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:
Prelude Singers - Grades 1-2, boys and girls
Intermezzo - Grades 3-5, girls only
Una Voce - 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.
Prelude Singers (Grades
1-2, boys and girls)
meets from 5:30-6:15pm.
Intermezzo (Grades 3-5, girls only) rehearses from 5:30-7:00pm.
Una Voce (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
Prelude Singers, Intermezzo and Una Voce choirs perform a Winter and Spring Concert,
as well as other community performances. Una Voce has a heavier performance
schedule with as many as 10 performances per year
How can my
child prepare for the audition?
Only
Intermezzo and Una Voce choirs are auditioned.
No special preparations are needed
to audition for the BCC program. Intermezzo singers
are expected to match pitch and sing a familiar tune.
Una Voce singers require a vocal audition with the choir director
consisting of vocalizing, singing a familiar tune, and sight-reading.
How much does
it cost?
Tuition for
Prelude Singers (Grades 1-2) is $250 per year which includes provided
performance attire.
Tuition for Intermezzo (Grades 3-5) is $330
per year which includes a provided
performance dress.
Tuition for Una Voce (Grades 6 and up) is $330 per year, plus the cost of a
performance dress.
What is included in the
tuition fee?
Tuition includes weekly choral,
vocal and musical instruction, most performances, and required rehearsal shirts
and performance attire for Prelude and Intermezzo choirs.
Are there
any costs other than tuition?
The Una Voce choir members must
purchase their performance dress. 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?
Prelude
Singers
, Intermezzo and Una Voce 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!
|
