FAQ
What is Our Mission? Children have the potential to perform with great artistry and sensitivity. The New Jersey Youth Chorus is an exciting opportunity for them to develop their individual abilities while working toward the common goal of fine musical performance. Our music education program strives to
How many different choral groups are there? There are three choral groups. The Advanced Chorus is for Grades 7 and above. There is no upper age limit for girls. Boys can sing until their voices change. Mrs. Patricia Joyce is the Director of the Advanced Chorus. The Intermediate Chorus is for Grades 4, 5, and 6. Mrs. Patricia Joyce is currently the acting Intermediate Chorus Director. The Musicianship Class is for Grades 2 and 3.
Why is there an overlap in grade levels? This is an age when many changes are occurring, both vocally and developmentally. Following the audition, the Directors will determine which choir will be most beneficial for each chorister. Where are the practices held? St. Elizabeth's College, Convent Station, NJ - Xavier Center When are the rehearsals?
Where are you Located? From Route 287 South - to exit 37 (Route 24 Springfield). Proceed east on Route 24 to first exit (exit 2A, Route 510 West). After exit ramp, move to far left lane. Make left turn at first traffic light (Park Avenue). Proceed on Park Ave. for .7 miles to campus entrance on right just before third traffic light. From Route 287 North - to exit 35 (route 124, South Street - Madison Ave). Bear left on exit ramp. At light, turn left. Take first right on to Route 124 East. Turn right at stop sign and proceed on Route 1245 E (in right lane). At fifth light (the Madison Hotel is your left) turn left onto Convent Road. Entrance to campus is just across from the RR tracks. (Note: distance from where you turn onto Route 124 East to Convent Rd. is exactly 1.7 miles. Summer Camp 2005 There is a mandatory Summer Camp for all choristers. It will be held at the Xavier Center August 28th through August 31st from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM for the both Choruses. The Summer Camp fee is included in the tuition. Included will be sight-singing/theory, repertoire rehearsals, and social activities. When are the concerts? All choirs perform at the holiday concert in December and the Spring concert in June - the two main concerts for the public. In addition, the choruses perform during the year for various community and corporate functions. They also participate in musically educational activities such as children's choral festivals, music conventions, and collaborations with other professional music ensembles. The Advanced Chorus also takes part in domestic and international tours. In previous seasons they have performed with the NJ Philharmonic and the NJ Symphony Orchestra at NJPAC, the Westfield Symphony, and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. They have also sung at the American Choral Director's Convention (Baltimore, MD) and the National Convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (Rochester, NY). They have performed on the "Today Show" and, in 2002, the Advanced Chorus performed with Ronan Tynan, the renowned Irish tenor. The Intermediate Chorus performs at local venues, at mini-festivals, with other children's choirs, and takes at least one one-day trip. The concert and rehearsal schedule will be available at the beginning of the season in September. How much does it cost? The tuition is:
Group travel expenses are not covered by tuition. Scholarship assistance is available for special circumstances. A written letter must be submitted to the Board of Trustees stating the reasons for scholarship need. All information is kept in strictest confidence. Full Tuition is due BEFORE SUMMER CAMP BEGINS. Schedule for Tuition Refund If a chorister withdraws: The family will be responsible for:
What about tours and traveling? Each year the Advanced Chorus travels to a music festival. In recent years, these trips have been to Philadelphia, Boston, Niagara Falls, and New Orleans. Some of these are 2-day trips and some are longer. In 1998 the chorus went to England for a week, in 2002 the NJYC attended the Pacific Rim Festival in Hawaii, and, in 2003, the NJYC attended a choral festival (Piccfest) in Eugene, Oregon. Depending on the distance traveled, the choristers go by bus or by air. All trips are chaperoned by parents. The cost for these trips is in addition to tuition. Costs may be defrayed by fundraising activities. Currently the 2007 trip is planned as a singing tour of Italy. Final plans are underway for these arrangements. What is expected of the parents? The Artistic Director and the Board of Trustees have high expectations for both choristers and parents. The New Jersey Youth Chorus requires a commitment from not only the singers, but also from the parents. It is imperative that parents support the musical endeavors at all times. Parents are expected to:
What happens after the audition? The Directors decide which students will be in each choir. Those who are not accepted will receive written notification. Successful applicants to the NJYC will be sent an Acceptance Packet. This packet will contain:
All of the items to be returned must be back to the NJYC by a specified due date along with a $100 deposit. When do the Parents Meet? There will be a General Meeting for parents early in September. At this meeting the directors, board, and executive director will discuss the year's program, activities, goals, and expectations for the year, as well as field questions from parents. At least one parent is required to attend. What are the Audition Procedures?
Students will be auditioned in groups of 2 - 4. The Director will consider the quality of the voice and intonation (singing in tune) along with the quality of musicianship. If accepted, we use the musical information from the audition to determine placement within the choral program. You do not have to know everything to pass the audition! QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced and Intermediate Choruses
IMPORTANT: Please arrive 15 minutes before the audition to complete the paperwork. You are expected to warmed up vocally ahead of time. At least one parent must accompany each child to the audition.
AUDITION INFORMATION Please bring:
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