Introduction

The Galveston County Youth Ensemble, an initiative by The Dickinson Music Enrichment Center (TDMEC), is a community-based program dedicated to providing young musicians in Galveston County with performance-focused opportunities that foster talent, discipline, and community through high-quality, no-cost music programming. This document outlines the program's mission, policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. The ensemble is designed with coaches who are also ensemble members and high school band section leaders. These coaches are given operational autonomy while TDMEC founders Charles Marcus and Sandra Lee provide strategic oversight.

1. Mission and Vision Statement

1.1 Mission Statement
The Dickinson Youth Music Ensemble, powered by TDMEC, aims to provide young musicians in Galveston County with enriching, performance-focused experiences that foster talent, discipline, and community through high-quality, no-cost music opportunities.

1.2 Vision Statement
To establish the Dickinson Youth Music Ensemble as a premier youth music group that nurtures the artistic growth of its members, supports community engagement, and contributes positively to the cultural landscape of Galveston County.

2. Ensemble Structure and Eligibility 
The TDMEC Dickinson Youth Music Ensemble is structured into three divisions to accommodate different skill 
levels and provide opportunities for growth and progression. Below are the divisions and their eligibility 
requirements: 
Junior Division (6th–8th Grade):  
Open to all Galveston County students who are part of an ISD band or homeschool students taking private music 
lessons. No auditions required. 
Advanced Level Division (9th–12th Grade):  
Open to all Galveston County high school students who are part of an ISD band program or homeschool students 
taking private music lessons. All freshmen must audition to join the Advanced Level Division. 
Artist Level Division (9th–12th Grade):  
Open to all Galveston County high school students who are part of an ISD band program. New members and 
current lower-level members must audition to join. Only Advanced Level members are eligible to audition for the 
Artist Level Division. Junior Division members cannot audition until they reach the Advanced Level. 
Academic Requirement:  
To remain in any division or level of the Dickinson Youth Music Ensemble, students must maintain a B average in 
their academic studies.