History of the Ethos Youth Ensembles

​The Ethos Youth Ensembles traces its roots to 1997, when the organization was founded to provide high-quality ensemble music experiences for young musicians in Middle Tennessee.  Beginning with a small group of dedicated students rehearsing in a portable classroom, the organization quickly established itself as an important educational and artistic resource for the region's youth.

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Over the years, Ethos expanded its programming to serve students of varying ages, experience levels, and musical interests.  As participation grew, so did the organization's impact, creating opportunities for thousands of young musicians to develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of collaborative music-making.

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Throughout its history, Ethos has partnered with schools, churches, community organizations, and arts institutions across Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee to bring meaningful musical experiences to young people.  These partnerships have helped strengthen the organization's mission while connecting students and families to the broader cultural life of the community.

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Over the years, the Ethos Youth Ensembles has commissioned new works, collaborated with outstanding artists and ensembles, and maintained a commitment to excellence in both performance and education.  More than 4,000 students have participated in Ethos programs since 1997, establishing the organization as an important cultural and educational institution in Middle Tennessee.

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Today, Ethos continues to build on nearly three decades of service by providing inspiring ensemble experiences that foster musical growth, personal development, leadership, and community.  While programs and offerings have evolved over time, the organization's commitment to enriching the lives of young people through music remains unchanged.

 

What does "Ethos" mean?

Ethos is most well-known as one of Aristotle’s three types of appeals – ethos, pathos, and logos – that a writer/speaker may use as a means of persuasion. However, the ancient Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence its hearer's emotions, behaviors, and even morals. According to a belief system they held called The Doctrine of Affections, they believed that music could restore balance and literally heal the body. In Aristotle’s philosophical work Politics, he argued that music should be a part of every student’s education because of its power to influence the soul.

 

ethos (n.): the effect of musical study on one's guiding beliefs and character

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ethos Youth Ensemble is to promote the optimum musical development and education of young musicians through the study and performance of a diverse curriculum of challenging ensemble music. The Ethos Youth Ensembles aspire to increase community awareness of and participation in the musical experiences of the youth in our area.

 

Ensembles

The Ethos Preparatory Choir. Grades 2-5. October through April. The Preparatory Choir focuses on sound vocal technique, music literacy, and piano skills. Brian Russell, conductor.

 

The Ethos Jazz Ensemble. Grades 8-12. November through April. The Jazz Band is an ensemble specializing in traditional jazz literature for big band and focusing on jazz techniques and improvisation. TBA, conductor.

 

The Ethos Wind Symphony. Grades 8-12. November through April. The Wind Symphony performs literature for symphonic band and wind ensemble with an emphasis in contemporary works by living composers. Brian Russell, conductor.

 

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New Member/Seating Auditions

Auditions are required for the Ethos Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Symphony. Audition dates, requirements, and sign-ups for all ensembles are found on the Ethos website.

 

Personal Conduct/Rehearsal Procedures

Each member of an Ethos Ensemble will approach each rehearsal, concert, and event with a level of respect and professionalism deserving of the Art we produce. This means students will:

1. Treat conductors, administrators, guests, and all adults with respect.

2. Treat your peers as you would wish to be treated.

3. Be in their seats and ready to begin rehearsal at least ten (5) minutes prior to the start of each rehearsal.

4. Avoid chewing gum or eating food in rehearsal.

5. Turn OFF and put away electronic devices during rehearsal. (No texting, audio or video recording is to take place).

6. Be prepared with his/her folder and a pencil at rehearsals.

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First Offense to these guidelines: Warning by the Conductor

Second Offense: Parent contact by Conductor

Third Offense: Removal from the Ensemble

Students removed from the Ensemble for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to a tuition refund.

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Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic, disability, and religious discrimination, bullying and harassment. The bullying of other students or persons, regardless of the method or medium use (including social or other electronic media, within our outside of Ethos events) is strictly prohibited. Students violating these policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from Ethos.

 

Attendance Policy

All Ethos students must attend and remain for the duration of each rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and performance. Two or more absences during a concert cycle (all rehearsals, including special and dress rehearsals, through each concert) may result in the student’s not participating the concert. Arriving late or leaving early will count as 1/2 of an absence. Two (2) tardies will be counted as one absence.

 

The Ethos Youth Ensembles exist to supplement the school-based ensemble and curriculum. As such, students should never miss a required rehearsal or concert for his/her school-based ensemble for an Ethos rehearsal. Absences caused by school-based ensembles will always be excused, but if they exceed two absences per concert rotation then the student should contact the conductor for an individual consultation regarding the student’s eligibility to perform in that concert. Students removed from a concert rotation due to excessive absenteeism are not entitled to a tuition refund.

 

Students/Parents must email conductors as soon as a conflict arises. Knowing about absences in advance enables the conductor to structure the rehearsal for those attending.

 

Dress Rehearsals

Dress rehearsals are mandatory! This is the last full ensemble rehearsal before the performance. The dress rehearsal usually takes place in the concert hall. Musicians who miss a dress rehearsal, for any reason, may be excluded from playing the concert. The conductor will make the final decision as to whether a musician will or will not play the concert. Unlike its name, you need NOT be dressed in performance clothes for dress rehearsals, unless otherwise directed by your Conductor.

 

Concerts/Tickets

Concerts are held at various locations and dates across the area. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students (college students and minors).

 

Tickets will be available online or at the door.

 

The Ethos Concert Season is outlined in detail at www.EthosMusic.net.

 

Inclement Weather Policy/Holidays

All Ethos Youth Ensembles follow Rutherford County Schools’ cancellations for inclement weather.  However, exceptions will be made for various reasons. Thus, Ethos Ensembles will not meet when RCS is closed for weather UNLESS you hear differently from an Ethos Conductor or Administrator. The primary means of notification when a rehearsal is cancelled will be email (see below), so it is recommended that all students and parents/guardians sign up for this free service.

 

The Ethos Youth Ensembles do not always observe the same holiday calendar as some school systems. Please take note of the calendar on the Ethos Website.

 

Communications

Communication is a two-way street. To contact your conductor:

• Email (see each conductor’s page at EthosMusic.net)

• Call Ethos at 615.274.9647

 

Conductors/Staff may contact students/parents via:

• Email addresses you submit on the online registration form

• Phone numbers you submit on the online registration form

• Social Media

  • Facebook.com/EthosYouthEnsembles

  • Twitter.com/EthosYouth

  • Instagram.com/EthosYouth

• The Ethos website will be the central hub of information for the Ethos Youth Ensembles.

 

Attire

Chamber Wind Symphony:

Formal Black Dress with sleeves

Black/Nude Hosiery (if hosiery is preferred by family)

Black closed-toe dress shoes

OR

Black Pants and Black Shirt/Blouse (coat optional)

Black closed-toe dress shoes

or

Full Black tuxedo or Black Suit (pants and coat)

Wing-Tip Tuxedo Shirt

Black Bow Tie Black

Cummerbund optional

Black dress socks

Black dress shoes

 

Ethos Jazz Ensemble

Concert Black:

Black Dress Shirt/Blouse

Black Dress Pants

Black Dress Socks/Hosiery

Black Dress Shoes

Black Sportcoats optional but encouraged

 

Ethos Children’s Choir:

White button-down shirt/blouse

Black Dress Pants/Slacks/Skirt

Black Dress Shoes and Appropriate Socks/Hosiery

 

Tuition

Tuition rates for Ethos classes and ensembles are as follows:

Ethos Children’s Choirs

$325 up front or $48.00 per month (October through April)

 

Ethos Wind Symphony and Jazz Band

$272 up front or $48.00 per month (November through April)

 

Since Ethos is a long-term program and commitment, tuition is based on what it takes to fund the program for the year. Therefore, the monthly pro-rated amount exists as a convenience to families to spread out the yearly tuition rate over a period of time. It’s important to note that some months will have 4-5 Ethos rehearsals and events; other months will have fewer. 

 

In order to minimize the handling of paper materials during the global pandemic, Ethos will only accept checks for the full tuition (no cash) before the first rehearsal, mailed to the below address:

Ethos Youth Ensembles

1316 Stewart Creek Road

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Cash will not be accepted.  Checks are not accepted for monthly payments.  All monthly payments are accepted via credit card only.

 

Families with multiple students in one or both orchestras are eligible for sibling discounts. The discounts are as follows:

1st student: Full Tuition

2nd student: 20% discount

3 or more students: 40% discount

 

Failure to pay tuition according to the schedule above will result in a student’s removal from the concert. Tuition is non-refundable.

 

Kroger Community Rewards

Do you shop at Kroger? The Kroger Community Rewards Program is an easy way you can help support the Ethos Youth Ensembles! Simply visit www.kroger.com/communityrewards and register your Kroger Plus Card for the Ethos Youth Ensembles (at the time of this handbook’s printing, the organization is still listed under “Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.” Both names will support us.). Then, whenever you shop and use your Kroger Plus Card, a percentage of your purchases will come back to Ethos!

 

Scholarships/Financial Aid

Need-based financial assistance is offered to musicians in any Ethos Youth Ensemble who meet criteria established by the Board of Directors. The organization has budgeted funds available and our commitment is to provide financial aid to families in need. Partial and Full tuition scholarships can be awarded; no member of any Ethos Ensemble may receive financial assistance greater than the total of the annual tuition of his/her respective ensemble.

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Email Dr. Russell with questions about Financial Aid.

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Registration Materials

Each student must have a parent/guardian complete the Student Registration Form on the Ethos Website prior to auditioning. Tuition will also be paid as a part of this Registration Form.

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Calendar

A full calendar with information for all Ethos Youth Ensembles is kept on the Ethos website. Each family is responsible for information kept on that calendar.

 

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is vital to the best possible musical experience for all who participate. Parent volunteers an important part of ensuring the Ethos Youth Ensembles’ success. Through their involvement, parents gain a better knowledge of the organization, provide an invaluable parental perspective and motivate the staff. If you are interested in becoming more involved, contact Brian Russell, Ethos Executive Director, at brussell@ethosmusic.net.

 

Instrument Insurance

Each student is responsible for providing the insurance required for his or her instrument. This is often covered under the family’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Check with your individual insurance agent to verify such coverage or that your instrument is properly insured. Ethos insurance policies does not cover individually-owned instruments.

 

​​Admissions Policy

Any student can be admitted to the Ethos Music Academies. Admission into the Ethos Youth Ensembles (Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony) is by audition only. Membership is open to students in or below grade 12. Ethos exists to supplement the schoolbased and church-based ensembles, not replace them. We expect students to remain in their school bands and orchestras and school and church choirs. Instrumentalists must be a member in good standing of their school-based musical ensemble when available. Vocal students must be a member in good standing of their school-based ensemble when available and, if feasible, an age-appropriate choral ensemble based in their religious institution. In the absence of these ensembles, students must be enrolled in ongoing private lessons or Ethos Technique Classes in order to remain a member in good standing of the Ethos Ensembles. Membership is based on musical ability. Members are selected without regard to gender, race, religion, creed or nationality.

 

Staff

TBA - Jazz Band Director

Dr. Brian Russell - Music Director/Executive Director - Conductor of Ethos Preparatory Choir and Wind Symphony

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