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Frequently Asked
Questions
Prospective Member Questions
New Member Questions
What is the choir like?
We teach children a love and enjoyment of music and singing through
teaching them how to sing better. They sing the best quality music
we can find with text that must meet our high standards of content
and message appropriate for children. We sing folksongs and both
secular and religious, classical music composed by the masters. We
train approximately 200 children per year ranging from kindergarten
through freshman in college. There are several choir levels. We are
sponsored by Columbia Choirs Association, a non-profit organization.
WHAT COLUMBIA CHOIRS OFFERS...We believe a singing
child is a happier child and children and youth deserve the best
education and opportunities possible. We believe several needs
must be met for a child to have the maximum, positive experience
from the choir, so we use a combination of activities to provide.
CONSISTENCY - an encouraging,
comfortable, welcoming learning environment through regularly scheduled
rehearsals lead by professional musicians skilled at leading, inspiring
and motivating children in positive ways. The children learn music
carefully selected for message content, age appropriateness and
quality..
VARIETY - the children sing
myriad types of music in a variety of styles from the classics
to folksongs from various periods of music and in many different
languages. Performance venues include singing the national anthem
for the region's professional sports teams, performing in Benaroya
Hall with the Seattle Symphony, singing in retirement and nursing
homes, in hospitals, shopping malls, on radio and television, on
the Christmas Ship, for the lighting of the Seattle Christmas tree,
places of worship, private parties and schools. Summer tours for
the concert levels see the children performing in festivals, competitions,
concert halls and churches in the United States and around the
world.
RECOGNITION - While Columbia
Choirs is a group activity, we are creative in finding ways to
recognize, encourage and honor each child's efforts to participate
and improve. We recognize each child on (or near) his/her birthday,
too!
CONNECTION - We know that a
great deal of a child's (your family's) enjoyment comes from the
friends made through the choir. We have weekend retreats with musical
and recreational activities enabling the children to become better
acquainted. The parents participate in providing a safe, controlled
atmosphere by serving as chaperones on all of our retreats and
tours.
GROWTH - Every rehearsal is
designed to help each child know more upon leaving the rehearsal
than when s/he arrived. We teach skills which will build more self-confidence,
promote vocal health and strength, musicianship (the language of
music), performance skills (presentation) and concentration skills.
CONTRIBUTION - The children
grow even more in personal skills, confidence and enjoyment when
they share their developed gift for music and singing through performances.
They contribute to others' well being when they sing for them.
The children perform at least once per quarter. They perform for
each other (in-house recitals), in the choir's annual concert series
(Fall, Holiday, Winter and Spring), participate in the children's
singing festivals we sponsor each year and perform in retirement
and nursing homes. Our more experienced singers (concert choir
and youth choir) also sing with professional orchestras like Seattle
Symphony, Orchestra Seattle, NW Chamber Orchestra, also Seattle
Opera and various public and private events. We also donate performances
to worthy causes helping children and families.
How
do I know if my child has talent in music and singing?
A series of questions will help you answer this question. Have others
mentioned s/he has a nice voice? Has your child's music teacher encouraged
you to contact us? Even though s/he may not sing around the house
all the time, when s/he does - is it in tune? Has s/he been after
you to check into membership in this or any other choir? If you answered
yes to one or more of the above questions, it would be a good idea
to schedule an appointment (no charge) to evaluate your child's talent
for singing. All we require is ability to carry a tune; most children
can carry a tune.
Is voice training at such a young age
healthy for my child?
Yes! The training we give through a choir setting actually protects
a child's voice. While private voice on a continuous basis
should not begin until 9th or 10th grade, group vocal
training (choir) is perfectly fine. In fun ways we teach and remind
the children about proper posture, breathing and excellent tone at
every rehearsal.
Why
train my child's voice? Shouldn't it sound natural?
Yes, your child's voice should sound natural.
The training we provide simply enhances your child's ability to
sing correctly; to learn how to project the voice and make it sound
more vital without the potential of damaging it with improper use.
The method we use is called "Bel Canto" (Italian for beautiful
singing). We help the child release the beauty and joy of his/her
voice so the child and audience can more fully enjoy the message
of a song.
Is this a church related choir?
No. It is a non-sectarian, region-wide community-based
choir. We have rehearsed in churches of several denominations (over
the years) because churches have facilities suited to our space
needs, in a wholesome atmosphere at a reasonable price. We would
love to have our own building some day! The geographic center
of membership is the Kirkland/Redmond area.
Columbia Choirs is not affiliated with any school districts or churches.
How
is this choir different from a school or church choir? Can
my child have as good an experience in a church or school choir?
Columbia Choirs is a select choir. Columbia Choirs' provides
high international quality training (vocal and musicianship) and
a consistently proven tradition of excellence in performance. Because
of those things we are able to sing a more challenging and varied
repertoire of songs than one would find in the typical school or
church children's choir. We are a resource to enhance your child's
enjoyment of music and singing s/he receives in school or in children's
choir at church. Because of the training received in Columbia Choirs,
our members have sung with Seattle Opera (as children), and are prized
singers/leaders in their Junior High, High School, College, Community
and Church Choirs. Every year we have current and former members
who have been selected for All-State, All-Region choirs and have
represented their school, school district and region in All-State
voice competition. Many are music majors in college, most simply
have singing and music as part of their lives long beyond their Columbia
Choir years.
Who
works with the children? Who do I contact with questions/concerns about my child's instruction?
The music staff is made up of professional, university-trained music
educators who have been hand-picked by our conductor for their teaching
ability. They are adept at inspiring and encouraging the children
while insisting upon high standards of behavior. Go to the Conductors page
for more detailed information on all of our music staff.
Your input and concerns are very important to
us. We want
to do the best possible job in leading your child to a lifetime of
enjoyment in music and singing. The preferred person to contact is
your child's Columbia Choirs instructor. S/he is most familiar with
your child and his/her situation with the choir in rehearsals. The
instructor's name and email address is listed in the Treble
Clef newsletter (available only to choir members only, contact
a CCA Board member or your Choir Director for more information).
If you would like to meet face to face with an instructor, please
arrange to meet following the rehearsal. Please
do not attempt to discuss an issue with the instructor as s/he
is preparing to lead the rehearsal. Please do not disturb a
choir rehearsal in progress. It is important for your child's
instructor to know about things which may impact your child's participation
level and attitude (illness, family issues, death of a loved one,
death of a pet, etc.). If you have an issue you don't feel
comfortable discussing directly with the instructor, call the Choir
Director, Mr. Steve Stevens at the choir office 425-486-1987, 24
hours, or e-mail him if you prefer, at info@columbiachoirs.com.
We have heard from parents repeatedly that the
choir is a source of welcome release and source of friendships
for a child who may be going through some turbulent times in school
or elsewhere. The
Columbia rehearsal may be the positive end to a horrible day or the
much anticipated highlight of the child's week.
What is the audition like?
It is positive, fun and quick and may be over
before the child realizes it. The audition will be in pairs whenever
possible (it's less nerve-racking for the child that way). Prospective
members will practice as a group for a few minutes on the song
(My Country 'tis of Thee and/or "Happy
Birthday"). If your child doesn't know those songs another familiar
song would be acceptable. We know your and your child are eager to
know the results. After everyone has had a chance to sing for the
conductor, letters will be handed out "on the spot" to inform you
of your child's choir level placement. In the event your child doesn't
pass (90%+ do pass!), s/he will receive a very encouraging letter
thanking him for coming to sing; telling what s/he can do to prepare
for other opportunities to audition for the choir.
What's
required for acceptance? Is
everyone accepted?
Any boy or girl in Kindergarten and up is eligible.
The group for kindergarten and first graders is a non-auditioned
group. For second graders and up ability to carry a tune with a pleasant,
undamaged, unchanged singing voice is required. No experience is
required to enter the beginning levels of the choir. NOTE: If
a child wishes to enter the concert levels, music experience and
ability to read music is required. A child with private piano study
or is in band or orchestra may qualify for higher initial placement.
Advance placement is not assured, but is considered on an individual
basis. If your child has a consistently husky voice due to yelling
or chronic allergies, it will be necessary for you to take him/her
to a specialist to have the throat examined for damage. It is not
safe for a child to sing with vocal abuse problems. Children with
raspy sounding voices will not be admitted due to the above health/safety
considerations. If you are in doubt please consult with your child's
vocal music teacher at school or contact our conductor.
Only those who meet the very minimum requirement of an obvious ability
to carry a tune with a pleasant, undamaged, unchanged singing voice...who
also demonstrate ability to concentrate on a task will be accepted.
While we encourage all children to sing, we have chosen to make this
a select choir experience so we may move at a more rapid pace.
How
much does it cost? Is financial
assistance available?
At approximately $6-8 per hour, the cost of Columbia Choirs instruction
is far less than private music lessons.
See the Tuition page
for more detailed information.
Financial assistance is available by written application. Eligibility
is established by paying the first month's full tuition. During the
first month, application may be made toward seeking financial assistance.
Assistance is awarded based upon the greatest need and extenuating
circumstances are taken into consideration.
Where do you rehearse?
At your child's audition you should receive a
verbal and/or written notice giving your child's choir assignment
and when rehearsals will begin for you. If you did not receive
that, please contact the choir office 425-486-1987 (1-866-486-1987
toll free) or e-mail info@columbiachoirs.com.
That assignment will determine the location and the cost of your
child's instruction. The rehearsal location closest to your
home is where you should bring your child. Your child will
be placed into the choir by grade level and gender whenever possible. New
members begin in September (the week after school starts), November
(first week), January (week after the turn of the new year) and April
(first week). Columbia Choirs instruction is far less than comparable
quality private music lessons. Please see below for our various
locations, driving directions and the cost for each group.
Go to the Locations
and Audition/Interview Schedule area of the Join Us page page
for directions to our rehearsal sites and more detailed information.
How
often and where do you perform? Other activities?
The Primary, Preparatory, Intermediate and Training
levels present a "Recital Series" (once per quarter) for parents, grandparents and
friends, and sing in retirement homes in East King County, North
King County and South Snohomish County. Both types of performances
are within regular rehearsal days and times, whenever possible. Children
in Intermediate Choir and above levels will sing on our annual "Americana" All-Region
Choir Festival performance in October and in the "SingFest" All-Region
Choir Festival performance in March. As your child advances
s/he will perform on stages around the world and with professional
orchestras, on radio & television, for sporting events, make
CD recordings, etc.
The major performances by Columbia Choirs are
done by the top performing levels of the organization: Concert
Choir, Youth Vocal Ensemble and Con Brio (Women's Choir). The
Concert levels have sung (locally) with Seattle Symphony, Orchestra
Seattle, Seattle Chamber Singers, Northwest Chamber Orchestra and
for conventions, for weddings, in churches, cathedrals, and retirement
homes; for the Mariners, Sonics and Seahawks, on King-FM radio
and on the Christmas Ship cruises on Lake Washington. Our members
have also appeared with the Seattle Opera, have been selected for
All-Northwest and All-State Choirs, and have won Washington State
solo and vocal ensemble competitions, etc. Internationally,
our concert choirs have concertized in Australia, Canada, Czech
Republic, Most of Western Europe, England/Wales, Norway, Russia
and Sweden.
We also offer a Summer Music Camp (one week
in mid-August) which includes activities of music rehearsals (of
course) and recreation (horseback riding, canoeing, miniature golf,
crafts, campfire sing-a-longs and skit night). Now, the concert
levels have a weekend retreat each September. We provide
a variety of rewarding performance experiences for the children.
Does
the choir travel? When?
Only the concert levels (Boys Concert, Girls
Concert, Vocal Ensemble [Youth choir], and Con Brio Women's Choir)
travel with the choir. Concert
tours are not required, but heartily encouraged because of their
educational value. The Tours are in the Summer in latter June
(after school is out) and into mid-July (usually for 10-14 days)
and are arranged by professional concert tour agents. The choirs
perform an average of every other day; every other day is pure sightseeing. Parent-chaperones
are selected (from among volunteer applicants) to travel with the
choir.
See our Tour History page
for more.
What
is my commitment/involvement? Basics
and volunteering!
As a parent your commitment and follow through
on your child's participation is crucial to your child's successful
experience in Columbia Choirs. Parents and choir directors form
a team that has a powerful influence on your child. We know that singing in Columbia Choirs does
wonderful things for children. Given a significant length of membership,
singing in this choir inspires an enjoyment of music, singing and
the finer things of life that will flow along into a child's adult
years. We believe children deserve the best in music, instructors,
facilities, volunteer support, performance opportunities and performance
venues. From your child's perspective, we offer the fun of
singing in an excellent choir with a skilled, personable director
where all the members have been selected by audition AND want to
be there! That is great just by itself. But there's more. You
have discovered an activity that has the potential to enhance your
child's life in profound ways.
Columbia Choirs is not designed to be a "let's try this for a couple
of weeks and see how it goes" kind of activity. This is the kind
of experience that requires a commitment of time (at least 3 months)
to have enough understanding of what is offered your child in fun
and personal benefit. It takes at least 3 months for your child
to acquire the foundation level of skill which adds to the fun of
being in the choir. At first being in the choir may be mostly
your idea and your child is just going along with your desire to
provide this experience. Your encouragement and active interest in
how it's going will sustain your child's involvement until the child's
interest matches or exceeds yours and the activity becomes his/hers.
Be diligent and positive in motivating your child in subtle ways
to stick with it. Your child will do his/her best in the choir as
long as it is fun and as long as s/he senses your unwavering support.
You may have expectations of the choir based upon a church or school
choir experience. You and your child will need some time to get acquainted
with the Columbia Choirs style of music and instruction. Remember,
the best time to accurately gauge a child's feelings/outlook about
the choir is on the way home from practices . If
you see a pattern of concern, contact your child's instructor immediately.
Benefits to your child of singing in a choir of Columbia
Choirs stature and accomplishment:
- Short term : Your child will have fun singing
a variety of music, making new friends from throughout the region
and seeing smiles & hearing applause in performances.
- Long term : We offer a sense of accomplishment and
personal growth opportunities through singing music from around
the world. Singing has benefits you will see in your child
short term, but the most profound benefits are long term. Your
child will have experience in having a more positive attitude (focusing
on solutions instead of simply identifying the problem), dedication
to completing tasks in the most proficient way possible, accepting
responsibility for one's actions, expecting the best from oneself,
realistic self-evaluation with a more positive attitude about how
to improve, experience in looking for faster ways of learning things,
being part of a team to accomplish a goal, self-expression and
sensitivity to others, heightened ability to concentrate. All of
these and more are what this level of music study and the Columbia
Choirs style of instruction brings to your child.
Music is a language and singing is an art. Singing and musicianship
at this international quality level are life skills which require
the same kind of commitment your child experienced when learning
how to read words. Your child will take "baby steps" at first. Please
be patient and encourage your child to have patience while developing
the skills which will bring even more enjoyment in the choir. With
more experience and developed knowledge comes the more enjoyable
activities of recording CDs, singing for a variety public and private
events, for professional sports teams, and on concert tours domestic
and foreign.
Your child will sing many wonderful songs and
gain musical knowledge. We
will do our best to see that this commitment is as convenient as
possible. We know the choir is one of many opportunities you
make possible for your child. However, occasionally the outstanding,
world-class opportunities we offer may mean some temporary inconveniences
and sacrifices. As your child progresses in the choir, we believe
you will agree the commitment is worth it because you will see the
difference in your child. We will do our best to keep you informed
about choir activities in advance to assist you in planning your
family's schedule.
SOME SPECIFICS OF YOUR COMMITMENT:
- Remain members of the choir for the at least
three months to thoroughly evaluate and then make a commitment
to remain members the entire choir season (one school year).
We need your firm commitment for the entire season to deliver
on our promise to train your child at the highest international
quality level. Your child will have more fun in the choir the
more s/he knows. Consistent repetition (accumulative knowledge)
is needed for your child to better enjoy and to completely benefit
from the training and experiences we offer. The choir is also
a "choral instrument", a team of singers
who depend upon each other's skills and dedication to reach high
standards of singing and performance.
- Be on time to rehearsals, performances and
other choir functions.
- Be on time for pickup at the end of rehearsal.
We finish promptly at 6pm. Please be waiting for your child.
- Actively communicate with your child about
choir. On the way home, please ask how rehearsal went. This is
the best time to gauge how your child is feeling about the choir.
Sometimes a child will complain on the way to rehearsal (especially
on a beautiful day), but on the way home is the most revealing
of true feelings.
- Pay your tuition by the due dates publicized
in the newsletter. We depend totally upon your tuition payments
to pay the instructor, rent on the rehearsal facility and other
expenses of keeping the choir operating.
- Stay informed by attending rehearsals occasionally. See first
hand what your child's choir experience is like.
- Attend parent meetings (held only a couple of times per year).
- Read the almost weekly, "electronic" version
of the choir newsletter, Treble
Clef
- Pay your Parents Association (CCA) dues. You will receive notice
of the dues and how they are used to enhance your child's experience
in the choir. (see below)
Involvement in the Parents Association (CCA): The
parents association, Columbia Choirs Association (CCA), is the framework
through which all parental volunteerism is managed. After your
child passes the audition, during the first few weeks of membership
there will be a full parent orientation covering the information
in the Parent Handbook. The obvious transport to and from rehearsals
is necessary. More is needed to enhance each child's experience.
We, the music staff and parents, form an adult organization for the
purpose of enhancing the choir experience for the children. The
musical instruction is handled by the music staff, but volunteer
committees from among the parents manage everything else...help as
chaperones at performances, counselors at retreats, fitting uniforms,
planning and managing fundraisers (projects as well as writing grants
to foundations and corporations), and providing assistance to the
music director in planning, researching and evaluating tours. Requests
for help will come out in the Treble Clef newsletter. We encourage
you to respond to these requests for help as immediately as possible. We
adults are all here to enhance the singing experience for the children. Contact
the Parent Volunteer Coordinator for
more information.
I'd
like to refer others to the choir. How should I do that?
We welcome your help in spreading the word about
what this fine organization does for children and families. Word
of mouth is the best way.
- Invite prospective members and your music
teacher to visit our website "http:// www.columbiachoirs.com" and/or
call the choir office 425-486-1987 for more information.
- Bring prospective members to your child's
performances or to a rehearsal for "bring a singer-friend to choir day".
- Encourage your child's school music teacher
to recommend children to participate in our singing festivals
for children; All-Region Children's Choir and All-Region Youth
Choir (in October), "SingFest" (in
March) and "SummerSing" (in June and August).
- Bring the music teacher one of our CDs to
introduce the choir that way.
- We have a professionally produced, informative,
4-minute video on Columbia Choirs that is available for you to
show at your child's school.
What if my child starts to
complain about going to choir?
We have found some children will complain on the way to rehearsal
(especially on beautiful days). The most important time to accurately
gauge your child's attitude about the choir is on the way
home from rehearsal. If your child starts to complain on
the way home, please contact his instructor immediately and discuss
it. Sometimes something simple may have happened (being seated
away from a friend, another child is being distracting, etc.) which
can be easily solved. Please act immediately on complaints
which are made coming home from choir.
On complaints made coming to choir, your child
may be tired. A
favorite, healthy snack on the way to choir to get the child's energy
level up, may be just the thing needed. Please avoid greasy
foods and milk products because they coat the throat. Please
avoid high sugar content for obvious behavioral reasons (and because
it doesn't provide sustained energy).
Will my child have choir homework?
Seldom at the very beginning levels (Primary
and Preparatory); occasionally at the more advanced levels. Children in most levels
of the choir are given music to take home in a Columbia Choirs music
carrying case. We encourage the children to work a few minutes
(10 minutes) each day on their music. There will be music memorization
deadlines assigned. Whatever is assigned will be given well
in advance and it won't be much. We believe school work must
come first.
How do I report an absence?
Faithful attendance and on time arrival at rehearsals
is of paramount importance in ensuring your child's steady learning
progress. The
preferred method is to contact your instructor directly by e-mailor
call the choir office 425-486-1987 (toll free is 1-866-486-1987);
give the date of the absence and the reason. It is important
that you make contact about the absence, even if it is after the
fact. It
is important for your child to see and hear how seriously you view
his/her membership commitment to the choir by reporting the absence. It
is also important for us to know of any contagious disease to which
the other members may have been exposed.
Each child is allowed two absences per semester. More
than two absences and the child and parents must re-interview to
continue membership in the choir.
What is the best source of
advance information on choir activities?
Advance notice of all choir activities will be announced
in the Treble
Clef Newsletter. Also, check our Performance
Calendar for the
year. Please place this address
in your "favorites" and
check for updates at least once weekly. If you have not received
the login information, contact
a CCA Board member or your individual Choir
Director to request
permission. It is important for you to keep your email updated
with the choir office. If you don't have e-mail/internet
access at home we strongly encourage you to do so. E-mail notices
are far faster than any other method of mass communication. We
will be happy to send e-mails to your workplace which can then
be printed and brought home. Or you may call the choir office
(425-486-1987 or toll free 1-866-486-1987) and request a "hard
copy" of the Treble Clef announcements. We can also fax a
copy.
What should my child eat before
rehearsals and performances?
A favorite, healthy snack on the way to choir
to get your child's energy level up after a day at school is a
great idea. Please
avoid heavy, greasy foods, liquid milk products (because they coat
the throat) and avoid pop (the bubbles cause problems). Please
avoid high sugar content for obvious behavioral reasons (and because
it doesn't provide sustained energy). A piece of fruit with a slice
or two of cheese and some fruit juice would be a good snack. Perhaps
some popcorn. On the way home is a different story.
SPECIAL NOTE : A small bottle of water (with
a sport cap) would be ideal for bringing to rehearsal. The
children need to keep their throats moist. Do not send any
beverages with color to rehearsal. We worry about spillage
onto the carpets. Water only, please.
PERFORMANCES : Two hours before performances
avoid heavy, greasy foods, liquid milk products and avoid pop. Broiled
meat, fowl, fish (not fried) and healthy vegetables are just fine.
Be sure to feed your singer before performances. S/he will
be needing the energy for the performance.
May parents attend rehearsals?
YES! We welcome parents into rehearsals. You
are our honored guests. It is important for you to see what
training your child is receiving in choir to more fully understand
and appreciate what s/he is experiencing. The rehearsal rooms are
small, but we'll squeeze in as many as possible. We will arrange
rehearsal seating so the entry doors are behind the choir to prevent
undue distractions. The
children need to have the best possible atmosphere conducive to focusing
on their singing and learning musical skills. However, please
do not bring younger children into the rehearsal room.
Whom do I contact if I'm confused
or have further questions?
When in doubt contact the choir office (425-486-1987
or toll free 1-866-486-1987). Avoid allowing your confusion
to become frustration by getting the information that you need. We
know it is very important that you understand as much as possible
so you can be as supportive as possible of your child. Advance
notice of all choir activities will be given in the Treble
Clef Newsletter in which driving directions to events, schedules
are included. After
reading the Treble Clef Newsletter, if you are still confused, give
the office a call. If you have not received the login information
to the newsletter, contact
a CCA Board member, your choir liaison, or your individual
Choir Director to request permission.
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