 Tuition

Yearly Tuition Rates (Tuition may increase for the 24/25 season). 

  • $575 – Youth Symphony

  • $550 – Evans Orchestra

  • $425 – Junior Strings

NOTE: We are eliminating the deposit for tuition payments. Please pay the entire tuition amount prior to the October 2nd deadline or request a payment plan. 

Payment Policy 

Membership in any group is based on a full-season commitment, from September through May.  Once accepted into a group, members are expected to participate for the entire season. With the exception of Junior Strings and families on payment plans, the full participation fee must be paid by September 23, 2024 and is non-refundable. Members who discontinue participation during the season will not receive participation fee credits. A $25 late fee will apply if participation fees are not paid by October 1st, 2024 of the current season.  Alternate payment plans are available for families upon request. Contact megan.gray@yocva.org for more information.

Discounts

Members who participate in more than one ensemble qualify for a $50 discount per family each season. Similarly, those with multiple children in YOCVA also receive a single $50 discount per family. A family may only take advantage of one of these discounts each season.

Methods of Payment

YOCVA uses a registration and billing management system called Jack Rabbit. When you register for an ensemble you will also create your personal Jack Rabbit account. Jack Rabbit will accept credit card and electronic check payments. Checks may also be paid in-person, or mailed to: YOCVA, PO Box 4845, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Please make checks payable to YOCVA, and include member’s name and orchestra/ensemble on the check.

Financial Assistance 

Any family or member accepted into one of our programs is eligible for financial assistance. YOCVA offers assistance in a variety of forms: 

  • Annual Tuition Scholarships – Full and partial compensation for tuition. 
  • Rehearsal Assistants – This is a volunteer position in exchange for a full tuition scholarship. Student and parent work together as “assistant” to their ensemble by taking on jobs such as; attendance, supervision, set-up chairs/stands, and help at concerts and events. 
  • Payment Plans – Any member can request a payment plan. This allows families the freedom to pay down their tuition balance in self selected installments over the course of each season. 
  • Private Lesson Scholarship – Apply to receive assistance for private lessons during the academic year. Accepted students can receive up to one free private lesson each month from September-May. YOCVA will pay your teacher directly for participation in the program.  

Attendance

 

(Updated May, 2022). Orchestra is a team sport. One of the most important factors in the success of any orchestra/musical ensemble is the presence of all its members at each rehearsal. When an orchestra member misses a rehearsal, it means that your music will also be missing. Absences slow down the rehearsal process and can be the cause of frustration on the part of the musicians who depend on other parts being present in order to advance the final performance. 

Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Attendance is taken at each rehearsal and members are expected to be in their seats 10 minutes prior to the rehearsal start time. 

 

Types of Rehearsal Absences: There are two types of absences 

(1) excused and (2) unexcused. Absences can be communicated via email or messaging through the Jack Rabbit parent portal. 

 

  1. Excused absences include serious illness (such that the student was not able to attend school that day), family emergencies, and school trips. Excused absences may be allowed under other circumstances (i.e. school event conflict) at the discretion of the conductor or director. In the case of a school trip or other anticipated absence, you must notify YOCVA staff as soon as possible, but at least one week in advance of the missed rehearsal. 
  1. If you do not advise YOCVA of your absence, it will be considered an unexcused absence (except in cases of illness or emergencies as described above). 

 

Absences and Concerts 

A student who has more than 2 unexcused absences in one concert cycle may be asked to sit out of the concert. In order to perform in each concert the student must also attend the dress rehearsal (except in cases of illness or emergencies as described above). If a student has an unexcused absence on the day of a dress rehearsal they may be asked to sit out of the concert performance. In the case of excessive absences, the conductor or director will make the determination about whether or not the student can continue to participate in the program.

Public School Participation

 

The Youth orchestras of central Virginia is a proud supporter of in-school music education. The region of Central Virginia has a strong history in public school music education. Our public school music programs are a vital part of our community infrastructure. In an effort to enrich rather than replace participation in public school music programs YOCVA requires that all new incoming YOCVA members (as of fall 2021) attending a public school must also be members of their school’s band or orchestra program (if the student’s school has a school program.) 

If a legitimate scheduling conflict prevents the student from enrolling in his or her school ensemble, verification of their past/intended enrollment in the school music program must be confirmed by their band or orchestra teacher. You will be prompted at registration to share your teacher’s email for this purpose. Special and unique circumstances may be discussed between the student/family, yocva staff, and/or school instructor. If you have questions about this policy please contact executive director at megan.gray@yocva.org.