curriculum and goals | auditions and acceptance | financial/tuition | rehearsal/list serve
attendance and procedures | performances | performance dress | music | volunteers | staff
Northland Youth Choir
P.O. Box 82699 Fairbanks,
AK 99708-2699
907-388-0543
INTRODUCTION
Northland Youth Choir is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Northland Youth Choir members eight to eighteen are auditioned . The Choir is a music performance and education program for children and youth, emphasizing the development and understanding of music skills. Our choir has three performance levels, the Jubilate Choir, Cantabile Choir and Touring Choir. Placement of singers is dependent upon vocal skills and sight-reading ability as well as attendance, rehearsal behaviors and homework practices. The mission of this organization is to provide quality music instruction in a choral setting and to strive for excellence in choral performances. The choir offers an opportunity to help develop good character and self-esteem in its members hopefully resulting in life-long benefits to the individual members and society. The choir is open to children from all cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds.
GOALS
*To provide members with an opportunity to grow musically and socially
*To strive for excellence in all performances
*To enrich the attitudes and lives of choir members through the knowledge that they, as citizens of Fairbanks , represent their community
*To introduce singers to various cultural styles and periods of music, resulting in a contribution to the cultural life in Fairbanks
*To allow choir membership for children of all cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds
The Northland Youth Choir is founded upon the belief that young people will benefit from learning about the vast selection of available choral repertoire both sacred and secular. The music relates to sacred and secular traditions and is not selected to intrude upon anyone's personal beliefs. It is essential that all singers be willing to sing all repertoire.
Musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form and style will be taught in rehearsals. The skills of properly using the voice, blending the voice and caring for the voice will be taught. Music theory and sight reading will also be addressed. Choral singing is the primary focus of the choir, and it is the goal of the director to help each member recognize the creative process of self-expression through singing in the choir. Hopefully, this will lead to a life-long appreciation of and involvement in singing for each choir member and family.
INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
All singers who have been accepted into the choir have demonstrated an ability to match pitch, sing in tune and use a pleasant voice quality within a group. They have also, during the audition process, demonstrated an interest in learning and a maturity level allowing them to follow directions and participate without disruption. They have verbally agreed to complete assignments when given. Development of unison and part-singing skills and basic music reading skills are the focus. Singers are expected to practice at home daily:
Jubilate Choir 15 -20 minutes
Cantabile Choir 30 - 45 minutes
Touring Choir 45-60 minutes
Acceptance into the choir requires the children to make a commitment which honors something larger than themselves. They should feel proud to be a member of our community children's choir and take that responsibility seriously. The choir season extends through the public school season beginning in August and ending in early June unless summer choral activities, i.e. choral festivals, are planned during specific years. During each season, at least two concerts are planned, one in the winter and one in the spring. If the choir is asked to perform at community functions throughout the year each request will be considered individually before accepting or rejecting the request. Each singer is expected to remain active and committed to the choir program for the entire term. The benefits will be sharing time and talent with other singers, musically and socially.
AUDITIONS
All auditions are held in May and again in August. Unless all seats are filled, new singers are always welcome to audition. Interested parents may contact the director by phone at 388-0543 or by email at ncc2@gci.net.
The Northland Youth Choir requires each member to pay certain fees. The following summarizes the annual costs for singers in NYC. It is best if full tuition is paid upon acceptance into the choir. If full payment cannot be made a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of acceptance. The deposit will be applied to your tuition total. Families with more than one singer will receive a 20% reduction in tuition for the second child (see #3 under “Tuition Policies”):
Jubilate Choir Tuition: $400 per season $200 deposit per child
Cantabile Choir Tuition: $500 per season $300 deposit per child
Touring Choir Tuition: $500 per season $300 deposit per child
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Approximately $80 plus 2 nd day air shipping charge (A few gently used uniforms may be available for purchase at a reduced rate.) Jubilate Choir singers will wear white tuxedo shirts, black skirts(girls) and black dress slacks (boys) and blue cummerbund for performances. All singers wear black hose and black dress shoes.
ALL CHILDREN ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE THE PERFORMANCE ATTIRE.
Educational Resources
Each singer in Jubilate Choir and Cantabile Choir will work from a theory and sight singing workbook. Each workbook consists of an accompanying audio CD, a sight-singing booklet and warm-up exercises and a laminated keyboard. This format has been used by the authors to make the process of learning pleasurable and rewarding for young singers. Singers will take their workbooks home, complete the assigned pages and bring it to the next rehearsal for evaluation by choir personnel. There are six levels in this series, and the goal for each singer is to successfully complete all six levels of these workbooks over the course of three years or less. The cost of each workbook is $11.95.
Additional incidental costs to NYC families may include: purchasing tickets to NYC concerts: donating a gift basket to the annual Holiday Concert Silent Auction fundraiser: providing cookies or other refreshments for sale at concerts; helping to fund your singers(s) travel/tuition to choral festivals every two to three years; the purchase of extra choir tee-shirts when traveling to festivals;spending money for singers when they tour; replacing lost or out grown uniforms.
TUITION POLICIES
1. Tuition and uniform fees are due in full by September 30, 2009 . Payment for the performance attire must be received no later than this date as we will order outfits from a company located outside of Alaska and need to have payment before ordering . Payment is accepted by cash, check or money order and should be made out to Northland Youth Choir.
2. Tuition for the entire year is due even if the child resigns from the program at any time during the season. Written requests for a waiver of this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
ALL TUITION AND FEES ARE DUE IN FULL NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 30TH.
3. Reduced tuition rates are available for families with more than one singer enrolled in NYC. In Cantabile and Touring Choirs, full tuition ($500) will be paid for the first child while a 20% tuition discount ($100) will be given for each additional child per family ($320).
Jubilate Choir singers will pay $400 tuition while each additional singer in the family pays $320 tuition.
4. Non-payment of fees may jeopardize a member's place in the choir. FEES MUST BE CURRENT BY THE DUE DATE.
5. All checks returned to NYC by the member's bank will be charged a $25 fee per item.
6. The following information is needed on any payment made to NYC:
*Reason for payment (tuition, apparel, etc.)
*Singer's name (include last name if different from check remitter)
Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to Northland Children's Choir and mailed to:
Northland Youth Choir
P.O. Box 82699
Fairbanks , AK 99708-2699
Payments may also be given to the choir assistant at rehearsals.
Jubilate Choir will rehearse once weekly at University Park Bible Church located on Sandvik Street off University Avenue. The Cantabile Choir rehearses once weekly at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of Cowles Street and Second Avenue. The Touring Choir rehearses once weekly at the First United Methodist Church.
Jubilate Choir (preparatory choir): Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:45
Cantabile Choir (intermediate choir): Monday, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Touring Choir (advanced choir) : Monday and Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Transportation to and from rehearsals is the responsibility of the parents, and because the church is very busy with meetings we ask that you be prompt when picking up your child.
HOW TO GET AND GIVE UPDATED CHOIR INFORMATION:
Please, before attending each rehearsal, check the choir list serve on the internet for any important updated information. All new choir families should contact our technology consultant, Rusty Gesin, for an invitation to join our choir list serve. This will save many hours of telephone calling when there is important information to get out to all choir members. If you don't have access to the internet, please let the director know, and you will be notified to the best of her ability, by telephone or letter.
THE COMMITTED CHOIR MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO BE CONSISTENT, PRESENT, AND PUNCTUAL FOR ALL REHEARSALS. All rehearsals are mandatory unless specifically noted by the director.
Because new lessons and concepts are taught at each rehearsal, we encourage and expect each choir member to maintain a perfect attendance record. The only absences which will be excused are for the following reasons: severe illness, death in the family, and participation is a school music program. All absences, even those deemed excused, must be made up at the discretion of the Choir Director at a scheduled make-up rehearsal. Any absence for reasons other than those listed above is viewed as an unexcused absence. Singers who have more than two unexcused absences per year risk removal from the program.
In order to be excused from a rehearsal, the conductor must be notified no later than one hour prior to the rehearsal. To reach Melissa Downes call 388-0543 or Janice Trumbull at 322-2325.
Failure to notify the Choir Director of an absence will count as an unexcused absence. In the best interest of your child's safety, we ask that parents submit a written excuse for each tardiness or early dismissal. A written excuse should include the child's name, reason for tardiness or early dismissal, and a parent signature. If a singer is tardy by 30 minutes or more to a rehearsal, it is considered an unexcused absence.
In the instance of a planned excused absence, written notice as far in advance as possible is required. A Pre-Arranged Absence Form is available in the back of this handbook and may be given to the choir assistant or director.
AN ABSENCE, FOR ANY REASON, FROM A FINAL REHEARSAL BEFORE A PERFORMANCE ON THE CHOIR CALENDAR WILL NORMALLY RESULT IN THE SINGER'S EXCLUSION FROM THE CORRESPONDING CONCERT. (If a final rehearsal has been missed, singers should not arrive at the concert expecting to perform unless prior arrangements have been made.) NOTE: Should an excessive number of absences occur, removal from the program will be considered.
PROCEDURES
The following help us achieve the discipline and quality of education and performance which the director has set forth as goals for Northland Children's Choir. They are enforced for the singers' safety, for ensuring orderly rehearsals and out of respect and courtesy for each other.
1. Please arrive not more than 15 minutes before the rehearsal time, sign in with the choir assistant and report to the rehearsal room. Any member arriving more than 30 minutes late for rehearsals will be counted absent for that rehearsal. A written note is necessary for late admittance to or early dismissal from a rehearsal. Singers do not leave the room after signing in unless there is an emergency or special permission has been granted. Please use the restroom and get drinks before rehearsal begins. Singers may bring a bottle of water to sip drinks when needed. Please make sure it has a lid or cap on it to prevent spills. No food, candy or gum is allowed in the rehearsal room. Please eat a nutritious meal before rehearsals. ALL CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ALARMS, ETC. MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING REHEARSALS.
2. Please give attendance notes, payments, permission slips, etc. to the choir assistant.
3. SINGERS MAY NOT ROAM ABOUT THE BUILDING. They need to be in the rehearsal room.
4. At all times show respect for each other, parent volunteers and the building which we are using. Do not behave in a manner which is disruptive to the rehearsal or distracting to students, directors or accompanists, or which prohibits a positive and successful rehearsal. Disruptive behavior will result in the following:
First Offense: verbal warning.
Second Offense: removal from rehearsal. This is counted as an unexcused absence. Following the rehearsal there may be a brief meeting with the director. The singer will sign a discipline infraction form which will be given to the parents. A copy will remain in the singer's permanent record. Removal from a second rehearsal may result in a meeting with the singer, parents, director and an NYC staff member.
Removal from a third or subsequent rehearsal will result in a leave of absence from the program, the length to be determined on an individual basis. It may also result in removal from the program.
5. Running, yelling and rowdy behavior are not permitted in the building or on the grounds at any time.
6. Any singer caught with drugs, related paraphernalia or any type of weapon will be immediately removed from the program.
7. ALWAYS BRING YOUR BOTTLE OF WATER, MUSIC FOLDER, MUSIC, TWO SHARPENED PENCILS AND ANY COMPLETED HOMEWORK SHEETS TO REHEARSAL. BRINGING A TAPE RECORDER TO REHEARSALS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO HELP LEARN THE MUSIC.
8. If, for any reason, a singer cannot actively participate in a rehearsal, he should bring a written note, music and observe quietly and attentively.
9. Members are responsible for taking home any handouts that are distributed at rehearsals. These notices are important sources of information and should be requested by the parents from the singer.
10. Parents and interested members of the community are welcome and encouraged to observe rehearsals as space allows . Please do not bring young children when observing a rehearsal. When picking up your child from rehearsals please do not ask your child to wait outside the building for you. For their safety, they will need to wait inside the building until they are picked up by a parent or family member. Please be prompt when picking up your child at the end of rehearsals.
RESIGNATION
We expect each singer who has made a commitment to sing for the entire season to live up to that commitment. If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from honoring that commitment, a personal conference between the choir director and parents will be required before submitting a letter of resignation. If a student resigns, the parent is still responsible for the entire tuition fee.
Attendance is required at all scheduled mandatory performances. When possible, seasonal concerts will be performed on weekend afternoons or evenings to avoid conflicts with school performances. If, however, such a conflict should arise the priority is given to the school performance. If a school performance conflict occurs, the absence must be reported both in person and in writing two weeks prior to the performance. Jubilate Choir and Cantabile Choir singers perform on the two seasonal concerts and any other time as designated by the conductor. They do not travel for performances as the Touring Choir does.
EXCUSED ABSENCE PERFORMANCES
Acceptable reasons for an excused absence from a MANDATORY PERFORMANCE:
*Illness
*Death in Family
*School Music Concert
All absences from mandatory performances must be pre-approved by the conductor two weeks prior to the performance. Any exception to the above reasons must be presented BOTH in person and in writing to the conductor two weeks prior to the performance.
NOTE: ANY UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A MANDATORY PERFORMANCE MAY CONSTITUTE A REASON FOR REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM.
PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
Performances, as do rehearsals, require the very best in conduct, appearance and musicianship.
1. It is best if singers eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert. Be sure the singer has used the restroom prior to the concert.
2. It is best if singers arrive, in performance attire, one hour before the performance begins and immediately check in with the choir assistant.
3. Any medication given to a singer less than 3 hours before a performance should be reported to the choir assistant and conductor.
4. Tardiness at a performance may exclude a singer from participation at that performance.
5. All performers must arrive attired in proper concert dress. Failure to wear proper concert dress will result in non-participation at that performance.This includes the correct color (black) of socks for boys, hose and slips for girls.
6. Singers should conduct themselves at all times in a calm, polite and professional manner. They must give their undivided attention to the conductor or person in charge at all times.
7. All singers must know the music. Each musician must have a confident command of the concert repertoire. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal may result in release from the corresponding concert commitment.
8. During a performance if a singer feels ill, he or she should quietly sit down on the riser and rest for the remainder of the song. Then, if feeling better, the child may get up and sing again, or if not, quietly leave the stage. Chaperones will be watching and will help if necessary. Once a singer leaves the performance s/he may not return unless given permission by the conductor.
9. Remember that at all times the singers represent the Northland Children's Choir.
Note: Final dress rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are always closed to the audience, including families. Only designated chaperones will be allowed in the rehearsal area prior to a performance. This allows the singer to concentrate on the music, the conductor and the final instructions being given by those in charge.
Just as the Choir's sound is important so, too, is the ensemble's appearance. It is important that all singers maintain good personal hygiene, are well-groomed and in concert apparel for all performances. Shirts are to be tucked in. Clean teeth and clean combed hair are always expected of each singer, especially for performances. Hair should be groomed AWAY from the face and may be fastened with NATURAL (matching hair color) barrettes (no bows, ribbons, colored barrettes). No unusual colored hair dye, obvious make-up, cosmetics or body art is permitted. Clear nail polish is allowed. Jewelry, earrings (only stud earrings will be allowed), accessories, watches, etc. are not permitted. Due to certain allergic reactions, NO SCENTED LOTIONS, PERFUMES OR HAIRSPRAYS are allowed.
A singer who fails to dress or groom properly for an event will NOT be allowed to participate.
CHOIR PINS
After completing one full performance season each singer receives their choir pin and gold bar. For each year completed, singers will receive an additional gold bar showing the year. Choir pins are worn on uniforms when performing. Choir pins and gold bars are included in the cost of tuition. If a pin is lost or damaged another will be provided for the cost of the pin and gold bars.
DRESS UNIFORM*
All pants, shirts, skirts and vests will be purchased from the company of the Director's choosing. Measurements for formal uniforms will be taken at least six weeks before the first performance to ensure arrival before the concert.
JUBILATE CHOIR GIRLS
White tuxedo shirt, Long black skirt, Blue cummerbund
Black dress shoes (no platforms or high heels) and black hose
Choir pins, if they have one, are worn for performances.
BOYS
White tuxedo shirt, Black dress slacks, Blue cummerbund
Black dress shoes and black hose
Choir pins, if they have one, are worn for performances.
*Navy blue polo shirts with our choir logo, khaki slacks and beltt are purchased by each family from Lands End School Uniform Catalog, Fall 2009. On the back of the catalog is our preferred school number (9000-7382-6) to be used when ordering casual uniforms. NYC provides families with a catalog and the ordering information so that you may order your own shirts and slacks. To save on postage, families may combine their orders ans place one large order.
CANTABILE CHOIR GIRLS
Long Black Skirt
White Tuxedo Shirt (stand up collar)
Gold Trim Button Cover
Blue Brocade Vest (continued on next page)
Black Hose
Black Dress Shoes (polishable dress shoes with minimum one inch heel and no bows; No Athletic Shoes)
BOYS
Black Tuxedo Pants
White Tuxedo Shirt (stand up collar)
Gold Trim Button Cover
Blue Brocade Vest
Black Socks
Black Polished Shoes (No Sneakers or Athletic Shoes)
TOURING CHOIR
Long black concert dress (Girls)
Black Tuxedo Slacks (Boys)
Black Tuxedo shirt (Boys: change pending)
Black Hose
Black Dress Shoes (No platform soles / No high heels)
CASUAL CHOIR ATTIRE*
On certain occasions the Cantabile and Touring Choirs will travel perform in casual choir uniforms. This will be the navey choir polo shirt, long brown khaki slacks or skirts, clean white athletic shoes and white athletic socks. Lands End catalog offers these separates. Please be sure they are brown khaki and ordered from the Land's End School Catalog, Fall 2009, as specified by NYC. When ordering, please use our Preferred School number (9000-7382-6) which is on the back of the catalog we will provide you.
Please keep all outfits and shoes clean and neat for all performances.
When folders and music are issued it is the singer's responsibility to take good care of them and not to lose them. All music must be turned in before each concert unless the conductor instructs singers to keep it. All folders and music must be turned in by the last rehearsal in the spring. If music or folders are lost, irreparably damaged or not returned, an additional fee will be charged to cover replacement costs. The fee will be $2.50 per piece of music or the total cost of a new folder and its lost contents. Please remember that music is to be used, not abused.
Handling and care of music:
1. Music must be brought to all rehearsals unless you are notified otherwise.
2. Never fold or roll music.
3. All markings should be done lightly, IN PENCIL, and only at the direction of the music director. Because each singer is assigned a music number it is not necessary to write your name on the music. Two sharpened pencils should be brought for note taking to each rehearsal.
4. If for any reason a piece of music is in need of repair, please do so properly with clear tape.
As a non-profit organization, the Northland Youth Choir depends on volunteers. Volunteer opportunities vary from administrative assistance to special projects such as choral festivals and fund raising.
NYC PARENT'S ASSOCIATION
All parents are expected to participate in the Northland Youth Choir Parent's Association and to donate time to various committees and duties. The association is responsible for organizing and participating in various choir committees. Different duties require different amounts of time. NYCPA needs volunteers to help:
*hold office for the current season
*coordinate volunteers
*check in singers at rehearsals and performances
*occasional set up and take down chairs for rehearsals
*help with equipment maintenance, transportation and use for performances
*take measurements for singer's performance outfits
*oversee communications for the choir, including a telephone tree
*monitor singers before & during performances and during intermissions
*develop and organize fund raising activities
*coordinate choir activities such as socials and awards ceremonies
*assist with coordinating performance tour and travel arrangements
*set up home stays for visiting choirs (when necessary)
to help offset costs associated with presentation bouquets, choir socials and other incidental expenses incurred by the parent Association, a $20.00 dues fee, per family, has been added to your choir account.
The mailing address for Northland Children's Choir is:
Northland Youth Choir
P.O. Box 82699
Fairbanks , AK 99708-2699
Phone: 907-388-0543
Email: ncc2@gci.net
Choir Web site Address: www.northlandchoir.org
Rehearsal locations for Northland Children's Choir
Jubilate Choir------- University Park Bible Church, 3681 Sandvik Street,, Fairbanks, Alaska
Cantabile and Touring Choirs------- First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Avenue (off Cowles Street )
NOTE: No one is available at rehearsals to answer the building telephone.If you need to reach the conductor on the day of rehearsal please phone 388-0543 for Melissa Downes and leave a message and phone number where she may reach you. If you are unable to reach Melissa , please notify Janice Trumbull at 322-2325.
Founder, Artistic and Education Director , Melissa Downes, oversees all aspects of the organization and conducts Jubilate, Cantabile and Touring Choir rehearsals and performances.
Jubilate, Cantabile and Touring Choirs Accompanist , Janice Trumbull, assists the director in rehearsals, sectional rehearsals and performances.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Silver Chord
Marvilla Davis
Melissa Downes
Janice Trumbull
David Wilcoxson
Mary Ann Fathauer
Virginia Farmier
Foster Wallace
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, MELISSA DOWNES
Melissa Downes is a general music educator for the Fairbanks North Star Borough Public School District . Presently in her eighth year at Ticasuk Brown Elementary School , she has taught music at Immaculate Conception Grade School , Weller Elementary and Hunter Elementary. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in voice from the University of Alaska , Fairbanks . She has taught voice through her private studio and has adjudicated locally for high school Regional Solo and Ensemble Competitions. In addition, she has taught music classes and conducted choirs at the UAF Summer Fine Arts Camp. Mrs. Downes has studied with internationally recognized choral director and founder of the Indianapolis Children's Choir, Henry Leck. She completed levels one and two of the “Creating Artistry” conductor's workshop held at Butler University in Indianapolis and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu . Also, during her studies at Butler University she worked with choral conductor and composer, Ruth Dwyer. She has been a presenter for the Alaskan Music Educator's Association statewide conference at the University of Alaska , Fairbanks where she and the Northland Youth Choir singers demonstrated techniques for developing the young singer's voice. Most recently she has combined talents with Ruth Dwyer to establish the Northern Lights Choral Festival for Children in Fairbanks, Alaska
A soprano, Mrs. Downes has performed recitals at the University of Alaska Fairbanks , Trinity College in Burlington , Vermont and Green Mountain College in Poultney , Vermont . She has sang for 15 years with the Alaska Chamber Chorale, under the direction of Marvilla Davis, since the group's inception. She has studied voice with Marvilla Davis, John Hopkins, Byron McGilvray and Louise McLelland.
Mrs. Downes is a member of the Music Educator's National Conference (MENC), Alaska Music Educator's Association (AMEA) and the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA).
ABOUT OUR ACCOMPANIST, JANICE TRUMBULL
A product of the Fairbanks school system, Janice Trumbull is a graduate of West Valley High School . While in high school she was selected for the Alaska All-State Honor Choir three times, was selected to represent Alaska in the All-Northwest Honor Choir, and was invited to participate with America's Youth in Concert for their summer European Tour. She graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She earned her Master's Degree in Education from Cambridge College in Massachusetts . Currently teaching a 4th-5th-6th grade multiage classroom at Joy Elementary School , she has taught 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th grades, as well as general music.
Miss Trumbull studied piano with Delores Heine and James Johnson and is currently studying voice with Marvilla Davis. She has been in a number of FLOT shows, including leading roles in The Sound of Music and The Secret Garden . She sang with the University Chorus, is a frequent soloist in the annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah, and sang for manyyears with the Alaska Chamber Chorale. She also sings and plays piano at University Park Bible Church. Most recently Janice sang in China with the Washington Chorale a combination of singers from the Tacoma Symphony Chorus, the Yakima Symphony Chorus and several invited singers from Fairbanks.