Parent on Duty (POD) Training Everything you need to know to become a POD with the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus! 2017-2018

What is a POD? Types of PODs *POD, n. Literally, parent on duty; the act of participating in the musical education of one's child by giving of one's services at rehearsals or performances. Types of PODs Coordinator Lead Assistant

POD Coordinator Responsibilities: Each chorus has a POD coordinator who is present at every rehearsal. You will be notified in advance who is coordinator for each choir. Serve as liaison between Students, Chorus Manager, and Conductor Instruct and supervise all other PODs on duty at rehearsals. Prior to rehearsals contact PODs to remind them of scheduled duty. Arrive at rehearsal at least 30 minutes early to facilitate organization of duties and adequate supervision of arriving students. Read the POD Rehearsal Worksheet, in the front of the check-in book, and issue instructions to the PODs accordingly.

Coordinator, cont. Submit a list of absent/tardy students, and PODs to the conductor just prior to start of rehearsal, and remind conductor about Birthdays, (if it’s the first rehearsal of the month). Write the homework instructions on the bottom of the Rehearsal Worksheet for the chorus manager to send home to the absentee students. Maintain a list of the four row performance line-up and keep it updated. Thank PODs and anyone else who has helped at the end of the evening.

Lead POD Responsibilities: Arrive at rehearsal 30 minutes early to facilitate organization of duties and adequate supervision of arriving students. Spend most of the time in the rehearsal room, whilst being responsible for the students’ conduct within the room before and after rehearsals. If called upon assist the Conductor in maintaining quiet and good behavior. Maintain the boxes of sharpened pencils and tissues. Remove sick students from rehearsal and leave them in the care of the Assistant POD. Check with Conductor for length of break, and establish a timely, orderly break with responsible and quiet behavior. Visibly supervise students exiting the building into waiting parent vehicles, and wait with students whose rides have not arrived. Inform the Chorus Manager when all students have departed.

Assistant POD Responsibilities: Arrive at rehearsal 30 minutes early to facilitate organization of duties and adequate supervision of arriving students. Spend most of the time at the desk outside the rehearsal room, whilst being responsible for the students’ conduct outside the rehearsal room before, and after rehearsals, and during the break. Maintain the check-in book, distribute handouts, and collect any communications between the parents and the Chorus Manager. Supervise sick students, and if necessary accompany them to restroom. If necessary, conduct student to Chorus Manager for medication or phone calls home. Check rehearsal room for lost items immediately after rehearsal.

Why Are PODs Important? A POD acts as a chaperone for PYC rehearsals and performances.  Being a POD is a way for parents to participate directly in their child’s choral education while providing valuable assistance to the staff. PODs should reflect the PYC values of professionalism, respect, and excellence, while maintaining discipline and safety.  We ask each family to have one parent act as a POD twice each season.  A schedule is distributed listing rehearsal assignments.

POD General Rules: PODs are required to enforce the following general rules: PYC students are invited guests of Duquesne University and are required to respect its property and people. During breaks, PODs must KEEP HALLWAYS AND DOORWAYS CLEAR. PYC students are not permitted to play any of the pianos at Duquesne under any circumstances. PYC students are not to consume carbonated drinks and/or candy/sweets at break times. Vending machines are off limits. PYC students are restricted to reserved PYC areas, which include the rehearsal rooms, adjacent restrooms, and check-in areas. All other areas are off limits.

Thank You! It is thanks to you that our children stay safe and organized during our rehearsals and concerts! We really could not do it without each and every one of you. If you have any more questions regarding PODs, contact Carly Black at Carly@pittsburghyouthchorus.org or call the office at 412-281-4790