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©2007 Oregon Children's Choir & Youth Chorale. All rights reserved.
©2007 Oregon Children's Choir & Youth Chorale. All rights reserved.
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This page last updated 2008-06-02
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What is the Oregon Children's Choir and Youth Chorale (OCCYC)?
What is the mission of OCCYC?
What types of music do the Choirs perform?
How are members chosen?
How should my singer prepare for an audition?
What happens after the audition?
Why the slogan, "It's More Than Just Kids Singing!"?
What are the responsibilities of choir members and their families?
How can choir membership be combined with sports and other activities?
What trips and performances are planned for the Children's Choir and the Youth Chorale?
What is planned for the younger children in the Children's Preparatory Choir?
What provisions are made for the safety and comfort of choir members?
What is the cost of Choir membership?
What are the costs of tours and travel?
What else is asked of parents?
How can I obtain additional information about the OCCYC?
When are the next auditions, and how can I schedule an audition for my young singer?
What is the mission of OCCYC?
What types of music do the Choirs perform?
How are members chosen?
How should my singer prepare for an audition?
What happens after the audition?
Why the slogan, "It's More Than Just Kids Singing!"?
What are the responsibilities of choir members and their families?
How can choir membership be combined with sports and other activities?
What trips and performances are planned for the Children's Choir and the Youth Chorale?
What is planned for the younger children in the Children's Preparatory Choir?
What provisions are made for the safety and comfort of choir members?
What is the cost of Choir membership?
What are the costs of tours and travel?
What else is asked of parents?
How can I obtain additional information about the OCCYC?
When are the next auditions, and how can I schedule an audition for my young singer?
OCCYC is a nonprofit organization, established in 1994. OCCYC's Founder and Artistic Director is Sandra R. Miller, a professional musician and music teacher with a special interest in children's music. A volunteer board appointed by Mrs. Miller assists with various aspects of OCCYC's operations. In the 2006-07 season, OCCYC will have three choirs with a combined membership of approximately 150 singers.
The Preparatory Choir, or Choir I, consists of singers who are entering grades one through three. Choir I performs at two formal concerts a year, in the winter and spring. They also may be invited to perform at other special events throughout the year.
The Oregon Children's Choir, or Choir II, is made up of singers in grades four through eight. Choir II performs at winter and spring concerts as well as other events scheduled throughout the year.
The Oregon Youth Chorale, or Choir III, consists of high school students in grades nine through twelve. Choir III performs at winter and spring concerts as well as at other events scheduled throughout the year. Smaller groups from Choir III may also be invited to perform at private parties and gatherings, or for other special occasions.
The Preparatory Choir, or Choir I, consists of singers who are entering grades one through three. Choir I performs at two formal concerts a year, in the winter and spring. They also may be invited to perform at other special events throughout the year.
The Oregon Children's Choir, or Choir II, is made up of singers in grades four through eight. Choir II performs at winter and spring concerts as well as other events scheduled throughout the year.
The Oregon Youth Chorale, or Choir III, consists of high school students in grades nine through twelve. Choir III performs at winter and spring concerts as well as at other events scheduled throughout the year. Smaller groups from Choir III may also be invited to perform at private parties and gatherings, or for other special occasions.
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What is the mission of OCCYC?
The mission is to give singers from all backgrounds the opportunity to perform quality choral music, to learn to work with others, to value the performing arts and to experience the joy of singing. The organization aims to provide outstanding musical instruction while sustaining the highest level of artistic excellence. Directors strive to bring out the best skills, talents and behavioral capabilities of all members. In all these efforts, OCCYC hopes to build in children the foundation for a lifelong love of music. This springs naturally from learning, performing and bonding with fellow singers, and from the sense of accomplishment and pride members gain from performing for a variety of appreciative audiences.
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What types of music do the Choirs perform?
Music is selected by the Directors to fit the season, and to be compatible with young people and their voices. Music for Choir I is selected with very young voices in mind. Music for Choir II ranges from unison to four part treble literature, and includes a wide range of selections, including classical and contemporary pieces, show tunes and music from different cultures and heritages. Choir III performs music written for adult performance groups, including a strong emphasis on contemporary ethnic literature; i.e.: "Suita Sunta" (Romanian) by Pascanau, "Past Life Melodies" (Aboriginal) by Sarah Hopkins, and "Daemon Irrepit Callidus" (Hungarian) by Gyorgy Orban. Selections also include religious music from the Judeo-Christian traditions. In December of 2004 and 2005, singers in all three choirs presented "Amahl and the Night Visitors", an opera by Gian-Carlo Mennotti.
How are members chosen?
Members are selected by audition. While higher skill levels are expected of older members, all members must demonstrate voice quality, an ability to maintain pitch and to blend with other voices. Also, certain vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) may be more competitive than others, based on the current availability of singers for each part. For the 2007-08 season, there are openings in all three choirs.
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How should my singer prepare for an audition?
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How should my singer prepare for an audition?
No preparation is required for auditions. OCCYC's Directors, who have advanced degrees and experience in music education, usually ask each candidate to sing a few simple, well-known songs. If your singer has laryngitis or a sore throat on the day of your scheduled audition, please reschedule your appointment. Parents are asked to accompany the singer to the audition. During the singer's audition, OCCYC parent volunteers meet with the singer's parents to discuss the choir and answer questions regarding membership. Payment of a $25.00 audition fee is due at this time.
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What happens after the audition?
Summer auditions take place over several weeks. After completing all the auditions, OCCYC's Directors make placement decisions for available positions in the three choirs. All applicants are notified of the audition outcome by mail whether they are accepted, placed on a waiting list, or not accepted.
Once a position has been offered, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit is due within two weeks of the offer. This is to hold the singer's place in the choir. If the deposit is not received within that time, the position will be offered to another singer.
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What happens after the audition?
Summer auditions take place over several weeks. After completing all the auditions, OCCYC's Directors make placement decisions for available positions in the three choirs. All applicants are notified of the audition outcome by mail whether they are accepted, placed on a waiting list, or not accepted.
Once a position has been offered, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit is due within two weeks of the offer. This is to hold the singer's place in the choir. If the deposit is not received within that time, the position will be offered to another singer.
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Why the slogan, "It's More Than Just Kids Singing!"?
Singing together brings out the best in individuals, and working together within a choral rehearsal and performance setting requires more than just an outstanding voice.
OCCYC is eager to provide opportunities for children to experience interaction between singers of varying ages and backgrounds and young adults from a diversity of school settings, both public and private. Friendships and support systems develop between children of all ages and attention and recognition of individual singers is encouraged. The directors try to interact with the singers on a personal level and make rehearsals fun, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of hard work resulting in excellence in performance.
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Why the slogan, "It's More Than Just Kids Singing!"?
Singing together brings out the best in individuals, and working together within a choral rehearsal and performance setting requires more than just an outstanding voice.
OCCYC is eager to provide opportunities for children to experience interaction between singers of varying ages and backgrounds and young adults from a diversity of school settings, both public and private. Friendships and support systems develop between children of all ages and attention and recognition of individual singers is encouraged. The directors try to interact with the singers on a personal level and make rehearsals fun, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of hard work resulting in excellence in performance.
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What are the responsibilities of choir members and their families?
Choir membership requires a significant commitment of resources by both singers and their families. Choirs II and III are touring choirs, intended for serious students of choral music. (For more information on Choir I, please see below.) Under Mrs. Miller's direction, these choirs receive and consider a growing range of tour invitations and opportunities.
Singers who join OCCYC are making a full-year commitment to all performances and rehearsals. That commitment includes the following:
Mandatory attendance at each weekly rehearsal, held during the school year:
Choir I, Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Choir II, Tuesdays, 4:15 - 6:15 pm
Choir III, Tuesdays, 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Excused absences are recognized for illness or family emergencies or other reasons approved in advance by the director. Excuses are not granted due to conflicts with other extra-curricular activities, although OCCYC recognizes and respects the incredibly busy schedules of singers. Our directors ask for early and detailed information when conflicts arise and they will work diligently to accommodate what is best for each singer and the choir as a whole.
Mandatory participation in all scheduled performances and dress rehearsals.
Participation in a yearly overnight retreat (Choirs II and III only).
Singers are expected to practice independently, memorize songs and comply with specific OCCYC wardrobe, grooming and conduct requirements.
Singers are also expected to be punctual and attentive, and to work cooperatively with the Director, adult volunteers, and fellow singers. Those who fail to meet these responsibilities may be dismissed or suspended from performances or tours at the Director's discretion.
Singers who join OCCYC are making a full-year commitment to all performances and rehearsals. That commitment includes the following:
Mandatory attendance at each weekly rehearsal, held during the school year:
Choir I, Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Choir II, Tuesdays, 4:15 - 6:15 pm
Choir III, Tuesdays, 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Excused absences are recognized for illness or family emergencies or other reasons approved in advance by the director. Excuses are not granted due to conflicts with other extra-curricular activities, although OCCYC recognizes and respects the incredibly busy schedules of singers. Our directors ask for early and detailed information when conflicts arise and they will work diligently to accommodate what is best for each singer and the choir as a whole.
Mandatory participation in all scheduled performances and dress rehearsals.
Participation in a yearly overnight retreat (Choirs II and III only).
Singers are expected to practice independently, memorize songs and comply with specific OCCYC wardrobe, grooming and conduct requirements.
Singers are also expected to be punctual and attentive, and to work cooperatively with the Director, adult volunteers, and fellow singers. Those who fail to meet these responsibilities may be dismissed or suspended from performances or tours at the Director's discretion.
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How can choir membership be combined with sports and other activities?
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How can choir membership be combined with sports and other activities?
Choir families are expected to make OCCYC a top priority. OCCYC Directors and adult leaders try not to issue ultimatums to our singers, i.e., "If you don't practice, you can't play." Rather, they are diligent in their efforts to maintain the level of excellence of performance for which we are known while teaching and encouraging balance in life and scheduling of time and energy. Choir members are required to list OCCYC as a designated "conflict" when trying out for other activities, such as theater or sports.
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What trips and performances are planned for the Children's Choir and the Youth Chorale?
Choirs II and III, as touring and performing choirs, typically make one major tour each year. They hold concerts in the winter and in the spring, as well as participate in one or two weekend trips. Since OCCYC's inception in 1994, singers have participated in an international choral festival in England in 1997; toured the state of Washington and Victoria, B.C., in 1998; performed as the featured children's choir at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1999, performed at Disneyland and Southern California in the summer of 2000, and toured Italy in the summer of 2001. Choir II toured southern Oregon during the summer of 2002. Choir III performed in Austria and the Czech Republic during the summer of 2003 and France in the summer of 2006. Choir II performed in Austria and the Czech Republic in the summer of 2004 and performed a concert tour in France in the summer of 2007.
A highlight of 2005 was Choir III's performance in Fenway Park in Boston over the July 4th holiday weekend.
OCCYC has also performed in a variety of community, cultural and business events, including singing for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oregon National Guard, the Portland Rose Festival, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, the Holiday Pops concert with the Oregon Symphony at Schnitzer Concert Hall, school gatherings, retirement homes and commercials for local businesses. Performances on very rare occasions require parental permission to be released from school.
Some performances, such as our traditional concerts, are scheduled well in advance. Other appearances, such as paid performances for special events, come by invitation throughout the year. Once an invitation is accepted, parents are notified via flyers sent home from rehearsal, and via the Choir's e-mail network.
Singers who join Choirs II and III for the 2007-08 season are encouraged, and of course will want, to participate in scheduled tours. The tour fee is the responsibility of the singer and his or her family. Parents are invited and welcome to volunteer and assist with various Choir-sponsored fund-raising events. The choir attempts to provide many, many opportunities for significant fund-raising throughout the year, but depends on volunteers to coordinate and chair these efforts.
A highlight of 2005 was Choir III's performance in Fenway Park in Boston over the July 4th holiday weekend.
OCCYC has also performed in a variety of community, cultural and business events, including singing for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oregon National Guard, the Portland Rose Festival, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, the Holiday Pops concert with the Oregon Symphony at Schnitzer Concert Hall, school gatherings, retirement homes and commercials for local businesses. Performances on very rare occasions require parental permission to be released from school.
Some performances, such as our traditional concerts, are scheduled well in advance. Other appearances, such as paid performances for special events, come by invitation throughout the year. Once an invitation is accepted, parents are notified via flyers sent home from rehearsal, and via the Choir's e-mail network.
Singers who join Choirs II and III for the 2007-08 season are encouraged, and of course will want, to participate in scheduled tours. The tour fee is the responsibility of the singer and his or her family. Parents are invited and welcome to volunteer and assist with various Choir-sponsored fund-raising events. The choir attempts to provide many, many opportunities for significant fund-raising throughout the year, but depends on volunteers to coordinate and chair these efforts.
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What is planned for the younger children in Choir I?
Choir I does not tour with the older choirs, although many opportunities are provided throughout the year to integrate all three choirs together. Singers in all three choirs are encouraged to interact and become acquainted with one another, and this is encouraged in social situations as well as performance settings. Choir I performs with Choirs II and III in the winter and spring concerts as well as at several local and special events. Choir I's goals are developmentally appropriate for younger children. The emphasis will be on reading music, behaving appropriately during performances and working together, while having fun learning about music. The children are introduced to and are successful at singing in multiple parts and diverse musical styles.
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What provisions are made for the safety and comfort of choir members?
OCCYC places a high priority on the safety and comfort of singers, especially when traveling. The choir most often travels together in chartered buses or other public transportation. Car pools are not generally used. Teenage singers are not permitted to drive themselves to any event except a regular rehearsal, and are never permitted to transport other singers of any age. When traveling, singers are well-supervised and chaperoned. Chaperones attend to nutrition, rest, and age-appropriate recreational opportunities, so that travel is both fun and a worthwhile musical and group experience.
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What is the cost of Choir membership?
Prospective Choir singers' families pay a non-refundable audition fee of $25.00.
Upon acceptance following audition, a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due within two weeks of the date of acceptance in order to hold the singer's place in the Choir. This deposit is applied to the annual fee.
Singers who are accepted for membership pay an annual fee which covers tuition, music, retreats, and deposit and rental for performance clothing.
The fee schedules, by choirs, are:
Choir I:
$400.00 (no uniform rental or retreats)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $30.00 refundable deposit for choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Choir II:
$500 (includes one performance uniform and annual retreat)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $60.00 refundable deposit for choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Choir III:
$510.00 (includes two performance uniforms and annual retreat)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $65.00 refundable deposit for two full sets of choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Family discounts
Families with more than one singer enrolled receive tuition discounts for additional siblings.
Families with more than one singer enrolled in the program will receive a 25% membership fee discount for the second child singing, and a 50% membership fee discount for the third and subsequent singers. Full membership fee will be charged for the oldest singer.
Miscellaneous Costs
Parents are responsible for purchasing concert attire accessory items, such as shirts, blouses, tights or stockings, and uniform shoes.
All three choirs have items of casual uniform clothing, such as polo shirts and t-shirts. Additional clothing items are required for tours. All casual clothing items are the responsibility of each singer's family.
Singers are occasionally asked to pay for meals eaten together during performances and/or rehearsals.
Scholarships
Limited tuition scholarship assistance is available. The Board of Directors considers applications and holds all information in confidence. OCCYC's goal is that no singer who auditions for the Choir and is qualified for membership will be excluded because of financial hardship.
Unless special arrangements are made in advance, fees must be paid in full by November 1st in order for the singer to participate in scheduled concerts and performances.
Upon acceptance following audition, a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due within two weeks of the date of acceptance in order to hold the singer's place in the Choir. This deposit is applied to the annual fee.
Singers who are accepted for membership pay an annual fee which covers tuition, music, retreats, and deposit and rental for performance clothing.
The fee schedules, by choirs, are:
Choir I:
$400.00 (no uniform rental or retreats)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $30.00 refundable deposit for choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Choir II:
$500 (includes one performance uniform and annual retreat)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $60.00 refundable deposit for choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Choir III:
$510.00 (includes two performance uniforms and annual retreat)
New singers in 2006-07 pay a $65.00 refundable deposit for two full sets of choir-owned performance attire. During the singer's tenure, uniforms are updated for size. The deposit is refunded when the singer leaves the choir. Parents are responsible for the full cost of concert attire that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
Family discounts
Families with more than one singer enrolled receive tuition discounts for additional siblings.
Families with more than one singer enrolled in the program will receive a 25% membership fee discount for the second child singing, and a 50% membership fee discount for the third and subsequent singers. Full membership fee will be charged for the oldest singer.
Miscellaneous Costs
Parents are responsible for purchasing concert attire accessory items, such as shirts, blouses, tights or stockings, and uniform shoes.
All three choirs have items of casual uniform clothing, such as polo shirts and t-shirts. Additional clothing items are required for tours. All casual clothing items are the responsibility of each singer's family.
Singers are occasionally asked to pay for meals eaten together during performances and/or rehearsals.
Scholarships
Limited tuition scholarship assistance is available. The Board of Directors considers applications and holds all information in confidence. OCCYC's goal is that no singer who auditions for the Choir and is qualified for membership will be excluded because of financial hardship.
Unless special arrangements are made in advance, fees must be paid in full by November 1st in order for the singer to participate in scheduled concerts and performances.
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What are the costs of tours and travel?
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What are the costs of tours and travel?
Choirs II and III generally make an annual summer tour. All singers are encouraged to participate in the tours.
Parents are responsible for all travel costs. Generally, tours within the United States cost $250 to $1,500 per singer. Choirs II and III also make occasional European tours, which generally cost up to $3,000 per singer.
Limited tour scholarship assistance is sometimes available. The Board considers applications and holds all information in confidence. Families have the opportunity to reduce some travel expenses through a variety of fund-raising activities.
Parents are responsible for all travel costs. Generally, tours within the United States cost $250 to $1,500 per singer. Choirs II and III also make occasional European tours, which generally cost up to $3,000 per singer.
Limited tour scholarship assistance is sometimes available. The Board considers applications and holds all information in confidence. Families have the opportunity to reduce some travel expenses through a variety of fund-raising activities.
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What else is asked of parents?
Parental support is essential to OCCYC's continued success. Parents are invited and encouraged to volunteer for a variety of activities, including administration, special projects, ticket sales and fund-raising, and to apply for positions as unpaid travel chaperones.
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How can I obtain additional information about the OCCYC?
OCCYC's website, www.occyc.org, includes formal and informal photos and video clips as well as information about the Choirs and their many activities.
OCCYC's Voice Mail is 503-534-0226. Calls are answered personally at 503-697-1596, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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What else is asked of parents?
Parental support is essential to OCCYC's continued success. Parents are invited and encouraged to volunteer for a variety of activities, including administration, special projects, ticket sales and fund-raising, and to apply for positions as unpaid travel chaperones.
Back to Questions
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How can I obtain additional information about the OCCYC?
OCCYC's website, www.occyc.org, includes formal and informal photos and video clips as well as information about the Choirs and their many activities.
OCCYC's Voice Mail is 503-534-0226. Calls are answered personally at 503-697-1596, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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When are the next auditions, and how can I schedule an audition for my young singer?
Auditions for the 2007-08 season began in early June. For an appointment, please call OCCYC's Voice Mail, 503-534-0226, or send an email to occyc@occyc.org.
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When are the next auditions, and how can I schedule an audition for my young singer?
Auditions for the 2007-08 season began in early June. For an appointment, please call OCCYC's Voice Mail, 503-534-0226, or send an email to occyc@occyc.org.
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