Central Illinois Youth Chorus > Members > Policies and Procedures

Policies and Procedures

Membership

Membership in CIYC means a commitment to:

  • Honesty in reporting any COVID symptoms and exposure to CIYC staff immediately.
  • Faithful and punctual attendance at rehearsals and performances.
  • Self-discipline, focused attention, and professionalism at rehearsals and performances.
  • Respect for other chorus members, CIYC staff, parent volunteers, and the rehearsal and performance facilities.
  • Wear the full and correct uniform for performances and some specified rehearsals.
  • Handle music with care.
  • Remain active in the program for the entire season.
  • Make CIYC an important priority. CIYC’s continued musical and professional success depends on each singer’s active and enthusiastic participation.

Attendance and COVID-19 Expectations

Over the last few years, CIYC's staff and singers have worked hard to keep our singers healthy and safe while offering a rewarding musical experience. We are grateful that our efforts have enabled immunocompromised members to join us, and we ask you to keep the safety of our entire CIYC team in mind this coming year. We would like to keep as many singers IN rehearsal as possible at all times and offer as much normalcy as possible.  While our area is at High or Medium COVID community level (it is currently HIGH), the following rules apply:
  • Vaccination: Required for all staff, strongly encouraged for all choir members.
  • Masking: Masks are required for anyone who is sick, has a COVID positive household member, or is recovering from COVID. Mask optional for all else. Singers who display symptoms of illness while at choir will be asked to put on a mask or go home immediately.
  • Singers who test positive for COVID may not attend rehearsal and should contact CIYC to learn when the singer can return to choir and what mask requirements will be upon return.
  • Distancing: (high community level only) CIYC will attempt to keep singers somewhat distanced when possible. Singers who would like more space should talk to directors about how this can be accomplished.
  • CIYC may adjust this guidance at any time based on local or choir COVID rates.
  • Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances scheduled for their choir when they are well. Each singer holds a valuable place in the choir. Absences affect not only the individual singer’s progress, but also that of the entire ensemble.
  • Anticipated absences due to religious committments, mandatory school functions, or unanticipated absences due to illness, family emergencies should be emailed to the Administrative Director.
  • Absences due to recurring conflicts or extenuating circumstances should be discussed with and approved by the Conductor.
  • Rehearsals in collaboration with other organizations are mandatory.  Conflicts must be discussed with and approved by the Conductor.  Absence from a collaborative rehearsal may result in a singer being pulled from the performance.
  • Excessive absences may result in a singer being pulled from a performance or possibly dismissed from CIYC.

Payment

Tuition payments are nonrefundable. There is no prorating of tuition for late enrollment. Bank charges incurred due to an NSF check returned to CIYC will be added to the singer’s outstanding balance with payment due upon notification. Further payment will need to be made by cashier’s check, money order, or cash.

Financial Assistance: CIYC provides limited tuition assistance for singers demonstrating financial need. Contact the CIYC office to request a Financial Aid Application or to request a payment plan.

Other Expenses

Uniforms: CIYC will purchase logo t-shirts for all singers who need one after registration is complete. Music Makers and Concert Choir singers’ uniforms for concerts will be the CIYC logo t-shirts and black long bottoms provided by each family (can be pants, leggings, or skirt/shorts with leggings) and black shoes. Chamber Choir and Youth Chorale’s uniform will be an all black outfit of each singer’s choosing.  Short or long sleeved tops are acceptable as long as they are relatively modest.  Bottoms should be long (skirts above the ankle need black tights/leggings), pants are appropriate, and shoes must be black.  Former Chamber Choir dresses are acceptable but not required. Uniform components other than the CIYC shirt are additional expense for CIYC singers.

Trips: Travel opportunities for members are additional expenses, not included in tuition. No travel is anticipated this semester.

Concert Tickets: CIYC is a professional arts organization and charges admission for its season concerts. Collaborating organizations that invite CIYC to join them set ticket prices for their concerts.

Music

All music provided for use by choir members is borrowed from the CIYC music library or from other organizations.  Members are expected to keep it in good condition.  Chamber Choir singers receive a folder and are assigned a music number. Music distributed to each singer is numbered accordingly.

  • All music must be returned in good condition at the end of each semester or when a singer withdraws for any reason. Music borrowed from other organizations must be returned as called for by the Conductor.
  • If music is damaged or not returned, the singer will be charged for the replacement of that music. Replacement costs vary.
  • Music is always to be kept and carried in folders.
  • Music must not be folded or rolled.
  • Singers may mark music LIGHTLY in pencil only to help remember special instructions from the Conductor.
  • Drawing/doodling on the music is not allowed.
  • It is the responsibility of each Chamber Choir singer to bring a sharpened pencil with an eraser to each rehearsal.
  • All markings in the music must be erased before music is returned.
  • Stickers and drawings are not allowed on the outside of the folders.

Closed Rehearsals

All CIYC rehearsals are limited to enrolled singers, staff, guest artists, and personnel from performing arts organizations with which CIYC collaborates.  Occasionally, staff may invite parents or other visitors to hear a portion of a rehearsal.

Cause for Dismissal

Excessive absences, unexcused absences, inability to demonstrate knowledge of the repertoire, improper uniform, inappropriate or recalcitrant behavior, and lack of commitment are causes for a conference with the Conductor or Artistic Director, and may result in a singer being pulled from a performance or dismissed from CIYC.

Cancellation Due to Weather

CIYC generally follows Champaign Unit 4 School District decisions regarding cancellations due to inclement weather. If Champaign Unit 4 Schools are closed, dismiss early, or cancel after-school activities due to weather conditions, then CIYC usually cancels rehearsals.  In addition, if Faith UMC cancels activities in inclement weather, CIYC will cancel rehearsals. In the event of inclement weather, choir families will be notified by email and "Remind" message if a rehearsal is canceled.  Performances are not likely to be canceled unless weather conditions are extreme.