2023-2024
Administrative Staff
Alan Kaschub, director, Osher School of Music, and coordinator of ensembles
Christenia Alden-Kinne, administrative specialist
Sebastian Lister, administrative specialist
Lori Arsenault, music and theatre summer camp coordinator
Artistic Staff
Robert Lehmann, director, PYSO and artistic coordinator
William Kinne, director, PYWE
Hanna Flewelling, director, PYPSC
Ferdinand Liva, director, PYJO
Contacting us:
phone: 207-780-5265 or 1-800-800-4876, ext. 5265
e-mail: usm.music@maine.edu
Please put your group name, in the subject line: PYWE, PYSO, PYJO or PYPSC
mail: 37 College Ave., Gorham, ME 04038
storm line: 1-800-800-4876 or 207-780-4800
Web Page: https://usm.maine.edu/osher-school-music/portland-youth-ensembles
Facebook: “USM Youth Ensembles”
Both include postings and notices about Youth Ensembles events, changes to the schedule, and pictures of musicians in rehearsal and in concert.
Membership
Membership is by audition only. Interested families should go to the web page FMI
Membership dues:
$350 per year. Family rates are discounted on a percentage basis.
Membership fees are nonrefundable.
Payments are made and forms should be completed on the family’s Ultracamp account.
Payment in full prior to the second rehearsal. Payment plans are available
Create or log in to your Ultracamp client page
IMPORTANT: When creating an Ultracamp account, the primary member is always a parent/guardian, not the youth musician. A secondary adult can also be added.
In an emergency during rehearsal call 911 and the University Police 207-780-5211
Rules and Regulations
All members of the USM Youth Ensembles are required to abide by the following conditions of membership:
- Attendance will be taken at all youth ensemble events. Attendance at dress rehearsals, immersion days, and concerts is mandatory. Absences other than emergency or illness must be approved in advance by the ensemble conductor. While our attendance policy may appear strict, it is in support of our mission of excellence in our youth ensemble programs. Absences deemed excessive, unexcused, or unreported in a timely manner by the conductor will warrant membership review by the staff and faculty. Please remember to allow extra time for rush hour traffic in Gorham.
- In case of illness, send an e-mail to usm.music@maine.edu or call 780-5265 no later than 4:00 p.m. on the rehearsal day. Please use the word “Absent” in the subject line and indicate your name, instrument, and group assignment, e.g. “Member Name – Flute – PYWE” in the body of the message.
- Each member must bring their music to all rehearsals and concerts and a pencil to all rehearsals. Markings made on original music parts must be erased before music is turned in after concerts. Music that is torn, tattered or stained must be replaced and you will receive a bill if we must replace the part.
- Members are required to remain in attendance for the entire length of the concerts. The directors make every attempt to end weeknight concerts by 9:00 pm. It is important that members support each other by listening attentively to each group’s performance.
Storm Closure Policy
The youth ensembles do not rehearse when the University is closed. Closure information is available by calling the USM Storm Line 207-780-4800 or 1-800-800-4876. Announcements for cancellation of evening classes and events are posted at 4 p.m. You may sign up to receive USM text and email alerts: usm.bbcportal.com
In rare circumstances, we decide to cancel the Youth Ensembles rehearsals without waiting for USM to act. If you have a question, first check your email, then call. The final decision rests with parents. If you are not comfortable driving or allowing your child to drive, please stay home.
Rehearsal Facilities
Please treat the facilities and all instruments with respect. It is important for members to remain within the designated rehearsal spaces. Osher School of Music activities are going on concurrently with Youth Ensemble rehearsals. Rehearsal space must be straightened and re-set following rehearsal. Members are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriately mature and professional manner. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from rehearsal and/or possible expulsion from the ensembles.
NEW for 2023-2024: Parking and Transportation During Rehearsals
Beginning in August of 2023, the University has implemented a new ‘PAY BY PLATE’ parking fee system for visitors to campus. In order to validate your parking, you must follow the directions on the signs at each lot. For more information, visit usm.maine.edu/parking-services. This must be taken care of at the time you park your vehicle, or you can do this in advance of arriving on campus. You may want to consider purchasing one of the discount passes available.
Parking is available in lots G3 and G4 across from Corthell Hall. When you park on the campus, please park in a legal parking space. Do not park along the street or on a lawn, this is a safety issue for emergency vehicles. Parking tickets received for infractions at handicapped spaces and out-of-lot parking cannot be appealed. Lot G6 in front of Corthell Hall is too small to handle drop-offs which could put fellow ensemble members at risk. Please drop off your child on the sidewalk beside Corthell Hall, or in a larger parking lot
Save on gas and time by taking the bus. The Greater Portland Metro “Husky” line travels from the downtown Portland Elm St. Metro Hub, with stops on the Portland campus, on Brighton Ave, and at the intersection of bus routes in downtown Westbrook and ends in front of Bailey Hall on the Gorham campus. Student rates apply. The bus schedule is here: https://gpmetro.org/318/Husky-Line
Suggested Activities for Drivers
Parents can take advantage of university resources and local businesses to help make the time pass more pleasantly. The USM library, across the street in Bailey Hall, has a comfortable reading area in Periodicals. There are snack bars in Bailey Hall and the Brooks Student Center. Other dining options include Amato’s, Azul Tequila, Gorham House of Pizza, Burger King, Aroma Joe’s, Otto Pizza and Subway. All are located on Route 25, or 114 and are just a block or two away. Curbside Comforts is a vegan restaurant 10 minutes up the road at the intersection of Routes 202 and 237. A Hannaford Supermarket and a Walgreen’s Pharmacy are also nearby.
Parents Committee
Parents and guardians are automatically members of the parents’ committee and are welcome to volunteer for activities sponsored by the committee. Contact us for information about the parents’ group. We seek and appreciate the help of parent volunteers for Immersion Day lunch and post-concert receptions.
Dress for Concerts
PYWE & PYSO
Option A: Tuxedo or black suit, white shirt, black bow-tie, black socks, and black dress shoes (no sneakers or Crocs).
Option B: All black. 3/4 length or longer skirt, dress or formal slacks (no black jeans), black long-sleeved blouse, dark hose, black dress shoes (no sneakers, Crocs or flip-flops).
PYJO & PYPSC
Option A: Black pants (no jeans), black long-sleeved shirt with long black tie, or black turtleneck, black socks, black shoes (no sneakers or Crocs).
Option B: Black long skirt or slacks (no jeans), black blouse or sweater, black socks, nylon stockings or black tights, black shoes (no sneakers, Crocs or flip-flops).
Concert Audience Attendance
Admission to concerts at Merrill Auditorium is by donation. Seating is by General Admission (first come, first served) so there are no ‘tickets’. Donations for admission should be made in advance to speed entry to the hall. Donations directly support our use of Merrill Auditorium. A link to purchase ‘tickets’ will be posted on the USM Events page https://usm.maine.edu/osher-school-music/events. We will also post a QR code at the venue to allow purchases when you arrive at the auditorium.
Youth Ensembles members are welcome to attend Osher School of Music’s university ensemble, faculty concert series, and master class events free of charge. Contact usm.music@maine.edu or (207) 780-5265 for more information.