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Parent / Member Handbook

Parent / Member Handbook€¦ · Kottke, Laurindo Almeida, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson, to name a few. His solo recordings include high quality labels such as Favored

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Page 1: Parent / Member Handbook€¦ · Kottke, Laurindo Almeida, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson, to name a few. His solo recordings include high quality labels such as Favored

Parent / Member

Handbook

Page 2: Parent / Member Handbook€¦ · Kottke, Laurindo Almeida, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson, to name a few. His solo recordings include high quality labels such as Favored

2

Welcome to VOENA

I want to personally welcome you to our VOENA family! We have grown to 100+ members since 1994 and

have traveled the world performing at the White House, the Olympics, Carnegie Hall, and venues in Italy, Abu Dhabi, and throughout Northern California. I look forward to developing each child's educational

opportunity, helping each other learn how to accept challenges and cross thresholds, have self-motivation,

and a hard work ethic. In this process, we will get to know each other better. Let me take a minute to tell you

a little about myself and what some of my expectations will be from my team and this organization.

I was originally born in Texas, the third of five children. My "Daddy" was an Air Force pilot and I was named

after my "Mommy." She wanted me to learn violin as a joke to be played on Daddy as he always bragged how

he used to play when he was a child. Well, I loved it so much I never quit, though I hated to practice. I went

on to receive my Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance, learning the value of practice with tons of

repetition, giving me a strong discipline! I completed my Master of Music degree with emphasis on Kodaly, a

Hungarian composer famous for nationalizing Hungarian heritage through folk music traditions, hence my

love for culture and ethnicity. Growing up, I adored Barbra Streisand and found her vocal coach, Judy Davis.

After 4 years of study, I learned a unique technique for pitch and projection. My husband, Dale Robbins and

I have five children. Two daughters and three sons. Even though we lost our middle son on 1/24/18, we

still feel he is with us in spirit. Our eldest daughter co-founded her own cleaning company and the other

is a school teacher. Our sons are acrobats, formerly with Cirque du Soleil. Among our other kids is Petey

the cat. I continue to play tennis, do Pilates, and go crazy over children!

Singing since childhood, my dream for an integrated program of music, movement, and theatrics gave birth

to VOENA! I am so proud! Some of our alumni have received full scholarships to such universities as UCLA

and Brown. I embrace struggle, failure, and thresholds that can seem overwhelming at times, having found

that the "embrace" becomes "learning" which becomes "opportunity." The striving for “excellence” is more

about building strength to cross difficult thresholds and taking risks to build on those life skills.

Remember that being a member of VOENA is a partnership and this

teamwork goes both ways. There will always be new names and faces

to meet and get to know and I am really looking for my members to

mentor each other. I want members who are part of the team, who

not only work hard but who contribute to making our team stronger.

I am a big believer in constantly looking for ways to improve as your

director, and I expect the same from my members. VOENA

continues to strive for building our relationships and embracing our

cultural differences.

Congratulations again for taking this step in your future, and

welcome to the family!

Annabelle Marie

Founder/Director

VOENA

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Mission Statement

To unite the world and empower future leaders through music.

Vision Statement

VOENA Children’s Choir is a professional program, unique because of its no-audition policy. VOENA

teaches children ages 5-18 ethnically diverse music, instilling in them an appreciation and enthusiasm for

different languages and cultures while cultivating, what director Annabelle Marie calls, the VOENA BIG

THREE:

1.) Accept the challenge

2.) Be self-motivated

3.) Embrace an ethic for hard work.

VOENA participants sing music from many countries, all in the native language, promoting peace through

the exchange of culture.

VOENA is an extended family bonded together by the journey. The journey is the children’s hard work of

pursuing excellence that leads them to higher levels of commitment, self-esteem, and confidence.

VOENA in the Community As a leading non-profit arts organization with a mission to empower future generations through a shared

musical journey, VOENA is committed to creating access to music education for all children, regardless of

their prior musical experience or financial standing. With a passion for exploring and celebrating cultural

diversity, VOENA engages singers in cultural exchange through world song traditions, global tours, and

collaborations with organizations and groups representing a range of ethnic heritages. VOENA creates

opportunities for all children to engage in quality music education through its VOENA in the Schools

Program in Title I Schools, and our Scholarship Program for those experiencing financial hardship. Before

the pandemic, VOENA’s new Ticket Giveaway program was designed to open doors for families who might not otherwise afford admission to our live performances in large professional venues. The choir also offers

free recitals for local families and performs at intimate community events whenever possible.

COVID-19 Update: We are paying close attention to any changes in public health reopening guidelines

for the State and Solano County. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our members and will

continue to follow the safest mitigation practices. At this time, Fall 2020 VOENA choir rehearsals and choir masterclasses will be held virtually.

With the help of wonderful parents and volunteers, VOENA has been able to pivot in response to the social distancing mandates, and find ways to create a meaningful virtual learning experience that resulted in six

carefully choreographed virtual performances that have garnered more than 15,000 views on social media

-- and counting. During these past months, we’ve grown stronger and learned so much together as a musical

family. We continue to strive for excellence, and with new knowledge and technology, there are no limits

to what is possible as we move forward as a leading choir program. In addition to new and improved virtual

performances and masterclasses, the Fall choir rehearsal semester will cover seasonal repertoire, Solfege,

professional vocal & breathing technique fundamentals, musicianship/reading music as the written language

using the voice, virtual (and/or physical) performance techniques with focus on confidence and stage

presence while developing skills in teamwork and leadership, and of course the VOENA BIG THREE.

You will be expected to follow basic Zoom etiquette to ensure the best learning experience for all members.

Each Zoom class will be recorded and posted to the Member Support Site (MSS) so students can review and practice

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About Our Music Educators

Annabelle Marie, Director and Founder

In addition to forging new ground as a composer, arranger, vocalist and musician, Annabelle is changing

the landscape of musical presentation today with her lively and infectious reinvention of the children’s

choir.

Our inspiring performers range in age from 6 to 18, and although many have never been part of a choir

prior to joining VOENA, it is clear that Annabelle holds the key to unlocking the angelic resonance in

the presence of each child. Incorporating movement, percussion, and the theatrical embodiment of the

music they present, the result is a celebration of culture, sound, color, voice and humanity ~ a

phenomenon of joy and peace unparalleled in our lifetime.

Performances by Annabelle and her choir are transformative, so much so that the ensemble has been

invited as repeat guests of the White House, performing for Presidents Clinton and Bush in Washington

D.C., as performers for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome, as featured singers in the Olympic Park

on opening day of the 2012 London Olympics, and as music educators for a TEDx Conference in Napa

Valley. As goodwill ambassadors, they have toured with a message that celebrates global diversity with

those in China, Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Japan and many other parts of the world. From the world-

famous French Laundry in Yountville to the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York --VOENA weaves a

tapestry over 100 voices strong of rich and inventive a cappella arrangements that leave audiences moved

with a message of celebration and hope.

Although her training and awards are on par with the best in her industry, Annabelle Marie’s gift to us all

is that she has taken her diverse life experience and training and applied it to creating something altogether

new. Founder, performer and “Inspirer in Chief,” Annabelle Marie’s life’s work is a gift to humanity not

to be missed.

Aaron Kierbel, VOR “Voices of Rhythm” Level I/Level II Instructor

Aaron Kierbel is a professional drummer, educator, and the founder of RhythmALLogy. His workshops

have been presented in schools, jails, shelters, festivals, and corporate boardrooms. His partnerships

include Destiny Arts, Performing Arts Workshop, LEAP, Attitudinal Healing Connection and Creative

Mornings. A professional member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild, Mr Kierbel is endorsed by Remo

drums and Paiste cymbals. He has trained with top rhythm facilitators in the field, including Arthur Hull’s

Village Music, Simon Faulkner’s Rhythm 2 Recovery model, Christine Stevens, Remo’s Health Rhythms,

Cameron Tummel’s Rhythm for youth, and Doug Goodkin’s Orff teaching methodology. As a

professional musician, Aaron has played in 30 countries around the world with the genre-defying group

Rupa and the April Fishes, as well as collaborating locally in the Bay Area with the San Francisco Mime

Troupe, The Jazz Mafia, La Misa Negra, and Meklic Hadero.

Peppino D’Agostino, Ukulele Orchestra

A young Sicilian artist left Italy over 30 years ago, with the dream of “playing with the greatest guitarists,”

Peppino has achieved his dream and he is now firmly planted in the “who’s who” of the guitar world.

Peppino D’Agostino emerged on the acoustic guitar scene in the early 80’s as a leading member of the

second wave of the great fingerstylists that helped redefine the instrument in the ’90s. His remarkable

technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional

style which has been inspiring musicians and audiences alike for decades. His CD, Every Step of the Way

was named one of the top three acoustic guitar albums of all time by Acoustic Guitar magazine readers.

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D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries, at prestigious international festivals and has played

in some of the world’s most important theaters. He has shared the stage with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo

Kottke, Laurindo Almeida, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson, to name a few. His solo

recordings include high quality labels such as Favored Nations, Mesa / Bluemoon, and Acoustic Music

Records. Recognized as “the guitarist’s guitarist” by Acoustic Guitar magazine and described as “a giant

of the acoustic guitar” by the San Diego Reader, D’Agostino was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist by readers

of Guitar Player magazine. An active member of the Pacific Guitar Ensemble, Peppino has collaborated

and recorded with the classical guitarist David Tanenbaum (chair of the classical guitar at the

Conservatory of San Francisco), Jeff Campitelli (considered one of the 100 greatest drummers of all time

by Rolling Stone magazine) and the legendary Paraguayan harpist and violinist Carlos Reyes, among

many others. D’Agostino’s composition “Stammi Vicino,” written with electric guitarist Stef Burns and

Italian rock star Vasco Rossi, reached number one in the iTunes rock charts in Italy.

Board of Directors

Annabelle Marie, Executive Director

Office: (707) 751-1515 Cell: (707) 333-9829

[email protected]

Teri Hurlbut, Chair

(707) 315-1902

[email protected]

Doris Laux, Treasurer

(707) 322-1412

[email protected]

Dale Robbins, Secretary

(707) 980-0725

[email protected]

Leila Llewelyn

(707) 322-2019

[email protected]

Staff

Annabelle Marie, Artistic Director

(707) 333-9829

[email protected]

Peppino D’Agostino, Ukulele Orchestra

(707) 310-3769

[email protected]

Aaron Kierbel, VOR Level 1/II

(415) 678-8235

Aly Kauzer, Liaison

(707) 853-9259

[email protected]

Liz Maffeo, Administrative Assistant

(707) 342-0382 [email protected]

Ceilidh Austin, Satellite Teacher

(707) 527-2408

[email protected]

Adriene Rockwell, Development Consultant

(415) 205-3884

[email protected]

Jill Honodol, EFT & Organizational

Consultant

(925) 435-9396

[email protected]

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Choir Levels (See Advancement Testing Guidelines)

● Preparatory Level

Entry level: Introduction to college prep theory of solfeggio and vocal technique. Emphasis on

VOENA BIG THREE: Accepting challenges, having self-motivation, and having a hard work ethic.

Learning to use the body to express their physical singing, and ultimately creating a deep connection

to the music. Exploration in multi-lingual repertoire. Focus: Pitch production, fidget control,

attention, and performance techniques.

● Intermediate Level

Prerequisite: Ionian and aeolian solfege scales plus knowledge of intermediate level current concert

material. Level testing required. Focus: Pitch production, attention, harmonic solfege, building

repertoire the "Annabelle Way", rehearsal rules/requirements, refining physical performance.

● Voices of Rhythm Preparatory/Intermediate

Offered to preparatory/intermediate choir members. Focus: Basic rhythms as they relate to VOENA

material, rudimentary movement used by VOENA performers, learning to relax and stay focused

while performing, African djembe patterns and misc. percussion instruments, clapping patterns and

dance movement, learning to celebrate rhythm and percussion.

● Concert Choir I and II

Prerequisite: Ionian and aeolian fast scale patterns, ionian triads, knowledge of CC level current

concert material. Level testing required including four songs from the VOENA repertoire of songs.

Focus: Fine tune pitch production, harmonic solfege, introduce compositional and percussive

techniques, physical presentation techniques, and extended a cappella work in multi-lingual texts.

Knowledge of music the "Annabelle Way" and rehearsal rules/requirements.

● Voices of Rhythm I and II

An extension of choir masterclass for choir members to explore their natural sense of rhythm,

taught by Aaron Kierbel. Focus: VOR I focus is on foundational rhythm patterns with body

percussion and on a variety of percussion instruments. VOR II repertoire extends to more difficult

and challenging music and instruments.

● Creavo

Offered to seasoned performers from CC II Level, by audition and submit interest to Annabelle

Marie. Focus: This group builds teamwork and leadership skills. Repertoire extends to difficult and

challenging music. Prestigious performance venues may be exclusive to this cutting-edge group.

Members are given opportunities to assist in teaching as well as leading camps.

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Choir Rehearsals

● Times and Locations (virtual by zoom)

o Tuesdays - zoom link on Member Support Site (MSS). When physical again, we will meet at

Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 1150 First Street, Benicia, CA.

o All Practices are held by zoom (physical again, at the regular rehearsal site unless otherwise

noted.)

o Arrive on time. This sets your child up for success.

Tuesdays

3:30 - 4:15 Preparatory/Intermediate

4:15 - 5:00 Intermediate

5:00 - 5:45 Concert Choir I (CCI)

5:45 - 6:30 Concert Choir II (CCII)

6:30 - 7:00 Creavo -girls ensemble

Thursdays

Choir Masterclass VOR Level I

3:30 - 4:15

Choir Masterclass VOR Level II

4:15 - 5:00

Choir Masterclass Ukulele

Orchestra

5:00 - 5:45

● Communication - Member Support Website (MSS) and Member Email Newsletter

The MSS (www.voenamembersupport.com) and the member email newsletter are two of your most

important sources of information and should be checked on a regular basis. At the MSS, you'll find

all the latest news, seasonal music, costume, testing information, and more. Be sure to visit the MSS

regularly to see what's coming up or for any changes. The password will be issued after enrollment.

The member email newsletter is sent out on a weekly basis and contains the latest news and

information for the upcoming weeks. Please ensure we have your current email address and the email

address of any other parent or guardian responsible for overseeing your child’s VOENA activities.

● Guidelines (when physically meeting again):

o Visitors and closed rehearsals. Friends and family are always welcome and encouraged to attend during the open rehearsal period at the starts of each semester. The closed rehearsal period begins a few weeks after the start of each semester. Notifications will go out when closed rehearsals begin. Closed rehearsals are a proven method of allowing a more intimate focus between the

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Director and the choir which is critical to the concert creation process. During closed rehearsals, only board members and concert production and social media recording staff will be allowed to attend.

o Parents. We encourage parents to become involved with VOENA through volunteer opportunities. Rehearsal is a time of focus and bonding between the members and teachers. At no time should a parent, child, or other adult interfere during a rehearsal, performance or planning session. If you have questions or concerns, please talk to the site liaison or setup a time to speak with the Director outside of rehearsal time.

o Supplies. Members must have a black binder at home to store paperwork and practice their music (optional to bring to rehearsal). Music, lyrics, sectional parts, and schedule calendar can be accessed at the MSS site.

o Know your music “The Annabelle Way” means having the ability to sing a song completely a cappella without any assistance from beginning to end. Login to the MSS site to listen and rehearse the current seasonal repertoire for your choir level. You are performance ready when songs are as easy to sing as Happy Birthday.

o Adhere to the pacing calendar schedule located on the Member Support Site (MSS) to ensure you know your music prior to each rehearsal.

o Readiness testing. Rehearsals include readiness testing for all performances. Those who are not prepared will be excused from all or part of the performance.

o A code of manners and respect for others will be strictly enforced and taught to enable members to accept challenges, have self-motivation, and develop a hard work ethic. This is critical in developing life skills and discipline, and to attain a professional attitude towards others.

o Social media, cell phones and tablet. As representatives of a professional organization, all social media postings of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, etc. needs to represent our professional “character.” During rehearsals, no cell phone use is permitted unless it is being used to record parts.

o Sick children. For the courtesy of your directors and classmates, if you are in the contagious

state of being sick (sneezing or coughing), please take a night off from rehearsal to rest and get well. Ditto for siblings attending practice. Thank you for your understanding. If your child

begins to feel ill during rehearsal, they should let the liaison know and we will have them sit and watch rehearsal or contact a parent if necessary.

o Carpools. Carpools can be arranged between members. We recommend a $10 (minimum) carpool fee to respect the driver’s time, effort, and gas cost.

o Facility Rules:

▪ Be respectful of our rehearsal site. Always clean up after yourself.

▪ Soft voices and quiet attendance are required in the rehearsal space at all times.

▪ Use the restroom prior to rehearsal.

▪ No food or drink inside the rehearsal facility. A water bottle is allowed.

▪ No running, yelling, or playing inside or outside of rehearsal sites. Please be respectful of all

landscaping and vegetation.

▪ Dress must be appropriate and show respect for the rehearsal site. No short shorts, no open

midriffs, no inappropriate logos, etc.

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Preparatory / Intermediate Concert Requirements

● Performances (when physically performing again)

o Performing is always optional.

o New first semester members. At the end of each semester, we hold free all-level recital at our rehearsal locations for all family members & friends to attend. Our all-level recitals are the highlight showcase for our new first semester members to perform with all our ensembles, from second semester through Creavo.

o New first semester members are not eligible to perform on the big stage for the all-level concerts during their first semester. This is to ensure the proper development, maturity, and seasoning of our newest members to perform on the big stage. At the end of their second semester, they become eligible. We highly encourage all new members to attend and observe an all-level concert prior to performing on the big stage.

● Concert Requirements (when physically performing again)

o Please ensure that your child knows their music "The Annabelle Way" prior to concert day. Proper preparation begins early in the rehearsal season with daily practice. Proper preparation boosts accountability, confidence and self-esteem, setting a child up for success and helping avoid last minute disappointment and tears.

o Please call and email your liaison if you are feeling ill and need to miss a concert.

o Always eat a nutritious light meal and get plenty of rest before a concert. Avoid sugar, dairy products, chocolate, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks. Load up on carbohydrates.

o Please be respectful of our concert venues and clean up after yourself.

o Check the Member Support Site (MSS) and your emails regularly for concert performer details and any last-minute updates.

● Tech Rehearsals and Concert Day

o “Tech” rehearsals help the singers feel confident and allow the Director to make staging

changes and adjustments where necessary.

o Concert day tech rehearsals are held at the performance venue. These rehearsals typically start three hours prior to concert time. Parents check-in their children at the beginning of tech rehearsal and return to check them out after the concert. Tech rehearsals require that costumes and hair be stage and photo ready upon arrival.

o Concert day performers must bring their own healthy snacks and water. Please make sure all snacks are labeled with performer’s name. We highly recommend bringing a book or homework for down time. Due to severe allergies, food with nuts and nut ingredients are strictly prohibited.

o No parents, relatives, drivers or friends, are permitted in the performance venue or backstage during “tech” rehearsal, except for the designated VOENA concert venue crew and those wearing backstage passes.

● Costuming

o Costuming details will be outlined each semester on the Member Support Site (MSS).

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Concert Choir and Creavo Concert Requirements

● Performances (when physically performing again)

o Concert choir and Creavo level members are expected to perform at all concerts.

o Soloists who are signed must attend all tech rehearsal and concerts as outlined in the Soloist Commitment Agreement. If they are unable to attend a tech rehearsal or concert director approval is required.

o Always let a designated adult know if you are feeling ill. If you feel ill during a performance, sit down quietly and rest for the remainder of the song.

o If you are ill on a concert day and will not be able to perform, please contact Aly ASAP at (707) 853-9259. A doctor’s note will be required to be excused from the performance.

o Creavo members must stay after EVERY concert to help breakdown and cleanup. Members must stay until an inspection by a designated backstage monitor is completed and

approves performer to leave. This includes: stage, backstage rooms, and bathrooms. All must be clean, neat, and tidy. Stage decorations must be put away carefully and neatly so as not to

break and be ready to use for the next performance. Any Creavo member who leaves but has not been approved for dismissal and checked off the list will be fined $20.

o Smaller venues and private events. It is an honor to perform at smaller venues and private

events. These events are typically “high-end” affairs and give the performers an opportunity to experience travel and cultural settings that may not be available to them. Performers are

selected by tenure/seasoning and ability to handle themselves professionally. Performers must be dropped off and picked up at specific locations. Parents/guardians are not allowed to attend

or enter these private functions without a paid ticket or invitation.

● Concert Requirements

o Performances require the very best in conduct, appearance, behavior, and musicianship. The first impression a person has of a group is by its appearance, bearing, and behavior. A large group attracts more respect by its’ lack of noise and confusion than by any other means.

o Know your music "The Annabelle Way" prior to concert day. Have the ability to sing the music completely a cappella without any assistance from beginning to end. Performers not knowing all the required music will be limited in performances at the discretion of the Director.

o Proper preparation begins early in the rehearsal season with daily practice. Proper preparation boosts accountability, confidence and self-esteem, setting a child up for success and helping avoid last minute disappointment and tears.

o Always eat a nutritious light meal and get plenty of rest before a concert. Avoid sugar, dairy products, chocolate, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks. Load up on carbohydrates.

o Please be respectful of our concert venues and clean up after yourself.

o Check the Member Support Site (MSS) and your emails regularly for concert performer details and any last-minute updates.

● Tech Rehearsals and Concert Day

o Concert Choir and Creavo level members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled tech rehearsals and all additionally scheduled tech rehearsals. A schedule of all tech rehearsals, regular and additional, will be posted on the MSS calendar each semester. Please

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review the tech rehearsal schedule carefully, as there are mandatory rehearsals that may not be missed.

o Concert day tech rehearsals are held at the performance venue and generally run 4-6 hours prior to the concert performance time. Missing tech rehearsal, or late arrival the day of the concert will result in the member not being permitted to perform.

o Tech rehearsals require that costumes and hair be stage and photo ready upon arrival so that we may run a full dress rehearsal. This allows us to adjust concert staging, microphones, and lighting, and perform photography. Check-in is required before entering the backstage area. Hair and costumes not meeting performance readiness will not be permitted backstage.

o Concert day performers must bring their own healthy snacks and water. Please make sure all snacks are labeled with performer’s name. We highly recommend bringing a book or homework for down time. Due to severe allergies, food with nuts and nut ingredients are strictly prohibited.

o No parents, relatives, drivers or friends, are permitted in the performance venue or backstage during “tech” rehearsal, except for the designated VOENA concert venue crew and those wearing backstage passes.

● Costuming

o Costuming details will be outlined each semester on the Member Support Site (MSS).

● Concert Choir and Creavo Attendance and Performance Commitment Agreement

Concert Choir and Creavo level members are required to make a mandatory commitment to the

attendance and performance schedules in November/December and April/May. Notifying your liaison

in a timely manner is vital if you are going to miss any rehearsals, performances, or events. Each one

of you is critical to our rehearsal needs and the success of our performances.

Taking a “break” from the VOENA Concert Choir or Creavo levels may result in a downward level

change at the discretion of the Director. This is necessary for continuity in performances, fairness to

other members, and the dynamic in relationships between peers, members, and the Director.

Before making the decision to take a break, reach out to Annabelle and discuss your feelings and

situation. To reach the member level you have earned, required many hours of practice, study, and

dedication. When contemplating the need to take a break, consider what you are giving up, such as the

ineligibility for performance opportunities due to a level change, and the emotions you may experience

such as the feeling of being left behind your peer group. Members who have taken a break from

VOENA must adjust to changes that have occurred during their absence and may have to retest on

certain skills levels. Extra effort and practice time will be required to catch up and learn new music,

songs, and the current repertoire.

● Soloist Commitment Agreement

All soloists are required to have complete availability for the entire concert season and must

commit to all concert performances and tech rehearsals. If they are unable to attend a tech rehearsal

or concert due to illness a doctor’s note must be submitted to be excused. A signed soloist agreement

must be submitted at audition.

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o Solo Audition Requirements:

1. Auditions will take place at a closed rehearsal on the date announced by the Director.

2. You may either sing your own selection or a specific selection of your choice from the up

and coming repertoire that you would like to be considered for.

3. Soloists must perform their solo selection in front of their peers.

4. Each soloist is limited to 30 seconds only. You will be stopped at that point, but it is

preferable that you work out the time yourselves.

o Criteria that Annabelle will be basing her decisions on are as follows:

1. Confidence

2. Originality

3. Pitch control

4. Expression, both physical and lyrical

5. Well-rehearsed, well-seasoned, well memorized

6. Timbre of sound envisioned for specific solo

7. Past commitment, attendance, and availability record

● Travel Preparedness

All travel to non-local venues will include Concert Choir and Creavo level performers only.

Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis subject to travel readiness as determined by the

Director. Travel readiness includes positive attitude, knowing music “The Annabelle Way,” self-

discipline, self- sufficiency, proper etiquette and social manners, “team” building capabilities,

professional behavior, ability to take direction, costume responsibility, and emotional maturity.

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Tuition Schedule and Registration Policies

● Semester Tuition & Masterclasses

o Semester tuition – $475 due by first day of rehearsal.

o Creavo – Add $150 to semester tuition.

o VOR “Voices of Rhythm” Level I – Add $200 to semester tuition.

o VOR Level II – Add $250 to semester tuition.

o Ukulele Orchestra - Add $250 to semester tuition

● Sibling Discount

If you have two or more children in the VOENA Choir, we offer a generous sibling discount:

o $100 discount for the 2nd child

o $225 discount for the third child

o No charge for the base $475 semester tuition for the fourth child or additional children.

● Tuition and Registration Policies

o Tuition must be paid in full upon registration. A late fee of $25 is charged for registration payments due after the close of open enrollment. For liability reasons, if registration payments are not received by the close of open enrollment, the member cannot participate at rehearsals/camps until registration is completed.

o Homeschool families – Tuition must be paid in full upon registration. A reimbursement check will be issued once VOENA receives payment from your Charter School for the registered member. Reimbursement amounts will be equal to the payment VOENA receives from your Charter School.

● Refund Policy

o Missed rehearsals will not be refunded for any reason. Cancelling your enrollment prior or during the open enrollment period is subject to a processing fee of 20% of the total tuition. No refunds will be given after open enrollment ends.

o To cancel and receive a refund, a member must notify the Director in writing ([email protected]) in accordance with the deadlines above. Exceptions to the refund policy can be made by the Director for extreme circumstances and are decided on a case-by-case basis. For example, if the member cancels due to serious illness or injury.

o If a member is asked to leave the choir for any reasons, the same refund policy applies.

● Copyright

Copyright © 1994 – 2020 All Rights Reserved. All VOENA and Annabelle Marie (aka Annabelle Cruz) music, arrangements, audiovisuals, and performances are protected and copyrighted. Any person wishing to use VOENA music, arrangements, audiovisuals, or performances must seek the direct permission of the Board of Directors of the VOENA and the artist herself. Unauthorized use or duplication is a violation of applicable law.