BEL CANTO CHOIRS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES This document is intended as a guideline only. Its purpose is to guide members in the efficient and organized running of the choir. Some of the procedures described herein will likely need to be changed in order to adapt to the changing face of the choir. A. INTRODUCTION The name "Bel Canto" is Italian for "beautiful singing" or "beautiful song". The Bel Canto Choirs Association is a registered Society in the Province of British Columbia and represents three highly skilled choirs with a long history of excellence in choral production and community engagement, and have been providing beautiful singing to the residents of Prince George and the world since 1981. The Bel Canto Choirs operates three choirs: the Bel Canto Children s Choir, the Bel Canto Youth Choir and the adult choir, Northern Voices. 1. BEL CANTO CHILDRENS CHOIR The Bel Canto Children s Choir is an introductory choir for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Children learn about choral singing and performance and develop singing skills in a structured professional environment. The Children s Choir participates in a minimum of one main stage choral performance per term, usually in participation with the Youth Choir or as mass performances with all three Bel Canto choirs. The Children s Choir may also produce its own musical theatre performance, participate in the Prince George Music Festival, or participate in other community performances depending on the annual schedule. 2. BEL CANTO YOUTH CHOIR The Bel Canto Youth Choir is intended to be an advanced choir for children aged 13 to 25 years old. The Youth chorister learns about choral singing and performances and develops their singing skills in a structured environment. The Youth Choir participates in one or two main stage choral performances per term, either as independent performances or as mass performances with the other Bel Canto choirs. The Youth Choir may travel to music festivals or other choral events nationally or internationally. The Youth Choir produces its own musical theatre performances, participates in the Prince George Music Festival as well as participates in other community performances depending on the annual schedule. Any Youth chorister over the age of 18 years is to complete and file a Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Record Information as required by all adults involved in the choir activities. 3. NORTHERN VOICES The adult choir, Northern Voices, is a project choir for adults aged 18 years and up. It is a choir where adults who find they have little time to participate in song due to busy schedules and life commitments, can engage in choral singing and performances and develop their singing skills in a structured environment, with minimal commitment. The adult choir participates in one main stage choral performance per term, usually in participation with the Youth Choir or as mass performances with all three Bel Canto choirs.
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 2 B. DEFINITIONS The following terms referred to in this document are defined as follows: AGM Annual General Meeting; Bel Canto Bel Canto Choirs Association; Choristers Any member in good standing who sings with the Bel Canto Children s, Youth or Northern Voices choir; Members Parent of choristers, an adult chorister and any member who is in good standing with the Bel Canto Choirs Association; and the Board The Board of Directors as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society and elected at the Annual General Meeting. C. POSITIONS 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board is made up of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Member at large. All Board meetings are open to the membership at large, with the date and time appointed for meetings to be posted in the communication book, in newsletters, online and through other regular communications. Board meetings are to be held once per calendar month, the exception of July where they may be in recess. All monetary decisions requiring an expenditure of more than $75.00 must be passed on a motion at a Board Meeting. Monies spent on choir business will be reimbursed on a timely basis, providing a receipt for those monies is provided to the Treasurer. All business, decisions, and actions transacted by The Board, in open meetings, shall be reflected in the meeting minutes. These minutes shall be found in the Communication book. The Board shall have the authority to hire: musical directors, choir administrator, accompanists and any guest artists as needed. The duties of the Board shall be as outlined in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Officers Appendix A). It is expected, but not required, that Board members attend all concerts, Crescendos and special performances of the choir. All Board Members must obtain a clear criminal record check by the RCMP every three years.
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 3 2. CHOIR ADMINISTRATOR The choir administrator will apply for the position annually, is interviewed and chosen by the Board. The administrator s responsibilities are outlined in the sample job posting set out in Appendix B. The administrator is entitled to an honorarium and receives direction from the Board. The administrator may not vote at Board meetings, however, if they have, or are, a chorister in Bel Canto, they may then have a vote at the AGM, as well as enjoying all other responsibilities and advantages of being a member of the choir. The administrator must obtain a clear criminal record check by the RCMP every three years. 3. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR The Artistic Director is an annual contract position and will receive direction from the Board. The Artistic Director is responsible for: Selecting music for the season and for performances; Attending and directing all practices and performances; Coordinating details with accompanists and other concert guests; Assisting in the recruitment, interviewing and auditioning of choristers, accompanists and other musical directors as needed. 4. PARENT VOLUNTEERS Parent volunteers are an integral part of the Bel Canto Choir and as such perform many useful duties. Bel Canto expects that all parents contribute some time to one of the committees outlined in Appendix C. Volunteers must obtain a clear criminal record check by the RCMP every three years. D. CODE OF CONDUCT All Board of Directors, Members and volunteers agree to adhere and accept the code of conduct. A member who accepts a position as a Board or Committee member or as a Volunteer agrees to: 1. Uphold the constitution and bylaws, policies and procedures of the Choir; 2. Perform his or her duties with honesty and integrity and in the best interest of the Choir; 3. Work to ensure that the well being of Choristers is the primary focus of all decisions; 4. Respect the rights of all individuals; 5. Take direction from the membership and Board; 6. Provide information to Choristers and Members at Large who may have individual concerns and provides information on the process for taking concerns forward; 7. Work to ensure that issues are resolved through due process; and 8. Ensure that personal information of the Bel Canto Membership is managed with confidentiality and privacy.
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 4 E. CONFLICT RESOLUTION When an Executive Member, Committee Member or Member may have failed to observe the Code of Conduct there is a process intended to deal with complaints in a positive manner, in order to facilitate a fair resolution, agreeable to all parties. The Conflict Resolution Process is outlined below: Any person bringing forward a concern will be advised of the process for conflict resolution; All complaints and information surrounding complaints will be dealt with in confidence; Those directly involved in the complaint will be given access to all relevant information; and There will be a fair review of the concern and all items will be treated as confidential to protect Volunteers, the Board and representatives from veracious and mischievous complaints. The President will receive all complaints (verbal and written). The president may appoint another board member to act as chairperson for the specific purpose of administrating the Code of Conduct. In the event the complaint relates to the president, the complainant will be directed to the Vice President. If the President and Vice President are involved, any board member may receive the complaint. For purposes of this process, the Board member acting on the complaint is named the chairperson. Upon receiving the complaint, the chairperson will work to clarify the complaint, determine if and how the Code of Conduct has been breached and facilitate the complaints process. The chairperson is responsible for keeping complete notes of the process. These notes should include names of all involved, details of all meetings and specifics of any resolution. Every attempt will be made to resolve the concern in a timely manner. F. STEPS TO RESOLUTION As a first step, the person bringing forward the complaint will be encouraged to inform the person in question of their concern and to discuss the problem with the intent of reaching a resolution. If resolution is not reached between the parties, the chairperson will enter the discussion, with the intent of facilitating a positive resolution. If a resolution is not agreed upon, the chairperson will make a recommendation to the parties. The chairperson may recommend that the matter be closed. The chairperson may request the participation of the other Board members in the process. G. FINANCES 1. REGISTRATION Enrollment in Bel Canto is per term. By the second week of rehearsal, term fees must be paid through one of three options: a) Term fees paid in full. b) A partial payment made, along with a payment schedule given to the Treasurer.
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 5 c) Financial assistance is available on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Board and the Director, and as funds allow. To request financial assistance, please complete the Request for Chorister Assistance form (Appendix D). 2. FAMILY RATE The first 2 (highest priced) members of a family are regular rate. The 3 rd and subsequent family members receive a discount of 50%. (Motion 2010 09 28 at AGM set at 25%, Amended to 50%) 3. CHORISTER ASSISTANCE Chorister assistance extends to trip fees as well as registration fees to be evaluated on a case by case basis as the budget allows. Any chorister assistance awarded will be allotted first to registration fees. After both the fall and winter term registration is completed any remaining assistance funds may be applied to offset the cost of trip for the entire membership on approval of the board. (Motion 2010 01 10 #1, Motion 2010 01 10 #2) 4. REFUNDS If a chorister resigns from the choir, prior to the end of the term, refunds will be issued on a pro rated basis up to October 15 th for the first term and February 15 th for the second. After that time, no refunds will be given. 5. NSF CHEQUES Any cheques received and processed with insufficient funds will be subject to a $10 processing fee. (Motion 2009 08 11 #2) 6. UNIFORM FEE An annual $50.00 uniform deposit fee is to be paid to cover the use of the Bel Canto uniforms and costumes for performances. This fee is non refundable and is to apply to the Bel Canto Junior & Youth choristers. (Motion 2009 08 11 #1) 7. PETTY CASH Bel Canto will have a petty cash fund of $300.00 to reimburse expenses. Maximum payment from petty cash will be $75.00. (Motion 2009 11 30 #3) 8. MUSIC BOOK FEE To request a $30 deposit for the music books in return for receiving the music book. Any post dated cheques or cash given as a music deposit will be held by Treasurer until such time as the music book is returned then the cheque will be returned unprocessed (or cash is refunded). If the music book is not returned at the end of the season, the cheque/cash will be deposited into Bel Canto Choirs account. (Motion: 2011 08 29 #2; revised Oct 4, 2011) 9. SCHOLARSHIPS Choristers who are graduating high school and are in good standing with Bel Canto may be awarded a cash scholarship as budgets allow. Scholarships may be awarded by the Board based on commitment, positive participation and the number of years in the choir. H. TRAVEL It is expected that, whenever possible, the Youth Choir shall travel at least once per choral session. A trip information sheet and commitment form will be sent home to all Choristers in the early fall. In order for the Artistic Director to plan a balanced choir for performance, Bel Canto requires a commitment from the Choristers by returning the registration form and a non refundable deposit by the commitment date as set out in the travel schedule. A monthly trip payment schedule will be determined at that time, and arrangements can be made with the Treasurer for any variations. If a
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 6 chorister, after returning their trip registration form and deposit, decides NOT to travel, refunds will be issued on a pro rated basis at the discretion of the Board, up to 60 days prior to the departure date. No refunds will be issued after this date. While the choir is traveling, the name Bel Canto Choirs of Prince George will be used. Chaperones for travel and overnight excursions are chosen from the Board at the suggestion of the Artistic Director. These chaperones will have shown that they are willing to spend the time necessary in order to have a good knowledge of individual choristers and choir procedures. Chaperone duties are outlined in Appendix E. Travel expenses for the Musical Director, Accompanist and official chaperones shall be paid for by the Choir. Chorister travel costs are to be paid for by the chorister/chorister s family. 75% of the total trip fee must be paid to Bel Canto by a set date in order to travel. (Motion 2009 08 11 #3) Expectations for behavior of Choristers during travel is outlined in Appendix F. Crescendo and practices will be used by Board members to monitor chorister interaction with other choristers and Board members, the ability to follow instructions, the ability to sleep overnight away from parents, as well as general behavior. Choristers who the Board deems not ready to travel will be addressed in the following order: 1. Give a verbal warning to chorister with parent present; 2. Chorister not included in the choir trip for that year. I. CHORISTER EXPECTATIONS 1. ATTENDANCE Choir is a year long commitment, from September to April or May. In order to be prepared for performances and reduce the requirement for extra rehearsals, it is essential that the Chorister attend every rehearsal. Choir schedules are published in September and January. The Artistic Director may schedule extra rehearsals as they feel necessary. The Artistic Director, and at least one board member, should be notified immediately if there are any conflicts with other schedules. Any unexplained absence will be addressed in the following manner: a) First absence Chorister is spoken to by a member of the Board; b) Second absence Chorister and parent are spoken to; c) Third absence Letter is sent to parent saying that absences have been noted and the chorister and parent(s) should meet with the Board in regards to this. The chorister may be asked to leave the choir if unexplained absences continue. 2. CONSISTENT TARDINESS The Chorister will be reminded of rehearsal start time and asked to be on time next rehearsal. After three lates a phone call and/or letter will be sent to determine if there is a problem that the Board can help address.
Bel Canto Policies and Procedures (Continued) Revised September, 2012 Page 7 3. LATE PICK UP If a Chorister is not picked up with 20 minutes of the end of rehearsal they will go home with the Board member on duty and it will be the parents responsibility to pick them up at that Board Members residence. 4. CHORISTER PICK UP Parents of Choristers who are in Grade 10 and under MUST come inside and pick up their chorister after rehearsal or provide a written note that permission is given to ride with someone else. Parents are encouraged to attend the last 10 minutes of Youth practice when a Board member will be speaking to the Choristers regarding upcoming events. 5. CONCERT ATTENDANCE All Choristers are expected at every performance. Choristers should notify the Artistic Director and a board member if they are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances. An unexplained absence form a concert will be dealt with the same as a rehearsal absence under direction from the Artistic Director. Choristers who miss rehearsal prior to a concert may be withdrawn from the performance. Please remember that any extended absence from choir affects the operation of the whole choir. Choristers are part of a team and each voice is needed to make the team complete. 6. RESPECT Choristers are expected to be respectful of the Artistic Director, the Board, parents and other Choristers at all times. Choristers who are disruptive during rehearsal, will, at the discretion of the Artistic Director, be asked to leave rehearsal for as long as the Artistic Director deems necessary. Continued behavior problems may result in the chorister being asked to resign from the choir. In this case, any fees paid will be forfeit. Each chorister will receive a binder containing a rehearsal schedule and music for the current season. All music must be kept IN THE BINDER which is brought to every rehearsal. There will be a $25.00 fee for replacement of any lost binders/music and $10.00 for damaged binders.
APPENDIX A ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BEL CANTO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS BEL CANTO CHOIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Bel Canto Board of Directors: Acts on behalf of, and is subordinate to, the entire membership of Bel Canto Choirs. Is made up of elected members who have decision making authority, voting rights and specific responsibilities. Governs Bel Canto Choirs by providing leadership in the development and implementation of the Vision and Mission of the organization. Ensures the Vision and Mission of the organization reflects the current values and circumstances of Bel Canto Choirs. Governs Bel Canto Choirs by establishing broad policies and procedures. Ensures the availability of adequate financial resources for operations and growth of Bel Canto Choirs. Prepares and proposes the annual operating budget for Bel Canto Choirs. Is accountable to the membership of Bel Canto Choirs for the organization s performance. Selects, appoints, supports and reviews the performance of the Artistic Director, Assistant Director(s), Manager, Administrator, and Choir Coordinators. Acts as liaison within the community and beyond to represent and promote Bel Canto Choirs positively. Develops plans for the future development of Bel Canto Choirs. The Officers of the Board of Directors are primarily responsible for chaperone activities with the Youth Choristers for any domestic or international travel and choral activities. The Board of Directors sets policies and procedures regarding the roles and responsibilities of chaperones for Bel Canto Choirs. PRESIDENT The President: Calls and presides over all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual General Meeting. Serves as an ex officio* member of all Bel Canto Choir committees. o *Note: Ex officio is a member as a result of holding another position. It is not mandatory that the President participate in all committee meetings and decisions, but the right and ability to do so remains. Is a signing authority for all Bel Canto Choir legal documents. Communicates regularly to the membership any significant decisions, initiatives or works in progress. Co coordinates external relations for Bel Canto Choirs.
VICE PRESIDENT The Vice President: Assumes the duties of the President, when necessary. Monitors and initiate appropriate changes and updates to the Constitution and Bylaws of Bel Canto Choirs. Conducts activities to further the goals of the organization or to develop services for the membership. Co coordinates external relations for Bel Canto Choirs. TREASURER The Treasurer: Has oversight for all fiscal matters of the Bel Canto Choirs and provide regular financial reports to the Board of Directors. Presents a financial statement and an annual budget for approval to the Annual General Meeting of Bel Canto Choirs. Serves as primary liaison for concerning the securing of additional funding resources and their allocation. Maintains records of payments from choristers, fundraising activities and other related activities of Bel Canto Choir general operations. SECRETARY The Secretary: Records minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and at the Annual General Meeting. Receives and prepares correspondence on behalf of the Board of Directors. Keeps official records of the Bel Canto Choirs Society. Keeps records of email decisions made by the Board of Directors. Oversees the maintenance of the archives and history of the Bel Canto Choirs. Maintains a current list of officers and members for all committees. Maintains records of all agreements for employment made with the Artistic Director, Manager, Administrator, Accompanists and others. MEMBER AT LARGE The Member at Large: Participates in all Board of Director meetings. Represents the general membership on issues of interest or concern. Conducts activities to further the goals of the organization or to develop services for the membership.
BEL CANTO CHOIRS ADMINISTRATOR APPENDIX B ADMINISTRATOR SAMPLE JOB POSTING The Bel Canto Choirs are seeking an individual to fill a part time position as Choir Administrator. Reporting to the Bel Canto Board of Directors, the Bel Canto Choirs Administrator serves as the primary contact for the Choirs for the general public and membership. The Administrator will distribute choir information and perform other duties related to the general operations of the Bel Canto Choirs as designated by the Board of Directors. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Ordering music; Preparation of binders and music for choristers in all three choirs; Booking performance venues; Maintaining choir lists; Booking advertisements and distributing press releases to media; Preparing, collecting and tracking registration forms; Attending Board of Director meetings, as required; Attending rehearsals, as required; Assisting in the preparations for concerts, as required; Cataloguing and maintaining Bel Canto s library of music; Photocopying music, newsletters and other documents as required; Preparing, collecting and tracking permission forms; Booking transportation, accommodations and other activities required for choir trips; Ordering, tracking and maintaining choir uniforms and costumes; Maintaining an inventory of Choir equipment and props; Other duties as required. Candidates for this position should demonstrate superior time management and organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a team based environment. Candidates should have experience working with computers and software programs such as email (i.e.: Microsoft Outlook), word processing (i.e. Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (i.e.: Microsoft Excel) and databases (i.e. Microsoft Access). It is estimated that this position will require an average of 20 hours per month, though the monthly time commitment will vary according to choir activities. Term: Honorarium: The position is a one year term position, starting August and ending June. TBD
APPENDIX C VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES YOUTH CHOIR COORDINATOR The Youth Choir Coordinator: Is the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the Youth Choristers and their parents/guardians. Liaises with the Artistic Director to oversee the general conduct and appearance of Youth Choristers during general rehearsals and special events in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors. Coordinates communication efforts of choral activities though such media as newsletters to Youth Choristers and their parents. Liaises with the Choir Administrator to ensure communications efforts are disseminated to Youth Choristers and their parents regarding choral activities. Ensures that parent assistance is available at Youth Choir general rehearsals and special events as required. Provides leadership in the coordination of logistics for Youth Choir activities. Serves as a chaperone for Youth Choir domestic and international choral activities. CHILDREN S CHOIR COORDINATOR The Children s Choir Coordinator: Is the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the Children s Choristers and their parents/guardians. Liaises with the Artistic Director to oversee the general conduct and appearance of Children s Choristers during general rehearsals and special events in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors. Coordinates communication efforts though media such as newsletters to Children s Choristers and their parents. Liaises with the Choir Administrator to ensure communications efforts are disseminated to Children s Choristers and their parents regarding choral activities. Ensures that parent assistance is available at Children s Choir general rehearsals and special events as required. Provides leadership in the coordination of logistics for Children s Choir activities. Serves as a chaperone for Children s Choir local choral activities. NORTHERN VOICES COORDINATOR The Northern Voices Coordinator: Is the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the Northern Voices Choristers. Liaises with the Artistic Director to oversee the general conduct and appearance of Northern Voices Choristers during general rehearsals and special events in accordance with policies
established by the Board of Directors. Coordinates communication efforts though media such as newsletters to Northern Voices Choristers. Liaises with the Choir Administrator to ensure communications efforts are disseminated to Northern Voices Choristers. Provides leadership in the coordination of logistics for Northern Voices Choir activities. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE This committee is responsible for sourcing ideas, organizing and implementing fundraising activities for Bel Canto Choirs. Activities performed by this committee are conducted with the approval of the Bel Canto Board of Directors. Activities of this committee can include, but are not limited to: Sourcing fundraising ideas Organizing logistics for fundraising activities Coordinating a product sale fundraiser (ie: Purdy s, flower bulbs, etc.) Coordinating a raffle fundraiser (ie: cruise, lotto tickets, gift baskets, best seat in the house, etc.) Coordinating a pub night Coordinating a silent auction Coordinating Fundscrip (gift card) fundraiser Coordinating a bottle drive Coordinating a car wash Coordinating a dinner theatre Producing signage for fundraising activities Arranging drivers, or serving as a driver Sourcing sponsorships Liaising with Treasurer regarding sponsorships and donations COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE This committee is responsible for coordinating communications efforts about Bel Canto Choirs and respective activities. Activities performed by this committee are conducted with the approval of the Bel Canto Board of Directors. Activities of this committee can include, but are not limited to: Preparation of newsletters and liaison with the Choir Administrator for distribution. Maintenance of the Bel Canto Bulletin Board. Serving on a Bel Canto Choir phone tree. Preparation of Posters. Coordination of poster distribution. Preparation of newspaper advertisements. Liaising with newspapers for placement of advertisements. Preparation of press releases. Distribution of press releases to newspapers. Distribution of press releases to online media. Preparation of concert programs.
Management of Bel Canto Choirs Facebook page. Development of a Friends of Bel Canto contact list (mail, email) for concert promotion, etc. Preparation of information releases for School District 57. Distribution of information releases to School District 57. Preparation of mail outs to Friends of Bel Canto Choirs contact lists regarding choral activities. Arranging media presence for photo shoots, concerts and other special events. HISTORICAL/RECORDS COMMITTEE Serving as official photographer for Bel Canto Choir Childrens Choir activities. Serving as official photographer for Bel Canto Choir Youth Choir activities. Serving as official photographer for Bel Canto Choir Northern Voices activities. Serving as official videographer for Bel Canto Choir Childrens Choir activities. Serving as official videographer for Bel Canto Choir Youth Choir activities. Serving as official videographer for Bel Canto Choir Northern Voices activities. Collection and archiving of all press releases for Bel Canto Choir and related activities. Collection and archiving of all posters for Bel Canto Choir and related activities. Collection and archiving of all newspaper advertisements for Bel Canto Choir and related activities. Collection and archiving of all concert tickets and programs for Bel Canto Choir and related activities. Collection and archiving of other mementos for Bel Canto Choir and related activities. Assisting with the maintenance of Bel Canto Choir music inventory and storage. Assisting with the maintenance of Bel Canto uniform and costume inventory and storage. Assisting with the maintenance of Bel Canto decoration and prop inventory and storage. CONCERT COMMITTEE Coordinating ticket sales at rehearsals and the door. Liaising with Artistic Director to determine, source and be responsible for uniforms and costuming for performances. Liaising with Artistic Director to determine, source and be responsible for props required for performances. Liaising with Artistic Director to determine, source and be responsible for decorations required for performances. Liaising with the Board of Directors to coordinate any front of house activities to take place during performances. Liaising with the Board of Directors and Artistic Director to coordinate any back of house assistance required. Liaising with the Artistic Director regarding stage management. Liaising with the Artistic Director to determine the need for and arranging the transportation of risers to performances.
Liaising with the Artistic Director to determine the needs for and arranging for any sound requirements for performances. Liaising with the performance venue for any sounds, lighting, piano, and other requirements. Liaising with the Choir Coordinator to ensure performance facilities are booked, etc. Coordinating a set up crew. Coordinating a clean up crew. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Arranging any refreshment needs. Arranging any equipment needs (sound, lighting, piano, risers). Arranging any activities (bowling, games, etc.). Coordinating drivers and chaperones. Coordinating a set up crew. Coordinating a clean up crew.
APPENDIX D REQUEST FOR CHORISTER ASSISTANCE FORM
APPENDIX E CHAPERONE DUTIES 1. Chaperones shall be in charge of groups of 5 to 7 choristers 2. You do not need to be with your choristers at all times, but you DO need to know WHERE they are 3. If, for some reason, you are unable to provide direct supervision of your choristers, you MUST arrange with another chaperone(s) to do this 4. YOUR choristers should, whenever possible, let YOU know where they are going 5. If a chorister says that they have checked with another chaperone, who gave them the okay to go somewhere, please, give them the benefit of the doubt. 6. It is advisable, but not necessary, for all chaperones to carry a couple of Band Aids, pain relievers, hand sanitizer and facial tissue with them 7. ALL choristers must adhere to the Buddy System 8. Choristers in Grade 7 and younger MUST be with a chaperone at all times 9. Choristers in Grades 8 12, may, at the discretion of their chaperone, be out of sight of their chaperone 10. Choristers who are late for meeting deadlines will remain with their chaperone and lose their out of site privilege 11. No non Bel Canto choristers or visitors will be allowed in rooms and vice versa. 12. All choristers must remain in their rooms after lights out. 13. Any chorister found smoking, drinking, doing drugs or in any inappropriate situations may be required to contact their parents/guardian. 14. For performances/sightseeing during travel, choristers must wear the Bel Canto jacket and choristers will be told ahead of time when required to: a) wear their uniform or b) bring their uniform in their garment bag 15. If a chorister has a question that you do not know the answer to, please: a) if it is of a musical nature, speak with the Artistic Director b) any other questions should be directed to their chaperone 16. Choristers are not to bother the Artistic Director or Accompanist with questions of a non musical nature 17. Choristers requiring medication will notify a predetermined chaperone before taking so it can be documented, including over the counter medications (Tylenol, Gravol, Sudafed.)
APPENDIX F CHORISTER TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS 1. ALL choristers must adhere to the Buddy System and must stay in a minimum group of two 2. Choristers in Grade 7 and younger MUST be with a chaperone at all times 3. Choristers in Grades 8 12, may, at the discretion of their chaperone, be out of sight of their chaperone 4. Choristers who are late for meeting deadlines will remain with their chaperone and lose their out of site privilege 5. Choristers must let their chaperone know where they are going 6. Chaperones are going to carry a couple of Band Aids, pain relievers, hand sanitizer and facial tissue with them 7. No non Bel Canto choristers or visitors will be allowed in rooms and vice versa. 8. All choristers must remain in their rooms after lights out. 9. Any chorister found smoking, drinking, doing drugs or in any inappropriate situations may be required to contact their parents/guardian. 10. For performances/sightseeing during travel, choristers must wear the Bel Canto jacket and choristers will be told ahead of time when required to: a) wear their uniform or b) bring their uniform in their garment bag 11. If a chorister has a question that you do not know the answer to, please: a) if it is of a musical nature, speak with Artistic Director b) any other questions should be directed to their chaperone 12. Choristers are not to bother the Artistic Director or Accompanist with questions of a non musical nature. 13. Choristers requiring medication will notify a predetermined chaperone before taking so it can be documented, including over the counter medications (Tylenol, Gravol, Sudafed.) 14. Any personal items, including electronics, are the sole responsibility of the chorister.