 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Calendar Mission Statement and Handbook
|
WELCOME To the Youth Choir of Central Oregon!
The purpose of this handbook is to provide basic information about the Youth Choir of Central Oregon (YCCO), a music performance and education program that emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding in children between the ages of five and eighteen. YCCO is a non-profit organization with a current enrollment of more than 150 singers in two choirs and two early training programs.
Mission Statement: It is YCCO’s stated mission to provide an opportunity for musical expression and education in a joyful environment.
Vision: v To provide an advanced choral experience for talented youth singers. v To supplement the musical training offered in Central Oregon’s school music programs. v To study and perform a variety of choral music in the tradition of American and world composers, both secular and sacred. v To improve choir performance and personal growth by teaching skills such as melody, harmony, rhythm, reading skills, vocal tone, choral technique and teamwork. v To encourage the life-long learning and enjoyment of music.
YCCO began in 1990 as an outreach of the Cascade Festival of Music when Beth Basham founded the Cascade Festival Children’s Choir. Comprised of one choir with approximately 85 singers in grades four through eight, the choir met October through May for weekly rehearsals and gave two concerts during the course of the year and one at the festival. Mrs. Basham provided the artistic vision and choir direction. Enthusiastic choir families and festival volunteers provided operational support. In its fourth year, with a growing artistic reputation and a desire for more performance opportunities, the choir became a separate non-profit corporation. By the sixth year, the regional population had grown so that a second choir was needed. YCCO split into two groups, with the more experienced singers comprising the Premiere Choir; the younger singers becoming the Debut Choir. Festivals and more concerts were added to the performance repertoire, and the Premiere Choir began to travel. The Premiere Choir has since performed in Oregon and other areas of the Pacific Northwest, Canada, England, Hawaii, Turkey and Greece. YCCO today has a reputation for artistic excellence, with a Premiere Choir experienced in international touring, and with a Debut Choir that boasts an established state presence.
YCCO provides a special learning environment designed to be a rich and rewarding musical experience for each student. Choristers study and perform a variety of music from simple unison folk songs to contemporary musical literature. Both sacred and secular music are selected and performed in a variety of settings. Repertoire is not selected to intrude on anyone’s personal beliefs, but rather to give each child a broad music education that includes learning about other peoples and cultures. It is essential that all singers be willing to sing all repertoires. Masterpieces of music from all styles and periods form the foundation for music learning and serve as the basis for the curriculum. We believe that “children should be led to musical masterpieces by means of musical masterpieces.” (Zoltan Kodaly) Because the best musical experiences for youth are inherent in great music, YCCO repertoire includes the music of Bach, Mozart, Handel, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Britten, Kodaly, R. Vaughn Williams, Aaron Copeland, Bela Bartok and others. Folk, popular, gospel, spirituals and patriotic music are also included. Musical theory (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style and performance practice) and musical skills (singing, sight-reading, tonal balance and performance protocol) are taught throughout the rehearsals. Musical concepts are taught by singing, listening and analysis. Singing is the major focus of the musical experience in YCCO. Singing is a powerfully personal means of musical expression. We hope this experience will form the foundation of a life-long relationship with music for the singers and their families. Children are taught the use of their vocal instruments through exercises in posture, breathing and tone production. The body is the instrument in singing, so musical relationships are internally experienced and are likely to be “felt” and heard. The abilities to hear, conceptualize and perceive music, and then respond musically develops naturally from the human voice. Singing skill and musical understanding are essential components of the creative process and fundamental to music education. Musical re-creation through vocal performance is a way of experiencing and expressing music unlike any other activity.
The YCCO Program consists of four divisions: Tiny Voices, Singers’ School, Debut Choir, and the Premiere Choir. Tiny Voices serves kindergarten and first-grade students. The curriculum for Tiny Voices includes an introduction to singing and reading music, musical games, rhythms, movement to music and fun! This program will make a difference in the lives of young children by introducing them to the magic of music. Singers’ School serves second- through fourth-grade students in a creative, yet structured, small-class environment. Music and movement activities and beginning vocal skills are presented in a choral music framework. The program is designed to build confidence and teamwork. Older singers also prepare for Debut Choir auditions. Debut Choir serves fifth- through eighth-grade students. The Debut Choir is dedicated to growing musicianship. It contributes to the choristers’ musical learning experience by using developmentally appropriate techniques. Note reading, vocal training and performance skills are emphasized. Debut rehearses weekly, and includes those students who have demonstrated vocal ability and enthusiasm for singing. The Choir performs in YCCO’s major public concerts, travels to Eugene each spring for the Oregon Children’s Choral Festival and occasionally performs locally for other events. Premiere Choir serves advanced singers in grades eight through twelve. Premiere emphasizes excellence of musicianship and performance. The Choir rehearses weekly and performs more frequently than Debut. Summer touring further broadens these choristers’ maturity, both personally and musically. Touring is optional but strongly encouraged.
YCCO membership requires a significant commitment by singers and their families. Choir is meant to be a positive learning experience for choristers, one they will carry with them for a lifetime. Through YCCO, members learn the meaning of commitment and responsibility. They should feel a sense of pride in being chosen to participate in these very special choirs and take their membership seriously. Enrollment in the Choir is for the season (school year plus summer touring if applicable). Every YCCO member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the entire season of his/her enrollment, which begins in early September and ends following the spring concert in May.
Membership Requirements Membership requirements are designed to ensure the continuation of the Choir’s high standards. Choristers take pride in maintaining a tradition of musical excellence and commitment to good citizenship. Each individual is an important part of the whole ensemble. Members must fulfill the following requirements: v Successfully complete a personal audition for participation in the Premiere or Debut choirs. Audition can include singing a solo musically, demonstrating voice range, matching pitches, performing clapping rhythms, etc. Placement in any choir is at the discretion of the choir director. Tiny Voices membership is open to all children in kindergarten and first grade without audition. Singers’ School membership is open to all children in grades two through four without audition. v Participate in a school music program if one is available. v Attend all rehearsals, retreats and performances. v Wear appropriate attire. v Behave in an appropriate manner. In addition, singer-member parents must be involved by showing their support for YCCO, volunteering through the PIP program (see section below) and paying fees on time. Open auditions for YCCO choirs are held in June and August for those entering grades five through twelve. Auditions may be scheduled by calling the YCCO Office: (541) 385-0470. Fees and Costs of Membership The Board of Directors, staff and parents work hard to keep expenses as low as possible while maintaining the program’s integrity and quality. Tuition supports the musical education of each chorister, but covers only one half of the cost of the YCCO program. Expenses include staff, rehearsal and concert facilities and production, office, mailings, sheet music and other supplies, festivals, etc.
Singers’ School
Tiny Voices
v Fees for the Debut and Premiere season and Singer’s School and Tiny voices sessions are due in full, even if a chorister drops out of the program or is removed at any time during the season. A signed Financial Contract must be completed for your chorister to participate in YCCO. v Families with two or more choristers receive a discount. The full fee is due for the first chorister; succeeding sibling fees are then discounted by 10 percent. v Touring fees for Premiere members are in addition to tuition. v Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard are accepted for tuition or tour payments. v All payments should be marked with your chorister’s full name, choir and reason for payment (tuition, shirt, tour, etc.). v Checks or checking account deductions returned to YCCO by your bank will be subject to a $25 fee per item.
Tuition Payments: $50 is due upon membership acceptance. There is a $50 discount for members paying tuition in full by the first monthly payment date of the choir year. Payment plans spread your tuition payments over three months. If you choose this option, your tuition payments will be due at the first monthly rehearsals held in September, October and November. (Debut Choir-$140/month; Premiere Choir-$180/month.) Parents are responsible for making payments on time to YCCO by cash, check or credit card. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Applications for aid are due by August 31, of the new choir year. Sheet Music Each student is assigned a blue YCCO music bag containing several pieces of music, a pencil and other items specified by the choir director. These items are the property of YCCO and together are valued at more than $100. Parents are responsible for reimbursing YCCO for any items lost, damaged or not returned. Just as the ensemble’s sound is important, so is its appearance. A well- groomed, neatly uniformed ensemble is essential for a truly professional and artistic experience. Uniforms emphasize teamwork, help present a polished image at performances and help quickly identify choristers when traveling. Each chorister must purchase the required uniforms and wear the one specified by the director whenever required. Wardrobe helpers are parent volunteers assigned to help choristers with their uniforms before a performance. They are authorized to identify and correct dress and grooming issues. Choristers should listen respectfully and cooperate with wardrobe helpers. Any chorister failing to dress or groom properly will not be allowed to participate in the event. Good personal hygiene is a must. Clean teeth and clean combed hair are always expected of each chorister. Hair should be groomed away from the face and may be fastened with natural (matching hair color) barrettes. No bows, ribbons or colored barrettes are permitted. No unusual colored hair dye, obvious make-up or cosmetics are permitted nor is colored nail polish. Jewelry must not distract the viewer (one ring per hand; only one stud per ear). Other accessories, such as watches, bracelets, etc. are not permitted. Choristers with ornate or excessive jewelry, distracting hair color or hair ornaments, visible body piercing or tattoos will not be permitted to perform. Premiere Concert Uniforms: Southeastern Performance Apparel Black Oratorio Concert Dress, $60. Order through YCCO. Pearl jewelry, black Character Shoes and tights are purchased separately through YCCO. Male uniforms are also ordered through YCCO, $60. Black dress shoes and socks for male singers are purchased separately by parents. Debut Concert Uniforms: Southeastern Performance Apparel Black Oratorio Concert Dress, $60. Black character shoes and tights are purchased separately through YCCO. No pearl jewelry for the Debut Choir. Male uniforms are also ordered through YCCO, $60. Black dress shoes and socks for male singers are purchased separately by parents. Singers’ School: No uniforms. Tiny Voices: No uniforms. CHOIR OPERATIONAL POLICIES School Music Participation The success of YCCO has depended in large part on the support of music teachers throughout Central Oregon. It is mandatory for every YCCO singer to be an active participant in his or her school choir, band or orchestra. Rehearsal and concert facilities, instrument and equipment use, and other resources are made available to YCCO because we maintain a positive relationship with our music colleagues. It is our goal to enhance and support school music programs, rather than to drain their talent. Choristers are leaders in their school music programs. A School Music Participation Verification form must be signed by the chorister’s music teacher every term and returned to YCCO. No exceptions. Failure to participate in the school music program will result in dismissal from YCCO. Private voice, guitar or other music lessons do not count as school music participation.
Attendance All rehearsals are important and attendance is mandatory. The quality of rehearsals, performances and other YCCO activities depends upon each chorister being present and on time. Courteous and respectful behavior toward the director, accompanist, parent volunteers and fellow Choir members is expected. Sloppy attendance and punctuality that do not demonstrate a singer’s commitment to the Choir will result in probation and possible dismissal from the program. In addition, we are concerned for the safety and well-being of all choristers and, therefore, expect appropriate behavior and respect shown toward adults and other Choir members. Transportation to and from all Choir activities is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start of any YCCO activity. Check in with the registrar, use the restroom if needed, and then go directly to the rehearsal room and take a seat. Be ready to begin on time. Choristers are expected to be prompt and to stay for the entire rehearsal. Frequent late arrivals and/or early departures are grounds for dismissal. Remain inside the rehearsal room unless instructed to go elsewhere by the adults in charge. Choristers must be picked up promptly after Choir activities. Choir personnel will remain on site for a maximum of ten minutes past the scheduled dismissal time. YCCO is not responsible for chorister injuries or accidents. Chorister’s parents/guardians are expected to carry their own insurance.
YCCO recognizes and respects the busy schedules of singers and their families. YCCO, however, functions as a team. Each member’s contribution is needed and expected at every rehearsal and performance. A chorister’s absence from rehearsal also adversely affects the director’s plans and the ensemble’s overall progress, in addition to the progress of the absent chorister. Choristers benefit from attendance at rehearsal even when listening must replace singing. If, for any reason, a chorister cannot actively participate (sing) in a rehearsal, he/she should observe quietly and attentively. Excused Absences: Absences due to illness, participation in required school programs or family emergency will be considered excused if the choir registrar is notified in writing in advance or the YCCO office is telephoned before 2 pm on the rehearsal/concert day. In cases an emergency, when calling the office is not possible, please notify the choir office as soon as possible. Unexcused Absences: These include doctor and dentist appointments, athletic events or practices, extra-curricular activities, homework, family vacations, etc. Tardiness of more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start of rehearsal will be counted as a one-half absence. Each chorister is allowed 3 absences per term (two terms per year) and no more than 3 unexcused absences per year. We encourage families to plan ahead. In case of a planned absence, notice as far in advance as possible is appreciated. Probation: When a chorister has missed enough rehearsals to cause concern, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian. If all allowed absences are used before the season ends, a probationary period will be established. The chorister and parent/guardian will meet with the choir director to determine if his/her commitment is adequate to continue, and to see if he/she is keeping up musically. Three unexcused absences followed by an unsatisfactory probationary period are grounds for termination of choir membership. Tuition will not be refunded.
YCCO PERFORMANCES Performances require the very best conduct, appearance, and musicianship from singers. Information concerning specific concerts will be distributed via email or found on the YCCO web site: www.ycco.org Performances, music camps and retreats are important and required activities. Each activity of this kind contributes to the chorister’s education and growth, both musically and as a maturing person. The quality of performances is a direct result of the commitment of every member in the ensemble. If a chorister has a non-emergency reason for missing a performance or retreat, the absence must be cleared a month in advance with the choir director, followed immediately by written notice to the registrar or director. Permission to Perform is at the discretion of the choir director. Every singer must be adequately prepared to maintain the high quality standard for which YCCO is known. Choristers missing two rehearsals (including special rehearsals) during the month before a performance or the final rehearsal before a concert are not allowed to perform. Timely arrival (usually two hours before the performance) at performances is crucial to the choir’s preparation and the resulting performance quality. Pre-concert preparation allows choristers to relax, focus, and build self-confidence as well as warm-up their instruments. Tardiness at a rehearsal may, therefore exclude the singer from participation at that performance. Missing the Winter or Spring concerts due to a non-emergency situation, without previous permission authorization, is grounds for membership termination. Special Rehearsals: In addition to weekly rehearsals, special rehearsals may be scheduled for the Winter and Spring concerts, and other special performances. The choir director may call for a rehearsal on the day of a concert, requiring members to arrive several hours before a performance is scheduled to begin. You will be notified in advance. Performance Guidelines 1. Singers should always eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a performance. Be sure the singer has used the restroom before arriving at the performance site. 2. Singers should arrive promptly at their scheduled call time (usually two hours prior to the concert time) and immediately check in with the choir registrar. 3. Tardiness to a performance may exclude a singer from participating in the performance. 4. Any medication given to a singer less than three hours before a performance should be reported to the choir coordinator or medical personnel. 5. All performers must arrive wearing proper concert dress attire as noted in this handbook and in the performance detail sheet. Failure to wear proper concert dress will result in nonparticipation in the performance. Singers should remain in their complete uniform until they have left the performance site. 6. Singers and parents should conduct themselves at all times in a calm, polite and professional manner. They must give their undivided attention to the YCCO staff and appointed chaperones at all times. 7. All singers must know the music. Each musician must have a confident command of the performance repertoire. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal may result in release from the corresponding concert commitment. 8. If a singer feels ill during a performance, he/she should quietly sit down on the riser and rest for the remainder of the song. Then, if feeling better, the singer may get up and sing again or, if not, quietly leave the stage. Chaperones are always watching and will help if necessary. Once a singer leaves the stage, he/she may not return. 9. Parents are not allowed to approach the director before or during (including intermission) a performance. Please contact the Choir Manager or Choir Coordinator with any questions or concerns. 10. No flash photography during performances; other photography and video equipment may be used if it does not distract other audience members
NOTE: Final dress rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are closed to the audience, including families. Only designated chaperones are allowed in the rehearsal area before a performance. This allows the singers to concentrate on the music, the director and any necessary final instructions without distractions. Please acknowledge the time and effort the singers have made to prepare for their performance by respecting this policy.
Tickets: Tickets are available during rehearsals and at the door. General admission is $10.
Performances: Major concert dates are listed in your calendar. Additional performances and appearances may be added as opportunities arise. Choir families will be notified as early as possible.
REHEARSALS In addition to the guidelines previously outlined, the Bend LaPine District mandates that YCCO keeps food, beverages, wrappers, etc. out of rehearsal rooms. Please do not bring opened food or drink (other than water) into the rehearsal room. Snack foods are appropriate for rehearsal breaks. These can be brought in a closed backpack or obtained at the Snack Shack during breaks. Choristers are responsible for placing all trash in the wastebaskets and keeping the facility clean.
Snack Shack: Healthy snack items including fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese and crackers, granola, juice and water are available for purchase at rehearsals during break time.
Materials: The music bag and its contents, including a sharpened pencil, must be brought to every choir activity unless otherwise instructed. Homework: The choir director will, from time to time, provide homework assignments to help choristers develop their musical skills. Each assignment will be preceded by adequate explanation and practice, and will be followed by appropriate feedback to ensure a worthwhile learning experience. Parents/Guardians are welcome at rehearsals. The YCCO choir directors invite you to sit and enjoy your chorister’s music experience. Travel: Travel within the state of Oregon is part of regular YCCO activities. When traveling, choristers represent our community and region as well as YCCO. As such, they are expected to be courteous and cooperative. Each chorister is assigned to an adult chaperone. Failure to cooperate or discourteous behavior is grounds for sending the chorister home at the parent’s/guardian’s expense. Carpools: For some YCCO activities, such as the annual spring festival, the staff will organize carpools. Parent/guardian drivers will receive PIP hours for their time on the road. Carpool drivers must show proof of liability insurance with coverage of at least $300,000.00. It is understood that the driver is donating his or her time and associated expenses, such as fuel and maintenance. RETREATS Required retreats for each choir will be held in the fall. The purpose of each retreat is: To build rapport between the director and the singers, To build teamwork and friendships among our choristers, To provide more focused teaching in music theory, sight reading, and general musicianship, and To jump-start the preparation of new repertoire.
The choir director selects tour opportunities. Factors in the decision include the educational value (musical, cultural and personal development) and cost. On tour, the choir represents YCCO and builds on its reputation. Standard YCCO rules of conduct apply on tour. A behavior guidelines contract is distributed to every participant for signature. Touring fees are the responsibility of each participant. Fundraising projects are undertaken by parents in an effort to offset, to the greatest extent possible, these costs. The amount of money available will depend directly on each family’s gifts of time and willingness to help organize and carry out the projects.
VOLUNTEERING-Parent Involvement Program (PIP) Parental support is essential to YCCO’s continued success. Parent/guardian volunteer hours help YCCO raise funds, support the educational program (rehearsals, concerts, educational tours/trips, etc.), and provide administrative support. These activities help YCCO to operate with a small staff and to keep tuition affordable. The Parent Involvement Program (PIP) is our framework for volunteering. As part of annual tuition, every Debut and Premiere family performs 15 or more hours of volunteer work or pays a buy-out fee of $10 per hour not fulfilled. (A total buy-out is $150 per family per year and can be made in advance if a family’s circumstances do not allow for volunteering.) Documenting completed PIP hours is the family’s responsibility. PIP hours must be documented on the YCCO PIP form, within the quarter they were completed. By documenting all of your PIP hours you are helping YCCO achieve grant funding. Grant proposal guidelines normally ask for the number of volunteers supporting an organization and the number of hours contributed. Everyone Is Needed! Your help is critical to the success of the choir. Thank you in advance for your involvement.
YCCO continues to be grateful for the support we receive from parents, families, alumni and friends. Tuition covers approximately 50 percent of the expenses incurred by YCCO. Charitable contributions are tax-deductible and are deeply appreciated. If you have donated to the YCCO this year, thank you. YCCO is also forming strong partnerships with corporations and foundations in Central Oregon to enhance the musical experiences for our participants. If you know of a potential funding source, or if you would like to help, please contact us.
85/15 Policy: 100 percent of the revenues from regular fundraisers support the general Choir operating fund. 85 percent of the revenue of parent-led fundraisers designated for travel support the Travel Fund. 15 percent of the revenue from these projects supports the general YCCO operating fund. The YCCO Board of Directors is primarily responsible for operations fund raising. Funds are raised through donation requests, grant proposals and special events such as the annual dinner-auction, A Little Night Music. The assistance and participation of Choir parents in these fundraising endeavors goes a long way to ensure their success. Touring funds are raised through projects that are organized and carried out by Choir parents. To benefit from most of these fundraisers, a family participating in the tour will be required to take a more active role. Fundraising Participation All families are strongly encouraged to participate in fundraising. A broad variety of interesting PIP projects is available. You may choose to do your volunteer hours in the fundraising area because a project interests you. Your chorister will benefit directly. 100 percent of funds raised for general operations and 15 percent of funds raised for travel, support programs for every chorister and the choir as a whole. You can help make touring feasible for choristers whose families do not have the financial means to send them. Every few years, the Premiere Choir undertakes a major tour, often international in scope. The cost per chorister can be $2,500 or more—a sum that is not affordable for all families. Touring is an important educational experience. As choristers are exposed to different cultures, they learn about their world, gain self-confidence, and discover opportunities that help them chart their future. Through fundraising, you can help those needing financial assistance.
The Board of Directors is comprised of community members dedicated to the YCCO mission. The Board has fiscal and legal responsibility for Central Oregon Singers, Inc., dba Youth Choir of Central Oregon. Policy setting, governance, strategic planning and fundraising are its responsibilities.
Beth Basham, Artistic Director, is the founder of the YCCO. Mrs. Basham’s choirs have achieved state, national and international recognition and acclaim. As Music Specialist for Seven Peaks School, with 35 years of experience as a middle- and elementary-school choral teacher, Mrs. Basham brings to YCCO an infectious enthusiasm for singing. Mrs. Basham has served as an adjudicator and clinician at choral festivals throughout the Northwest. Before her work with YCCO, she directed choirs for the Oregon Children’s Choir in Eugene and Bend’s First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Basham received her BA in Music Performance and Education from California State University, Northridge. Her professional musical career has included membership in the Seattle Symphony Chorale, solo experience with the Cascade Chorale and Central Oregon Symphony, and many musical theater productions and recitals in Seattle, Eugene and Central Oregon. Carol Podwils, Singers School Director has 33 years of experience in music and classroom teaching, Mrs. Podwils brings to our youngest students enthusiasm and expertise to our youngest students. She is currently Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Bend. Even while teaching several grades as an elementary classroom teacher, she has always stayed actively involved in all kinds of church and school music. Presently she teaches school music in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. As her church's Director of Music, she plans and directs all aspect's of Trinity's music program including church choirs, ensembles and instrumentalists.
THE ORGANIZATIONYCCO is operated by Central Oregon Singers, Inc. (COSI), an Oregon non-profit corporation. COSI is guided by a volunteer board of directors and professional staff, with strong input from Choir families.YCCO is a music performance and education program for children and youth in kindergarten through twelfth grade emphasizing the development of musical skills and understanding.
Federal tax identification number: 931193267 Oregon business identification number: 0555775-6 Board of Directors: Beth Basham, Founder and Artistic Director Chris Asher, Choir Manager Ken Allison, President Sarah Svendsen, Secretary Lisa Ihander, Treasurer Patti Jo Colburn Carl Hellis Carol Podwils, Director of the Singers’ School and Tiny Voices Riki Strong Jo Ann Thompson Ron Deems Paula Edgren
Staff: Beth Basham, Founder and Artistic Director, Debut and Premiere Choirs Carol Podwils, Director, Singers' School and Tiny Voices Debbie McMahon, Accompanist, Debut and Premiere Choirs
The Choir office is at 2125 NE Dagget Lane at the East Campus of the Deschutes Children's Foundation. The best way to get to know YCCO is to get involved, and a great place to begin is by volunteering in our office. For parents with daytime work, attending a rehearsal is another good place to begin to connect with other parents and the YCCO staff.
CONTACT INFORMATION YCCO PO Box 383 Bend, OR 97709 541-385-0470 www.ycco.org
DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THIS HANDBOOK
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||