History of the Ethos Youth Ensembles

The Ethos Youth Ensembles were founded in 1997 as the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra with seventeen string musicians. The Orchestra rehearsed in a portable classroom at Middle Tennessee Christian School and performed two concerts. Under the expertise of MYO Founder and Conductor Emerita Susan Mullen, the organization quickly grew in number and quality, and in only one year expanded the MYO to included winds/percussion and established the Preparatory String Orchestra.

 

During the 2000-2001 season, both ensembles began rehearsing and performing at Middle Tennessee State University, beginning a long and fruitful relationship with the MTSU School of Music. The combined membership of both ensembles grew to nearly 100 students in grades 3 through 12. In 2008, Sara Beth Geith was named the second Music Director of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra. The Murfreesboro Youth Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2011, expanding the artistic footprint of the organization.

 

In 2014, Brian Russell was named the third Music Director of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, further expanding the organization’s offerings to include a Wind Symphony. The organization changed its name to the Ethos Youth Ensembles in the fall of 2015, adding Children’s Choirs to the list of ensembles. In 2016 the Ethos Music Academy was founded, offering beginning-level group instruction for strings. The Ethos Children’s Choirs join the listing of musical offerings in Fall 2024.

 

Over the years, the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra/Ethos Youth Ensembles have commissioned new works, performed alongside the area’s finest performing ensembles, and achieved high levels of artistic excellence in performance and programming. Over two thousand students have gone through the organization’s ranks, establishing the Ethos Youth Ensembles as an important cultural and educational institution in Middle Tennessee.

 

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.

 

Academy Classes

Year One Beginning String Classes. Grades 2-5. September through April. Group lessons designed as the first exposure to string instruments. Students will perform at the December and April Concerts.

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Year Two String Classes. Grades 3-6. September through April. Group lessons for those who have already successfully completed the Beginning string classes. Students will perform at the December and April Concerts.

 

Ensembles

The Ethos Chamber Orchestra. Grades 7-12. September through April.  The Chamber Orchestra is a small, elite ensemble of advanced string players who specialize in standard repertoire for chamber string ensemble. Allison Cowan, conductor.

 

The Ethos Camerata Orchestra. Grades 3-8. September through April. Camerata is a string orchestra of elementary and middle school students that performs arrangements of standard literature. Laura Shaw, conductor

 

The Ethos Reading Orchestra. Grades 3-8. September through April. Camerata is a string orchestra of elementary and middle school students that performs arrangements of standard literature. Laura Shaw, 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. Bob Chandler, 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. David Aydelott, conductor.

 

The Ethos Preparatory Choir. Grades 3-5. September through April. The Preparatory Choir focuses on sound vocal technique, music literacy, and piano skills. Brian Russell, conductor.

 

The Ethos Apprentice Choir. Grades 6-8. September through April. The Preparatory Choir focuses on sound vocal technique, music literacy, and piano skills. Brian Russell, conductor.

 

New Member/Seating Auditions

Auditions are required for the Ethos Children’s Choirs, Camerata Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, 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 Text alerts (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

• Text messages 

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

 

Attire

Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Orchestra, & 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 Band:

Concert Black:

Black Dress Shirt/Blouse

Black Dress Pants

Black Dress Socks/Hosiery

Black Dress Shoes

Black Sportcoats optional but encouraged

 

Academy Students and 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 Academy Classes, Chamber Orchestra, Camerata & Children’s Choirs

$365 up front or $48.00 per month (September 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; others (October, December, and April, for example); 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), 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.

 

The Application Form for Financial Aid Scholarships are available on the Ethos website. The Board of Directors will keep all application information confidential and money will be awarded without regard to gender, race, religion, creed, or nationality.

 

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.

 

Scholarships/Financial Aid

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.

 

StringsAlive!

The Ethos Youth Ensembles provide an instrument lending program for the purpose of assisting string players who may not be able to purchase their own instruments. These instruments are available at no cost to interested students who then assume responsibility for proper care and protection of the instrument assigned to them. Insurance coverage is provided by the Ethos Youth Ensembles. Instruments are assigned on recommendation of the conductor and based on the availability of specific instruments.

• The following guidelines have been established for the Strings Alive! program:

• The student must take private lessons or be enrolled in an Ethos Technique Class;

• The student may use the loaned instrument for one season.

• The student assumes responsibility for the care and routine maintenance of the instrument, including replacing strings and supplying rosin for bows.

• The family assumes financial responsibility for the instrument, including full replacement value if lost or damaged.  It is strongly encouraged that families acquire insurance to fully cover replacement costs.

 

Contact Dr. Russell at brussell@ethosmusic.net to inquire about the StringsAlive! program.

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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

David Aydelott - Wind Symphony Conductor

Bob Chandler - Jazz Band Director

Allison Cowan - Ethos Academy Teacher - Chamber Orchestra Conductor

Dr. Brian Russell - Music Director/Executive Director - Children’s Choirs Conductor

Laura Shaw - Ethos Academy Teacher - Ethos Camerata Orchestra Conductor - Ethos Reading Orchestra Conductor

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