2018 - 2019 GMYC Handbook - Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs

2018-2019

HANDBOOK

2 www.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.orglastupdatedAugust20,2018

TableofContents

1) Welcome!fromtheArtisticDirector………………………..…………………………………………….page3

2) GMYCVisionandMission………………………………………..…………………………………………….page4

3) BoardMembers/Affiliations……………………………………...…………………………………………..page5

4) StaffBios/Contact…………………………………………………...…………………………………………....page7

5) VolunteerOpportunities……………...…...……………………………..…………………………………….page9a. ParentLiaisonsb. EnsembleParentsc. CoreParentGroupd. Chaperonese. Publicityf. ConcertsTaskForceg. SpecialEventSupporth. ProgramAdCohort

6) HistoryoftheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirs…………………………………………………….page11

7) Rehearsal/Performance……………………………………………………………………………………..page12a. DescriptionofEnsemblesb. RehearsalTimes/LocationsforallEnsembles/Parkingc. AttendancePolicyd. SnowDays/SchoolVacatione. Behaviorf. PerformanceVenues/Parking

8) ConcertAttire……………………………………………………………………………………………………..page13

9) AuditionPolicies………………………………………………………………………………………………..page14a. AuditionProcedureb. Re-auditionProcedure

10) CommunicationPolicies/Methods………………………………………………………………………page15a. ParentMeetingsb. ListeningtoRehearsalsc. GMYCTodayd. Newslettere. Announcementsf. PrivacyPolicy

11) Administrative………………………………………………………………………………………………..…page16a. Tuitionb. Formsc. PaymentPlans/TuitionAssistanceInformationd. FundraisingActivities


WELCOME!FROMTHEARTISTICDIRECTORDearFriends,Welcometothe22ndseasonoftheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirs!Toparents:thankyouforsupportingyourchild’sloveofsingingbyparticipatinginthisamazingorganization.Tosingers:thankyouforhavingthepassion,bravery,anddesiretosingamongsomanyotherengagedandtalentedvoices!InthishandbookyouwillfindimportantinformationaboutGMYCstaffandboard,rehearsals,performances,uniforms,volunteerparticipation,etc.Pleasegiveitaclosereadandletmeknowifyouhaveanyquestions.Wehavesomuchtolookforwardto!Asalways,eachchoralensemblewillperformbothindependently,togetherwithanotherensembleofthesameage.WewillperformourregularconcertsinKeeneandPeterboroughduringthefirstweekendinDecemberandfirstweekendinMay.OurfallconcertseasonwillfeatureTheatricalMusic;drawingfrommusicaltheater,movies,oratorios,operas,Shakespeariansonnets,botholdandnew.Thisseason,thetwochoirsinthesameagegroupwithsingmostoftheirrepertoiretogether,whiletheCeciliaensemblewillsingindependentlyatconcert,andjoinwiththeother4ensemblesforourconcertfinale.Inthespring,wehopetotakethe5th–8thgradechoirstoNewYorkCityontour,andwillcontinuetoplanthetripforCeciliatoItalyin2020.Theyoungestsingerswillcontinuetolearnthefundamentalsofmusicreading,breathing,andsoundproduction.Throughouttheyear,GMYCwillforthefirsttimehostSATBworkshopsfor9th–12thgradeboysandgirlsintheKeenearea!Additionally,forthefirsttime,GMYCishostingasingingcompetitioninthefallcalled“SingingStars!”for2nd–8thgraders,andwillbehostinganothercompetitionforhighschoolersinthespring.ThankyousomuchforyoursupportofGMYC!Wesetoursightshigh,andtogetherwewillsoar!Warmly,EstherRhoadesArtisticDirector,GrandMonadnockYouthChoirs


GMYCVISION&MISSION

Vision:GMYCistheyouthchoralcultureoftheMonadnockregion.Wevaluechoralmusicasessentialtogrowingpeaceinourcommunity.

Mission:TheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirsistheperformance-basedchoralmusic

educationprogramforyoungsingersinourcommunity.

GreaterSingersfromNewHampshire,Massachusetts,andVermontcompriseGMYC.

MusicLearningOursingersgainproficiencyinmusicliteracyguidedbychoralexpertswhoadapttotheuniquestrengthsofthesingers.

YouthSingersexperienceprofessionalrehearsalandperformanceenvironmentswhichfostermusicalexpressionandlifelongmusicappreciation.

CommunityWecontributetotheAmericanandInternationalchoralcommunitiesthroughculturalexchange.


BOARDMEMBERS/AFFILIATIONSPresident,ScottClarkeScottClarkeisamusicalproductofKeeneHighSchool.HeattendedtheUniversityofRochestertostudybusinessandPhilosophy.ScottwasasupporterofAcappellasinginglongbeforeitsrecentpopularity,singingintheUofRYELLOWJACKETS.ScottcurrentlyperformswiththeChamberSingersofKeene,andMainStreetBroadway.ScotthasbeenthePresidentofDOUGLASCOinKeeneforover20years.HeisproudtobeavolunteerwiththeMonadnockUnitedWay.VicePresident,LisaMaharLisaMaharservedasadministratorofMonadnockWaldorfSchoolinKeenefortwenty-sixyears,aschoolwherestudentsinearlychildhoodthroughhighschoolarenurturedbyaneducationalprogramrichinbothartsandacademics.LisaholdsabachelorsdegreefromLesleyUniversityinCambridge,Massachusetts.Shewasafoundingmemberin1984oftheNoondaySingers,achorusfocusingonpeace,socialjustice,andmusicofliberationfromaroundtheworld.LisaalsoprovideseducationalconsultantservicestoWaldorfschoolsandservesasamemberoftheboardforMonadnockFoodCo-op.ShehasthreegrownchildrenandsevengrandchildrenandlivesinKeenewithherhusbandBillBeardslee.Treasurer,BillGoodwinBillGoodwinhasbeenaBoardmemberoftheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirssince2005andhashandledtheTreasurer’spositionduringallofthoseyears.HegraduatedfromWorcesterPolytecnicInstitute(WPI)in1963andworkedinthebearingindustryasamechanicalengineerfrom1964-1996,workinginbothConnecticutandNewHampshire.Followingretirement,hebecameveryinvolvedwithcommunityworkandartsorganizations.BillhasservedasChairmanofnumeroustowncommitteesinDublinduringthepast20yearsandiscurrentlytreasureroffourorganizations.HeservedasTrusteechairmanattheDublinCommunityChurchformanyyearsandhasbeenactivelyinvolvedwiththeMonadnockUnitedWaycampaignforthepast10years.BillwasoneofthefoundersofthePeterboroughFolkMusicSociety,followingtheclosingoftheFolkwayin1995.Secretary,TheresaMajoyTheresaMajoygraduatedwithaBachelorofSciencefromLowellStateCollegeinElementaryEd.andreceivedherMasterofEd.FromBostonUniversity.Workingasaneducatorfor40years,shespentthemajorityoftimeintheclassroomandsometimealsoinadministration.Theresahas2step-children,4adoptedchildren,and1adoptedgrandchild,Emma,whoisintheKeeneYouthChorus.Theresa’sparticipationontheboardisfueledbyherappreciationofMariaandEsther’senthusiasmandlovefortheirworkandthequalityperformancestheybringforthfromthesingers.PerseveranceandorganizationarewhatTheresacontributestotheboard.KellyDowdIn2005,attorneyKellyDowdleftthe"BigCity"ofConcordandfollowedhishearttoKeene,NH,wherehehasbeenengagedinthepracticeoflawinSouthwesternNHeversince.Hisprimaryfocusis"small-town"litigationandencompassescriminaldefense,familylaw,appallatework,landuseandzoning,aswellaslitigation.


STAFFBIOSEstherRhoades,ArtisticDirectorDirector,Trebles,KeeneYouthChorus,ElmCitySingers,Choristers,[email protected]/603-499-3505

EstherRuthHollandRhoadesisthrilledtobetheGrandMonadnockYouthChoir'snewArtisticDirector.TherearefourGMYCensemblesunderherdirectionrehearsinginbothPeterboroughandKeene.Herenergeticteachingstyle,expertiseinmusic,andinfectiouspositivityallowGMYCsingerstothriveandgrownotonlymusically,butalsoasindividuals.EstherRuthHollandRhoadeshasbeenimmersedinchoralmusicsincechildhood,whichinspiredhertocompleteaBachelor’sofScienceinMusicfromtheUniversityofDelaware.WhileatUD,shewasthestudentassistantchoraldirectoroftheinternationallyrenownedUniversityofDelawareChoraleunderthedirectionofDr.PaulD.Head.ShehasalsoreceivedtrainingatWestminsterChoirCollege.Aftergraduation,shetaughtpublichighschoolchorusandmusic

classesinVTandNH.Additionally,EstherwastheAssistantArtisticDirectorandConductoroftheChildren’sChorusofSpringfieldinMassachusetts.AfterreturningtoKeene,EstherservedKeeneUnitarianUniversalistChurchastheirChoirDirector,andtheMonadnockWaldorfHighSchoolteachingtheacappellachoir.Whenyoucan’tfindEsthermakingmusic,sheislikelyhiking,bakingcookies,orplayingoutsidewithherhusband,Jason,andthreedaughters.SusanMacNeil,[email protected]/603-313-0052

SusanMacNeilhaslivedintheMonadnockRegionsince1976.Shehasbeeninvolvedincreativeartsallherlife,asawriter,eventorganizerandproducerofthesingingcompetition,KeeneIdol,for13years.Professionally,SusanservedastheMarketingDirectorandInterimExecutiveDirectoroftheColonialTheatre,followedby14yearsasExecutiveDirectorofAIDSServicesfortheMonadnockRegion.From2012-2014,sheservedasthepublicistandaboardmemberofthenewlylaunchedMonadnockInternationalFilmFestival.Susanbelievesstronglyinservingthegreatergood,asevidencedbyherpassionforsocialjusticeandcommunityartsprogramming.SheisdelightedtojointheteamoftheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirstosupportthevisionofArtisticDirector,EstherRhoades,andbepartofprovidinganopportunityforyoungboysandgirlstofindtheirvoice!

IlanaCady,[email protected]

PianistIlanaJoyceCady,nativeofMassachusetts,hasbeenachoiraccompanistforthirteenyears.Shehasplayedforchurch,children's,adultandcollegiatelevelchoirsincludingAndrewsUniversitySingers,Chorale,andWomen'sandMen'schoruses,SouthLancasterAcademy'sIlVoceandconcertchoir,CoroDanteItalianchoirofCambridge,MA,andtheNewEnglandAdventChildren'sChoir.Collaboratingwithchoirsisoneofherfavoritetypesofaccompanying,andsheisveryexcitedtojointheGMYCfamily.IlanagraduatedwithaMaster’sofMusicinpianoperformanceatLongySchoolofMusicofBardCollegeinMay2017,

underthedirectionofLeslieAmper.DuringhertimeatLongy,shehasperformedatPickmanHall,SandersTheateratHarvardUniversity,andtheDanteAllegheriSocietyinCambridge.ShehascollaboratedwithLongy'sSidebySide


ElSistemaprogramandtheBostonCelloquartet.BeinginvolvedwithLongy’schamberprogram,IlanahashadtheprivilegetoworkextensivelywithRobertMerfeld.RecentlyIlanaembarkedonacollaborativejourneybyco-foundingTableforTwo|APianoDuowithfellowpianistLindaChavez.TheduodebutedinGraz,Austria,attheStyriartefestivalaswinnersoftheLunchkonzertecompetition.TheyhavealsotouredinTexas,VermontandMassachusetts.TheywereinvitedtoparticipateasTeachingArtistFellowsattheLincolnCenterinNYCinthesummerof2017.


VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITIESTheGrandMonadnockYouthChoirsreliesheavilyonthesupportofcommunitymembers,parents,andfamilymemberstoserveinthefollowingvolunteercapacities:ParentLiaisons(2parents)ServingontheBoardofDirectors,oneParentLiaisonfromPeterboroughandoneParentLiaisonfromKeeneplaycrucialrolesinthecommunicationofinformationfromparentstotheboard,andfromtheboardtoparents.Thesetwoindividualshelpcoordinatechoral-relatedactivitiesandparentvolunteers,includingplanningMonthlyCoreParentMeetings(seebelow)andworkingincollaborationwithEnsembleParents(seebelow).WearecurrentlyseekingourPeterboroughParentLiaison.Ifthisisagoodfitforyou,pleasecontactus.CoreParentGroups(PeterboroughandKeene:10–20parentstotal)TwoCoreParentGroups(oneinKeene,andoneinPeterborough),consistof5–10parentleadersfromeachrehearsaltownandmeetmonthlyduringrehearsaltime.MeetingsarefacilitatedbytheParentLiaisons.Thisgroupdeterminesideas,needs,andgoalsofourchoirsincludingdistribution,collectionandmaintenanceofuniforms;preparationofthespaceforconcerts;providingrefreshmentsandclean-upforconcerts;chaperoningatconcertsandassistinginwaysthatcontributetooursuccess.

Chaperones(parentsandcommunitymembers)Bothparentsandnon-parentsareencouragedtochaperonespecialeventssuchascollaborativeconcerts,extrarehearsals,GMYCperformances,andtheCeciliaEnsembleTrip.TheCoreParentGroupswillrequestChaperonesspecificallyforeachuniqueevent.Publicity(parentsandcommunitymembers)Parentandnon-parentPublicityExpertsarerequestedtocreateavaluableonlineGMYCpresencethroughsocialmediaandwebdesignincludingbutnotlimitedtoprovidingGMYCupdates,educationalarticlesaboutmusic/singing,interestingandengagingarticles,etc.Additionally,thisgroupofexpertscreatesdonor/sponsorshipposters,brochures,businesscards,etc.ConcertsTaskForce(parentsandcommunitymembers)Parentsandnon-parents,underthedirectionoftheparentliaisonsfromKeeneandPeterborough,meetoncebeforeourconcertstoplanconcertresponsibilitiessuchasstrikingthespacesusedfortheconcerts;organizingtherefreshments/socialtimeandcleanup;andprovidingallrehearsalchaperoneswithexpectationsandjobdescriptions.Thistaskforcealsohelpspublicizetheconcerts,providessignageattheconcertandtakestickets/distributesprograms.Concerttaskforcemembersshouldwearclearlyvisibleidentificationateachconcertandbeavailabletomanagedisruptions,seating,andrequests.SpecialEventsSupport(parentsandcommunitymembers)Throughouttheyear,GMYCrequestsourbroadercommunityandparentswithspecificskillsvolunteer.SpecialEventsareshort-termcommitmentsthathelpkeepGMYCrunningsmoothly,


andhaveinthepastincluded:hemmingdresses,uniformcleaningandstorage,usheringconcerts,settingupanddismantlingrisersandshells,baking/cooking,transportingchildren,addressingandstuffingappealletters,maintainingonlinepresence,etc.WhenweareinneedofSpecialEventsSupport,wewillsendanemailrequestinghelp,andawaitresponsesfromparentsandcommunitymembers.


HISTORYOFTHEGRANDMONADNOCKYOUTHCHOIRSThePeterboroughChildren’sChoirwasfoundedin1997byMariaBelvaandDavidVernier.Theorganization’snamewaschangedin2011toreflecttheexpandingregionalityoftheensembles.Theoriginalorganizationbegantoprovideanopportunityforyoungsingerstodeveloptheirvoiceswhilelearningfundamentalsofmusicianship,musicreading,performance,andthejoyfulrewardsofsingingthehighestqualitymusic.Remainingtruetotheoriginalmission,theGrandMonadnockYouthChoirsnowprovidesachoralopportunityforyoungsingersingrades2though12tobuildself-confidence,leadership,andindependence,strengthenmusicalliteracy,andilluminateourcommunitiesasambassadorsregionally,nationallyandinternationally.Ourchoirsenrichthechoralandmusicaleducationthechildrenreceiveinschoolandathome.Thesingersexperienceexcellentperformance-basedchoralmusiceducationthroughlivelyweeklyrehearsalsincludingbothmovementandsinging.Attheendofeachsemester,allfiveGMYCensemblesperformatourKeeneandPeterboroughconcerts.Withover100singersfrommorethan17townsinNewHampshire,Vermont,andMassachusetts,theGrandMonadnockYouthChoir’sgrowthoverthepastfewyearshasbeentrulybeen“grand.”Inthesummerof2017,MariaBelvasteppeddownasArtisticDirectorafter20years,handingthebatontoGMYC’snewArtisticDirector,EstherRhoades.Estherfeelsthatitisgreatprivilegetohavebeenchosentotakeonthisleadershipposition,andlooksforwardtodeepeningourroots,andexpandingourbranches.


REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCEINFORMATIONDescriptionofEnsemblesTrebles(Peterborough)andKeeneYouthChorus(Keene)Grades2through4;meetingforonehourperweek;foundationsofsingingtechniqueandmusicreading,learnconcertetiquetteandperformanceskills;mostlyunisonandtwo-partmusic;joinotherGMYCensemblesforcombinedconcertpieces.Choristers(Peterborough)andElmCitySingers(Keene)Grades5through8;meetingfor1¼hoursperweek;concentrateonmoreadvancedensemblesingingandmusicreading;expectedtohaveperfectedconcertetiquetteandperformanceskills;usuallymorecomplextwoandthreepartmusic;joinwithotherGMYCensemblesforcombinedconcertpieces.CeciliaEnsemble(Peterborough)Grades9through12treblesingers;meetingfor1½hoursperweekonMondayafternoonsfrom5:00pm–6:30pm;moresophisticatedmusic,fromunisontofour-part;membersmustbeself-motivated,responsibleindividuals;accomplishedmusicians;instrumentalstudyorprivatevoicelessonsarestronglyencouraged.Europeanconcerttoursplannedeveryotheryear.Participationinextrafundraisingactivitiesisexpected. RehearsalInformationRehearsalsforthe2018–2019schoolyearareheldweekly.Singersshouldarrive15minutesearlytoallrehearsalsandperformances.

KeeneRehearsalstakeplaceatSt.JamesEpiscopalChurchPleaseparkinthelotnexttoLindy’sDiner,ordropoffyoursingernexttotheSt.JamesChurchDooratthenorthsideoftheParkingLot.

1) KeeneYouthChorus(grades2–4)Tuesdays4–5pm2) ElmCitySingers(grades5–8)Tuesdays5:15–6:30pm

PeterboroughRehearsalsareatthePeterboroughUnitarianUniversalistChurchPleaseparkinchurchparking,anywhereonMainStreet,ordropoffyoursingeratthesideentrancetothechurch.

3) Trebles(grades2–4)Wednesdays4–5pm4) Choristers(grades5–8)Wednesdays5:15–6:30pm5) CeciliaEnsemble(treblevoices,grades9–12)Mondays5:00–6:30pm

AttendancePolicyAllsingersareexpectedtobeateveryrehearsal,dressrehearsal,additionalevents,fundraisingevents,andperformances.Attendancetoalleventsismandatory.Singerswhomissmorethan2rehearsals/eventsmaynotbeabletoperformintheconcerts.Additionallyoutsideandat-homepracticemaybeneededtomakeupforlosttimeinorderforasingertoperform.


Youmustcontactthedirectorbefore3pmonthedayoftherehearsalifasingerwillbeabsentbecauseofanillness,schooltrip,concert,orreligiousholiday.Esther–603-499-3505Iftransportationisanissue,pleasecallanotherGMYCparenttomakearrangementsfortransportation,andintheeventofanemergency,contactthedirector.Transportationisnotanacceptableexcuseforanabsentsinger.Anychoirmemberwhomissesthelastrehearsalbeforeaperformance,orthedressrehearsalwillnotbepermittedtosingattheconcert.Anychoirmemberwhomissesaconcertmaynotbeinvitedbacktosinginthechoir.SnowDays/SchoolVacationGMYCwillcancelrehearsalwithlocalschoolclosures,earlyrelease,andcancellationofafterschoolactivities.KeeneChoirswillbecancelledifKeenePublicisclosed,andPeterboroughChoirswillbecancelledifPeterboroughPublicisclosedforKeeneYouthChorus,Trebles,ElmCitySingers,andChoristers.Ifschoolsareopenbuttheweatherlooksbad,itisuptoyoutodetermineifitissafetodriveduringinclementweather.BecausetheCeciliaEnsembleiscomprisedofsingersfrommanydistricts,privateschools,andhomeschools,CeciliaEnsemblewillbeheldregardlessofweather,unlessEstherspecificallycancels.Ifwehaverehearsal,butthelocalroadsareunsafetodriveon,CeciliaEnsemblesingersareexcusedfromrehearsal.Snowdayswillnotbecountedasamissedrehearsal.BehaviorRehearsalsandperformancesaresafespacesforchildrentoexpressthemselvesasindividualsandasmusicians.Inorderforustofostermusicalgrowthandexpression,compassionaterespectandselfcontrolareabsolutelyessentialforeveryrehearsalandperformance.Ifachildisnotabletocontrolhis/herownattention,physicalbody,orwords,thedirectorswillbeincommunicationwiththesinger’sfamilytofindstrategiestohelp,oraskthesingertositthesemesterout.PerformanceVenues/ParkingKeeneRedfernArtsCenterParkingonweekendsintheRedfernArtsCenterparkinglotisfree.YoucanfinditbyfollowingsignsfromMainStreet,Keene.PeterboroughUnitarianUniversalistChurchFamiliesareencouragedtochooseaparkinglotnearbythechurch,suchastheonebehindtheToadstoolBookstore,theHistoricSociety,oronstreet.St.JamesEpiscopalChurch,KeeneParkingisavailablebehindthebuilding,andisaccessiblefromGilboAve.Onstreetparkingisalsoavailable,howeveritismeteredMondaythroughSaturday,andisfreeonSundays.


CONCERTATTIREGMYCoffersthefollowinguniformchoicestoeachsinger.AllEnsembles/SingersPleasepullhairawayfromthefaceandupandofftheneck;nojewelry;noscents.Allattiremustbecleanandpressedforeachperformance.Singerswhocometoaperformancewithoutconcertattirewillnotbeabletoperform.Choice1Trebles/KeeneYouthChorusFamiliesprovide:white,navy,orblackstockings/leggings,blackclosedtoedflatorlow-heeled“fancyshoes”(nosneakersorboots).GMYCprovides:anavyjumper/skirtandawhiteblouse,whichshouldbereturnedafterconcertseason.Choristers/ElmCitySingersFamiliesprovide:neutralstockingsandblackclosedtoedflatorlow-heeled“fancyshoes”or“charactershoes”(nosneakersorboots).GMYCprovides:dresses,whichshouldbereturnedafterconcertseason.CeciliaEnsembleFamiliesprovide:neutralstockings,andblackclosedtoedlow-heeled“charactershoes.”GMYCprovides:blackgowns,whichshouldbecleanedandreturnedwhenthesingergraduatesorleavestheensemble.Choice2Familiesprovide:Fancywhitelongsleevedshirt/blouse,blackdresspants/skirt,blacksocks/leggings/stockings,blackclosetoedflatorlow-heeled“fancyshoes”(nosneakersorboots).Choice3Familiesprovide:Whitebuttondowncollaredlongsleevedshirt,whiteundershirt,blackdresspants,blackbelt,blacksocks,blackclosetoedflat“fancyshoes”(nosneakersorboots).GMYCprovides:atie,whichshouldbereturnedrightaftereachperformance.


AUDITIONPOLICIESAuditionsareopentoallchildrenenteringgrades2through8inFall2018,andalltreblesingersenteringgrades9–12intheFall2018.Auditionsareprivate,andlast15minutes.AuditionProcedureAttheaudition,wemeetthechildandfamilyandlistentothesinger.Wewillsinglowandhigh,matchpitches,lookatsomewrittenmusic,andsingeitherRow,Row,RowtheBoat,orHappyBirthday.Oldersingersmaybeaskedtosingtheirfavoritesong,sightsing,andsingamelodywhilewesingtheharmony.Successfulauditionersarewillingtoworkhard,singandmoveaccordingtothemusic,acceptresponsibility,behaveappropriately,betrustworthy,andbeateamplayer.Re-AuditionProcedureReturningGMYCsingersmayormaynotberequiredtore-audition,atthediscretionofthedirector.Choirmemberswhosemusichasnotbeenpreparedwell,missaconcert,orleavethechoirbeforetheendofthesemestermaynotbeinvitedbacktoGMYC.


COMMUNICATIONPOLICIES/METHODSCommunicationbetweendirectorsandfamiliesisabsolutelycrucialtothesuccessofthesingers,organization,andprocess.Itisofutmostimportancethatparents/guardianscloselyreadallemails,take-homes,andgeneralcommunicationscomingfromGMYCandrespondasnecessaryinatimelyfashion.ParentMeetingsAtleastoncepersemester,GMYCholdsamandatoryparent/familymeetinginwhichwetalkaboutplansforthesemester,volunteeropportunities,changestotheschedule,updatesabouttheorganization,fundraisingevents,andmusic.Ifparentsarenotabletomakeittothemeeting,itisimportantthatyousendatrustedsubstitutetorelayinformationforyouafterwards.ListeningtoRehearsalsAllfamiliesarewelcometoattendanyandallrehearsals!Pleasemakeyourselfathomeatthebackoftherehearsalspace,takingcaretominimizedistractiontothesingers.Pleaseremembertoquitecellphonesandothernoisemakingdevicesduringtherehearsal.GMYCTodayGMYCTodayisanemailsentatthewillofthedirectororParentLiaisonwheninformation,updates,news,etc.,needstobecommunicatedtoparents.OftentheinformationprovidedinGMYCTodayispertinenttoperformances,rehearsalcancellations,remindersabouttheschedule,etc.Ifaresponseisneeded,pleasemakeeveryefforttoreturntheemailrightaway.NewsletterThenewsletterisaquarterlyonlinecommunicationpreparedbytheManagingDirector,whichissenttoallchoirparentsandmembersofourlargercommunity.TheGMYCnewsletterprovidesinformation,updates,andnewsaboutthechoirsandorganization.AnnouncementsOccasionally,importantannouncementswillbemadeduringrehearsalpick-uptimes.Announcementswillbemadeverballyattheendofarehearsal,andwillalsobewrittenonatake-homeflyer.Pleasemaketimetoreadthroughwrittenannouncements.PrivacyPolicyAllfamiliessignaphoto/videoreleasepermissionformatthestartoftheyear,orsemesterinwhichthesingerjoinsGMYCforvideo/photouseonourWebsite,FacebookPage,OnlineNewsletter,PrintMaterials(newsletters,brochures,posters),Flickr,Instragram,Presentations,orPressReleasesinnewspapers,etc.


ADMINISTRATIVETuitionTuitionforeachchoirmemberis$200.00persemester.Anon-refundabledepositof$50isduepriortothesemester,andthebalanceisduebythefirstrehearsal.Paymentscanbemadeonlinebyvisitingwww.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org,orbysendingachecktoGMYC,POBox54,Peterborough,NH03458.Kindlyputthesinger’sfullnameinthememolineofanychecks.WewanttobesurethatparticipationinGMYCisagoodfitforboththesingersandtheorganization,thereforethefirstthreerehearsalsareconsidereda“trialperiod.”Ifthedirectororparent/guardianhasconcernsorreservations,thisistheappropriatetimetomakechangesinthemembershipofthesingerwithoutforfeitingtuition.Afterthethirdrehearsal,ifasingerquits,tuitionwouldbeforfeited.Iffamilieshavenotpaidthetuitionbalancefromtheprevioussemester,unfortunatelysingerswillnotbeabletocontinueparticipationinGMYC.Iffamiliesareunabletopaytuition,pleaseseetheTuitionAssistanceInformationsectionbelow.FormsAllsingers/familiesmustreturnthenecessaryGMYCformsincludingbutnotlimitedto:AgreementForm(foundattheendofthehandbook),PhotoReleaseForm,andScholarshipRequest(ifneeded)withanon-refundable$50depositpriortothefirstrehearsal.Allformscanbefoundonlinebyvisitingwww.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org.PaymentPlans/TuitionAssistanceInformationGMYCofferspaymentplansandneed-basedscholarshipstofamilieswhoneedassistancewithtuitionpayments.Webelievethatnoqualifiedsingershouldbedeniedmembershipinthechoirforfinancialreasons.Paymentplansareavailablewithoutadditionalfees,howeveraTuitionAssistancerequestmustbefilledoutinorderforapaymentplantobehonored.GMYCmakeseveryefforttoprovidetuitionassistance,howevertheallotmentofaidinagivensemesterwilldependonavailablefundsandnumberofrequestswereceive.TuitionAssistanceformsareavailableonlineatwww.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org,andmustbefilledoutinorderforascholarshiptobeissued.Iffamilieshavenotpaidthetuitionbalancefromtheprevioussemester,unfortunatelysingerswillnotbeabletocontinueparticipationinGMYC.Iffamiliesareunabletopaytuitionwithassistance,pleasecontacttheArtisticDirectororAdministrativeDirector.FundraisingActivitiesAlthoughtuitionaccountsforonly25%ofGMYC’soperatingcosts,westrivetokeeptuitioncostslowforallfamiliesbysubsidizingtuitionwithdonations,sponsorships,andfundraisers.YourhelpinthesefundraisingeventsthroughouttheyeariscrucialinkeepinggreatmusiceducationaccessibletoallchildrenintheMonadnockRegion.


ParentsnotobligatedbutarehighlyencouragedtoparticipateinoneormoreofthefollowingFundraisingActivities:1)SpecialEventsPlanningYouwillhavetheopportunitytojoinwithotherparentsandnon-parentsinplanningspecialfundraisingevents,suchasanannualicecreamsocial,basketraffles,orspecialbarnperformance.2)CeciliaEnsembleFundraisersTheCeciliaEnsemblemembersandparentsrunafoodboothduringChildrenandtheArtsDayinPeterboroughinMayofeachyear.TheCeciliaEnsembleparticipatesinextrafundraisingfortheirconcerttours.Membersmakepumpkinpiestoselleveryfall,organizerafflebaskets,performinadditionalconcerts,etc.

Documents

2018 - 2019 GMYC Handbook - Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs