Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the
Birmingham Children's Choir?
The Birmingham Children's Choir (BCC) is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 1998, which
provides choral music training for
children in
Grades K and up. The choirs study and perform a variety
of secular and sacred choral literature including classical, folk, contemporary, world,
gospel and jazz styles. Singers are divided into
three choirs:
Musicianship/Training Choir - Grades
K-2, boys and girls
Intermediate Choir - Grades 3-5, girls only
Concert
Choir - grades 6 and up, girls only
What kind of
time commitment is involved?
The BCC rehearses on Tuesday
afternoons from August through April. It is expected that all singers will commit for the entire performance season.
Musicianship/Training Choir (Grades
K-2, boys and girls)
meets from 5:30-6:15pm.
Intermediate Choir (Grades 3-5, girls only) rehearses from 5:30-7:00pm.
Concert
Choir (Grades 6 and up),
girls only rehearses from 5:30-7:00pm.
Where does the
choir rehearse and perform?
The BCC rehearses at Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Homewood (850 Oxmoor Road) and
performs throughout the Birmingham area.
What will my
child learn?
In addition to studying quality choral literature, singers will be instructed on vocal
technique, stage etiquette and professionalism. Singers also participate in musicianship
training called "solfege" where they develop music reading skills and
knowledge of musical terms.
How many times
does the choir perform?
The
Musicianship/Training Choir does not formally perform. The Intermediate
and Concert choirs perform a Winter and Spring Concert,
as well as other community performances. Concert Choir has a heavier performance
schedule with as many as 10 performances per year
How can my
child prepare for the audition?
Only
Intermediate and Concert Choirs are auditioned.
No special preparations are needed
to audition for the BCC program. Intermediate Choir singers
are expected to match pitch and sing a familiar tune.Concert Choir requires a vocal audition with the Concert Choir director
consisting of vocalizing, singing a familiar tune, and sight-reading.
How much does
it cost?
Tuition for
Musicianship/Training Choir (Grades K-2) is $100 per semester (August - November
and January - April semesters).
Tuition for Intermediate Choir (Grades 3-5) is $285
per year.
Tuition for Concert Choir (Grades 6 and up) is $330 per year.
What is included in the
tuition fee?
Tuition includes weekly choral,
vocal and musical instruction, most performances, and all performance attire and
required rehearsal shirts.
Are there
any costs other than tuition?
Registration fees and trip
costs for regional or national performances are the responsibility of the
singers. These costs vary depending upon the event. Ample fund raising
opportunities are available to the singers to help offset these costs.
Are payment
plans or scholarships available?
Musicianship/Training Choir tuition is due in full at the beginning of each
semester. Intermediate and Concert Choir families may choose to pay
tuition in full at the first rehearsal in August, or pay in three installments
due at the first rehearsals in August, September and October. All tuition is due
by the first Tuesday in October. Scholarship application forms are available
upon request and will be considered by the BCC Board of Directors.
How do I
register my child?
Once an audition (if necessary) has been completed, simply fill out the
Membership
Agreement, sign it, and return it to the BCC.
Can I get
involved with the BCC too?
In order to accomplish the
goals and objectives of the BCC, we must rely on the assistance of parents and
other volunteers. Please do not hesitate to ask what you can do to help!
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