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Membership Rules and Regulations
The Chesapeake Youth Chorale is meant to be a positive learning experience for the singer, one that they will carry with them throughout their lifetime. The members of the chorale should learn the meaning of commitment and responsibility. They should feel a sense of pride at being in this very special organization and not take the membership lightly. Enrollment in the CYC is for the entire season (typically September through April). Each member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the entire season, thus laying the foundation for musical and social growth.
We expect each singer who has made a commitment to sing for the entire season to live up to that commitment. If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from honoring the membership commitment, a letter of resignation should be submitted to the Music Director.
It is the policy of the Chesapeake Youth Chorale, Inc. to admit members on the basis of their qualifications only and with the assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, or handicap. If you have a special needs child, please inform the Music Director of the specific need, and the most appropriate response to meet that need.
• FINANCIAL INFORMATION
• TUITION ASSISTANCE
• REHERSALS
• REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE
• INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
• REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
• PERFORMANCES
• CONCERT RECEPTION ETIQUETTE
The Chesapeake Youth Chorale requires each member to pay tuition fees. Tuition and ticket revenue provide a small amount of the annual budget of the Chorale. The remaining funding comes from grants, and donations from parents, individuals and businesses in the community. A non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration. The following is a summary of annual fees and related tuition policies. A non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration. (For returning members, the registration fee will be applied to your tuition total.)
TUITION & FEES
Registration Fee(first-time applicants only)$25.00
Yearly tuition: $225.00 - payable by semester or quarterly with a $5.00 surcharge per payment. Sibling discounts available.
TUITION POLICIES
1. Tuition balance is due by the first rehearsal in September.
2. If you choose to pay half-semester installments, please notify Administrator immediately. First semester installments due by September 7 and October 17. Second semester installments due by January 4 and February 15.
3. Families with more than one singer enrolled in the CYC must pay full tuition for the first child. Tuition for additional children will be at a discounted rate.
4. Non-payment of fees may jeopardize a member's place in the CYC.
5. Be sure the following information is on each payment made to the CYC:
Reason (tuition, registration, etc.
Child's name (include last name if different from remitter)
6. Mail payments to: Chesapeake Youth Chorale, P.O. Box 431, Centreville,MD 21617
7. Payments may also be given to the CYC Administrator at rehearsal. Back to top.
A limited amount of financial assistance is available each season, and is awarded based on financial need. All requests for such assistance must be submitted in writing, and submitted with registration form and fee. Mail to: CYC, P.O. Box 431, Centreville, MD 21617, ATTN: Tuition Assistance Committee. Requests should be sent by September 7. Letters are reviewed and assistance granted at the discretion of the Committee, appointed by the CYC Board of Directors. Additional information may be required after initial review by the Committee. Determination of assistance awarded for the season will be made and applicable families notified on or about September 28.
If you do not receive a response to your request for assistance by October 5, please contact the CYC Administrator immediately.
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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
ALL REHEARSALS WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAYS AT CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE.
YOUTH CHORALE - 4:30 - 5:30 PM
SELECT ENSEMBLE - 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Transportation to and from rehearsals is the individual responsibility of the parents/guardians, as are carpools, etc. Rosters are issued at the beginning of the season to facilitate transportation arrangements. Please see the CYC Calendar for specific dates and times. Some information on last minute changes to the Calendar will be announced in our weekly flyer, "CYC Notes"
Membership in the Chesapeake Youth Chorale is a commitment to faithful, consistent and punctual attendance. It is expected that rehearsals take a very high priority in each member's life. Each chorister is holding a valuable place in the Chorale. We encourage each member to maintain a perfect attendance schedule.
A member of the CYC may be excused from a rehearsal if a legitimate conflict occurs. In order to be excused from a rehearsal, the CYC Administrator must be notified no later than noon, the day of the rehearsal in question. In cases of planned absence, a notice as far in advance as possible is appreciated (at least two (2) weeks). Acceptable reasons for excused absence from a rehearsal are illness, family emergency, or mandatory school function. If no contact has been made with the CYC Administrator prior to an absence, that absence will be considered unexcused. Attendance and punctuality that do not demonstrate commitment to the Chorale will result in possible dismissal from the program. An absence for any reason from a final rehearsal before a performance on the calendar will result in the chorister being excluded from the corresponding concert. Exceptions will be decided only by the Music Director! All rehearsals, final rehearsals, and concerts are mandatory. Back to top.
It is the policy of the CYC to hold rehearsals regardless of official school closings by the Board of Education of Queen Anne's County. If you are unsure as to whether or not a rehearsal has been canceled due to inclement weather, contact the CYC Administrator by 2:00 PM on the day of the rehearsal in question. The Music Director will make the final determination to cancel a rehearsal. Back to top.
The following procedures help the CYC achieve a disciplined and professional manner. These procedures are imposed for the choristers' safety, for ensuring orderly rehearsals and out of respect and courtesy for each other.
Arrive no more than 15 minutes before rehearsal time, report directly to the Rehearsal Assistant to check-in and pick up your CYC Notes.
Late arrivals must always check-in immediately upon arrival.
Please use the rest room BEFORE rehearsal begins.
Do not bring food, drink, candy or gum into the Rehearsal Facility. Try to eat a nutritious snack and drink plenty of water before arriving at rehearsal. Choristers may bring a spill-proof bottle of water to rehearsal.
At all times show respect for each other, parent volunteers and the facilities. Pay attention to the Music Director at all times. Do not behave in a manner which is disruptive to the rehearsal or distracting to other choristers, the director or the accompanist, or which prohibits a positive and successful rehearsal. Disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action.
Running, yelling and/or rowdy behavior is not permitted in or on the grounds of the Rehearsal Facility.
Always bring your folder, music and a sharpened pencil to rehearsal.
If, for any reason, a chorister cannot actively participate in a rehearsal, the chorister should sit quietly and attentively and observe the rehearsal.
Choristers are responsible for forwarding and discussing with parents all information that is distributed at rehearsals. These notices (CYC Notes) are important sources of information that should be communicated immediately.
Parents and interested members of the community are always welcome and encouraged to observe rehearsals as space allows. Please notify the Music Director of your interest in observing a rehearsal.
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PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required at all scheduled performances. An exception would be sudden illness, in which case, the Music Director must be informed immediately. A concert schedule is provided at the beginning of the concert season (see Calendar). If a school performance conflict occurs, the absence should be reported BOTH in person and in writing at least one month prior to the performance.
PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
Performances require the very best in conduct, appearance and musicianship.
Choristers should always eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert. Drink plenty of water and remember no carbonated beverages, no sugar and no dairy products prior to singing.
Choristers should always arrive ten minutes before the specified time of the final rehearsal or performance and immediately check in with the Concert Assistant.
Any medication given to a chorister less than 3 hours before a performance should be reported to the Concert Assistant and/or Music Director.
Tardiness at a performance may exclude a chorister from participation at that performance.
All performers must arrive attired in proper concert dress as noted in the Concert Dress Policy in the CYC Handbook. Failure to wear proper dress will result in non-participation in the concert.
Choristers should conduct themselves at all times in a calm, polite and professional manner. They must give their undivided attention to the Music Director and/or Concert Assistant at all times.
All choristers must know the music. Each chorister must have a confident command of the concert repertoire. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal may result in release from the corresponding concert commitment.
Choristers must let the Concert Assistant know if they are feeling ill. If a chorister feels ill during a performance, he or she should quietly sit down on the riser (or floor) and rest for the remainder of the song. Then, if feeling better, the chorister may get up and sing again, or if not, quietly leave the stage. The Concert Assistant and other parents are always watching and will help if necessary.
Remember that at all times you represent the Chesapeake Youth Chorale.
Note: To allow the choristers to concentrate on the music, the director and the final instructions being given by those in charge, the final dress rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are closed to the audience, including families. Only the designated Concert Assistant(s) will be allowed in the rehearsal area prior to a performance.
Occasionally the CYC invites the audience to a reception after a concert. This is a wonderful opportunity for the choristers to speak to and interact with audience members. This is not a time for school yard antics such as 'tag' or 'hide and seek.' Choristers should remain in their concert attire until they leave for home, and generally have a respect for the facility and their "guests." Parents can make a significant impact on choristers by covering this material just prior to a concert, and guiding the chorister at the reception.
Choristers should be on their best behavior at the reception. Remember the audience has paid to see your performance at the concert, not at the reception.
Choristers should greet their "guests" and be gracious and polite.
Choristers should use good manners - no running, wrestling, or fists full of cookies. The refreshments have been prepared for your "guests", do not push your way to the refreshment table and grab large quantities.
Above all, choristers should enjoy themselves and their "guests" and the concert will be a memorable experience. Back to Top
MUSIC
Music and folders are issued at the beginning of the season. They are the property of Chesapeake Youth Chorale. Throughout the year, new music is passed out and old music is collected. It is the chorister's (hence, the family's) responsibility to take good care of the music and folder and bring them to every rehearsal along with a #2 pencil.
If music or folders are lost, irreparably damaged or not returned, you will be charged an amount to cover the replacement costs. The replacement charge for a folder with music will be $35. If music and/or folder is not returned by the last rehearsal of the season, an invoice will be issued within two weeks if no contact has been made with the CYC Administrator or the Music Librarian. Please remember that music is to be used, not abused.
HANDLING AND CARE OF MUSIC
1. Music must be brought to all rehearsals unless notified otherwise
2. Music is always kept and carried in folders
3. Never fold or roll music
4. All markings should be done lightly, in pencil, and only at the instruction of the Music Director. A sharpened pencil should be kept in the folder at all times
5. If for any reason a piece of music is in need of repair, please do so properly with clear (non-yellowing) tape.
6. MUSIC MUST BE RETURNED AT THE FINAL REHEARSAL OF THE SEASON! Do not wait for a reminder, this is your final notice.
FINAL REHEARSAL
Sometimes called a dress rehearsal, the final rehearsal is the opportunity for choristers to go through the entire concert just as if the audience were present, processing, standing, singing, recessing, and especially standing quietly. Although we use the term "dress rehearsal," the chorister does not wear concert dress at this time. Only the music is 'well dressed.' The final rehearsal helps choristers feel confident and to know what to expect, in order to do their very best in the performance.
CONCERT DRESS
Just as the sound of the Chorale is important, so in the appearance of the Chorale. A well groomed, neatly uniformed Chorale is essential for a truly professional and artistic experience. Chorale members must adhere to concert dress code. A professional, uniform appearance is an important part of the performance. Good personal hygiene is necessary for all choristers. Shirts are to be tucked in. Clean teeth, and clean, combed hair is always expected of each chorister. A chorister who fails to dress or groom properly will not be permitted to participate.
The CYC will provide each chorister with a vest. If you fail to return the vest after the final concert, you will be charged $30.00 so that we will be able to replace the vest.
CONCERT UNIFORM DRESS CODE
GIRLS
Black skirt - 2" below knee
LS White oxford, button collar - Youth Chorale only
Vest (supplied by CYC)Youth Chorale only
White Tuxedo Shirt w/Red bow tie (supplied by CYC)Select Ensemble only
Black shoes, low heel (less than 1 1/2" )
Black tights (no patterns or sheer)
Hair neat-off face
Post earrings only
No perfume or obvious make-up
BOYS
Black dress slacks - NO JEANS
LS White oxford, button collar - Youth Chorale only
Vest (supplied by CYC)Youth Chorale only
White Tuxedo Shirt w/Red bow tie (supplied by CYC)Select Ensemble only
Black shoes - no sneakers
Black socks
Hair neat-off face
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Full development of each chorister's potential is only possible through the regular and active involvement of the family. Parental participation is essential in enhancing the quality of the learning experience for the child. Parents are asked to:
1. Encourage home practice and assist when necessary
2. Attend all local concerts, promoting by word of mouth
3. Become an active member of the Parents Association
We could not achieve our level of success as a youth chorale without the help of our parents. To better capitalize on the effectiveness of parents, the Parents Association has been created. It is our hope that the Association will provide adjunct support to the ongoing operation of the Chesapeake Youth Chorale. Countless important details require dedicated work throughout the year. Every parent is expected to accept some operational responsibility appropriate to interests and abilities.
Parents of current CYC members are automatically members of the Association. Association membership is also open to others interested in supporting the program by donating their time and energy. We hope to hold occasional (as needed) meetings until we are 'up and running' full force. Notification of meetings will be through the CYC Notes or by separate mailing.
As a not-for-profit organization, the CYC depends on volunteers. We welcome parents to help keep the Chorale going and growing. We need to fill the following positions immediately to have our season run as smoothly as possible:
Rehearsal Assistant
- assist director with choristers
Concert Assistant
- assist director with choristers
Gatekeepers
- ticket takers and ushers
Fund-raising Committee
- plan and organize campaign
Social Committee
- reception and party planning
Theater Arts
- prop productions/make-up
Grant Committee
- assist with and learn techniques
Promotions Committee
- prepare copy at all opportunties
Please contact the Administrator at your earliest convenience to sign-up. These are not difficult positions, but it is impossible for only one or two people to 'cover all the bases'. Please consider the quality of the program and the benefit to your child.
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