2015-16 Membership Handbook TRAINING DIVISION Preparatory Division Pre-Teen Division Teen Division Men s Training Division 179 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Tel: 718.243.9447 Fax: 718.855.1371 brooklynyouthchorus.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Membership Principles... 2 Program Year and Performance Opportunities... 3 Rehearsal Schedule... 4-5 Attendance Policy... 6 Communication with Brooklyn Youth Chorus... 7 Operating Procedures... 8 Uniforms and Music Supplies... 9-10 Other Policies... 12 Emergency Procedures... 13 Inclement Weather Policy... 14 Brooklyn Youth Chorus Staff... 15
MEMBERSHIP PRINCIPLES ARTISTIC COMMITMENT Brooklyn Youth Chorus is a performance-based music education organization whose upper level divisions also function as professional performing ensembles in the community. Being a member of Brooklyn Youth Chorus means participating in the fun of making music. It also means accepting the responsibilities to yourself and to your fellow choristers that stem from your membership in a renowned choral group. Our reputation and our ability to attract audiences, performances, and future choristers are based on providing a consistent artistic product. We can maintain our high artistic standards only if parents and choristers honor their responsibilities. BEHAVIORIAL STANDARDS Brooklyn Youth Chorus strives to create a positive and stimulating environment for its choristers and to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. At no time will Brooklyn Youth Chorus tolerate rudeness, foul language, physical or verbal abuse, or failure to comply with safety guidelines. Alert attention, enthusiasm, and cooperation are expected during all chorus activities. 2
PROGRAM YEAR AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES The 2015-16 Program Year runs from September through June. Brooklyn Youth Chorus Training Divisions are organized by age first, to support healthy vocal development at different stages of growth and maturity. Within these age-based divisions, students class assignments reflect their current level of skill and experience. Our most advanced students are invited to join one of the three performing ensembles. While all divisions perform at Brooklyn Youth Chorus s winter and spring season concerts, the advanced performing ensembles perform in the majority of contracted and professional engagements. TRAINING DIVISIONS PREPARATORY DIVISION Ages 7 (entering grade 2) 9 PRE-TEEN DIVISION Ages 10-12 TEEN DIVISION Ages 13 and up ADVANCED PERFORMING ENSEMBLES Ages 11 and up Level 1 Level 3 Level 6 Junior Ensemble Level 2 Level 4 Concert Ensemble Level 5 Men s Training Men s Ensemble CONCERTS Concerts for Training Divisions fall into two categories: Brooklyn Youth Chorus self-produced concerts and contract performances. BROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS SELF-PRODUCED CONCERTS These are concerts for which Brooklyn Youth Chorus manages all aspects of the production from publicity to ticket sales and performance logistics. All Brooklyn Youth Chorus divisions perform in these annual concerts, which include the winter Holiday Harmonies and spring Spring Sings! series. Parent volunteers are recruited to help staff these events. CONTRACT PERFORMANCES Contract performances are all engagements sponsored or presented by an organization other than Brooklyn Youth Chorus. These engagements occur throughout the year, and include: appearances with major symphony orchestras, professional recording artists, and performances at various arts festivals, civic, corporate or charity events. While the majority of contract performances involve only the advanced Brooklyn Youth Chorus ensembles, training divisions are scheduled for community engagements from time to time. 3
TRAINING DIVISION REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Pre-Teen Level 4 4:30 6:30 pm HQ Prep Level 2 3:45 4:45 pm GC Pre-Teen Level 3 4 5:30 pm RH Prep Level 1 5:15 6:15 pm GC Prep Level 1 4:15 5:15 pm BD Teen Level 6 4:30 6:30 pm HQ Prep Level 2 5:30 6:30 pm BD Pre-Teen Level 5 4:30 6:30 pm HQ Men s Training 5 6:30 pm TBD Prep Level 1 10 11 am HQ Pre-Teen Level 4 10 am 12 pm HQ Prep Level 2 11:15 am 12:15 pm HQ Pre-Teen Level 3 12:30 2 pm HQ Pre-Teen Level 4 12:30 2:30 pm HQ *Levels 5 and 6 rehearse twice a month on Fridays. See individual division schedules for Friday rehearsals. Location Key HQ = Brooklyn Youth Chorus Headquarters GC = Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street BD = Bed-Stuy Restoration Corp, 247 Herkimer Street RH = PS 15, 71 Sullivan Street COMBINED REHEARSALS Levels 1 4 have two or more class sections that rehearse separately each week. Occasionally a rehearsal combining the class sections is scheduled to prepare for singing together as one larger ensemble. A schedule of combined rehearsals will be sent to all choristers at the beginning of the season. 4
MAKE UP REHEARSALS Because Levels 1 4 rehearse in multiple class sections, it is possible for choristers to make up a missed class by attending the other class section rehearsal. Choristers who wish to make up a rehearsal must contact the Chorus Manager to determine if space is available that week. DRESS/TECH REHEARSALS Dress/Tech rehearsals take place the week prior to the self-produced concerts and are mandatory. In most cases, choristers who miss a Dress/Tech rehearsal will not be permitted to perform in the concert. Though choristers may apply for an exception from a Dress/Tech rehearsal, exceptions will rarely be granted because essential performance instructions are conveyed at these rehearsals. Dress/Tech rehearsals do not require concert dress/uniforms. ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION All choristers are evaluated annually to measure individual students progress and to determine areas of strength and weakness. The assessment includes written theory and ear training exams, and an individual vocal and sight-singing test. This assessment information is used for internal purposes to help evaluate program effectiveness, and as a critical program measurement tool for fundraising and grant reporting. In addition, final evaluations at year-end are used for division placement assignments. Annual re-enrollment and division promotions are not automatic but are based on a chorister s development, music knowledge and performance, as well as the number of spaces available in the next level or division. 5
ATTENDANCE POLICY Although chorus is a group activity, successful concerts and chorister progress are dependent on each chorister s active participation and best effort at every rehearsal. Choristers are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances scheduled for their division from September through June. While Brooklyn Youth Chorus recognizes that some absences will be necessary, our absence policy is designed to maintain the artistic integrity of the Chorus while allowing choristers and families room to balance their busy lives and schedules. DISCRETIONARY ABSENCES POINTS A limited number of discretionary absences are allowed for choristers each semester (winter/spring) to cover absences due to illness, school conflicts, family commitments, transportation emergencies, etc. Discretionary absences work on a point system with a full point charged for each full rehearsal absence and partial points charged for late arrivals and early dismissals (see chart on the next page). Participation in the annual Holiday Harmonies and Spring Sings! concert series is an important milestone in choristers training and is mandatory. In the rare case where circumstances make attendance at concert dress/tech rehearsals or performances impossible, a chorister is expected to inform the Chorus Manager. Please note that choristers who miss concert dress rehearsals may not be permitted to perform in the following concert. Notification of absences can be given by email or phone and should include an explanation of the absence. As a chorister approaches the maximum number of absences for a semester, a parent or guardian will be notified. Choristers may be asked to leave the program for the remainder of the program year if absences exceed the maximum allowed. Division/Level Winter Point Allowance Spring Point Allowance Points for Full Absence Points for late arrival/ early dismissal of 15-29 min. Points for late arrival/ early dismissal of 30 min. or more Prep Level 1 2.5 4.0 1.5 1 Prep Level 2 2.5 4.0 1.5 1 Pre- Teen Level 3 2.5 4.0 1.25.5 Pre- Teen Level 4 2.5 4.0 1.25.5 Pre-Teen Level 5 4.0 6.0 1.25.5 Teen Level 6 4.0 6.0 1.25.5 Men s Training 2.5 4.0 1.5 1 6
COMMUNICATION WITH BROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS Brooklyn Youth Chorus is a very active organization and you can expect frequent communications about schedules and upcoming events. Email is our primary form of communication. We require that all families have an email address in order to receive up-todate information. In the event that a family does not have computer access, it is the responsibility of the parent to contact their Chorus Manager for weekly updates. Regular emails include Weekly Memos, event masters, and performance polls. The most recent Weekly Memos and schedules are also available for review any time through the Members Area of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus website. WEBSITE The Brooklyn Youth Chorus website, brooklynyouthchorus.org, has a Members Area with information specific to active choristers. In this area you will find up-to-date information on chorister schedules, weekly division memos, performance event masters, registration documents, the complete Members Handbook, photographs, the online Exception Form, and general information about the program. Once you register for the chorus, you will gain access to the Members Area of the website using any of the email addresses submitted with registration. When setting up an email address on the Members Area for the first time, you will be prompted to choose a password. You may change or update this password at any time. EVENT MASTERS Prior to every scheduled performance or event, you will receive an email linking to the latest Event Master posted on the Members Area of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus website. These important documents contain all of the details pertaining to a specific event schedule, venue, ticket and box office information, as well as uniform descriptions, directions and meal/snack needs. Event Masters are updated regularly as details change or become available. 7
OPERATING PROCEDURES ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES Choristers are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time of their rehearsal to check in with the Chorus Manager, collect and organize music and materials, and settle into their places so the class can begin on time. Choristers may not be dropped off more than 30 minutes prior to their rehearsal unless they are attending an elective class. LATE PICK-UPS Choristers are expected to be picked up at the stated dismissal time. The Chorus maintains a 20-minute grace period in instances when pick-up is delayed. Repeated abuses of this grace period will result in dismissal from the Chorus. For older children, parents should identify an alternate waiting spot in the neighborhood for occasions when pick-up may be delayed beyond the grace period. FACILITIES The Brooklyn Youth Chorus lobby waiting area and facilities are intended for use by choristers who are waiting for a rehearsal or a class to begin and for their family or guardian. At no time can siblings or other children not attending Brooklyn Youth Chorus classes be in the building unsupervised. Parents and guardians are asked to wait in the lobby for dismissal. This policy is essential to ensure the safety and protection of all choristers. Please note there is no waiting area for families on the second floor. Parents are asked to please drop off and pick up their children from the first floor lobby area. TRANSPORTATION Parents are responsible for all transportation arrangements to and from Chorus and the sponsored performances and events. Transportation details for performances and events will be communicated in your Weekly Division Memos and Event Masters and will also be accessible on the Brooklyn Youth Chorus website. LATE ARRIVAL FOR CONCERTS Choristers who arrive late to concert performances without prior notice and approval will have missed critical direction and warm-ups, and may not be permitted to perform. RECEPTION AND OFFICE HOURS Brooklyn Youth Chorus office hours are 9:30 am to 7:15 pm from Monday through Friday and Saturdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during the fall and spring. Please note that these are general hours of operation for office business, but staff members may vary their hours. All staff members are always available by email or voicemail. You will find email addresses and staff telephone extensions at the end of the handbook. 8
UNIFORMS AND MUSIC SUPPLIES The image that Brooklyn Youth Chorus projects at performances and in workshops is extremely important. Choristers are required to wear Brooklyn Youth Chorus uniform dress for all performances unless otherwise noted. Choristers are not required to wear their uniform to regular rehearsals or dress/tech rehearsals. Uniform pieces may NOT be worn at any non- Brooklyn Youth Chorus events. Following are the specifics for each level please read carefully. PREP LEVEL 1 AND 2 All pieces worn by the Prep Level 1 and Level 2 choristers are provided by the family. Choristers are provided with a colorful bow tie at the performance. Boys: White long sleeve, button down shirt with a collar Black slacks (no jeans) Black socks & Black shoes (no sneakers) Girls: White long sleeve, button up shirt with a collar Black skirt (as plain as possible; no large belts/buckles, lace or designs) Black opaque tights (not sheer, lace or patterned) Black shoes (flat with rubber soles, no sneakers) Hair should be neat and pulled out of the face PRE-TEEN LEVEL 3 AND 4 All pieces worn by Pre-Teen Level 3 and Level 4 choristers are provided by the family. Choristers are provided with a colorful bow tie at the performance. Boys: White long sleeve, button down shirt with a collar Black slacks (no jeans) Black socks & Black shoes (no sneakers) Girls: White long sleeve, button down shirt with a collar Black skirt (as plain as possible; no large belts/buckles, lace or designs) Black opaque tights (not sheer, lace or patterned) Black shoes (flat with rubber soles, no sneakers) Hair should be neat and pulled out of the face 9
PRE-TEEN LEVEL 5 AND TEEN LEVEL 6 Below is a complete description of the Pre-Teen Level 5 and Teen Level 6 chorister uniform; some pieces are provided by Brooklyn Youth Chorus while chorister families must purchase others. Choristers are provided with a tuxedo bow tie (for boys) and a black and white scarf (girls) at the performance. A uniform fee of $25 is collected at the beginning of the year to cover the cost of cleaning and maintaining uniform pieces. Boys: Provided by Brooklyn Youth Chorus o White Tuxedo Shirt Replacement Cost: $20 Provided by Chorister Family o Black Dress Pants (no jeans) o Black socks & black shoes (no sneakers) Girls: Provided by Brooklyn Youth Chorus o White Tuxedo Shirt Replacement Cost: $20 o Black Uniform Skirt Replacement Cost: $40 Provided by Chorister Family o Black opaque tights (no leggings) o Black dress shoes (flat with rubber soles, no sneakers or tall boots) Hair should be neat and pulled out of the face; no large jewelry. MEN S TRAINING Provided by Brooklyn Youth Chorus o Black shirt Replacement cost: $30.00 o Brooklyn Youth Chorus blue tie Replacement cost: $15.00 Provided by Chorister Family o Black dress pants (no jeans) o Black dress shoes (no sneakers) o Black socks (no specified brand or design) 10
MUSIC MATERIALS All choristers music and rehearsal binders are provided by Brooklyn Youth Chorus and remain the property of Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Each chorister will receive a set of music for each semester and he or she is fully responsible for the binder and all of the music. At the end of every rehearsal it is the responsibility of the chorister to put his or her binder back on the shelf designated for the chorus division. If a piece of music is lost or damaged, the chorister can obtain a replacement copy from his or her Chorus Manager. Choristers will be billed for lost and damaged music at the end of the each semester when the music is collected. Music binders are kept in the chorus room at all times unless home study is assigned. Each chorister is responsible for having a sharpened pencil with an eraser at every rehearsal in order to mark scores as directed by the conductor. 11
OTHER POLICIES ILLNESS POLICY When a chorister is too ill to attend school, he or she should NOT attend Chorus, particularly if the illness is contagious. This is an intended use of the discretionary absence allowance. For minor ailments such as a headache or menstrual cramps, choristers are expected to attend. Choristers are encouraged to observe and listen even when they are unable to sing. Please notify the Chorus Manager if you are attending rehearsal but are unable to participate fully. CELL PHONES, ipods, ETC. Choristers may bring their cell phones and handheld electronics to rehearsals, but they must be turned off and out of sight during the rehearsal period. Students may check messages during break times. Please do not use Brooklyn Youth Chorus s outlets for charging your electronic devices without permission from the Chorus Manager. Brooklyn Youth Chorus is not responsible for any lost items that students may bring to rehearsals or performances. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Brooklyn Youth Chorus has a no tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. If a chorister is found to have either substance at Brooklyn Youth Chorus Headquarters or on their person at a Brooklyn Youth Chorus event, they will be expelled immediately from the program. If a student arrives at a performance and appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, he/she will be sent home immediately and will face suspension or dismissal from the Chorus. PERSONAL PROPERTY Brooklyn Youth Chorus is not responsible for personal property lost or damaged on our premises or at performance locations. We encourage choristers to keep all items of value in the rehearsal room at their seat, or in the designated holding areas at performance locations. The coat hook area in the Brooklyn Youth Chorus hallway is intended for coats and books only. At no time should electronic devices be plugged into hallway outlets. 12
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In order to ensure the safety of all choristers in the event of an emergency, Brooklyn Youth Chorus has made the following provisions: In the case of an emergency affecting only Brooklyn Youth Chorus s premises, we will escort and hold choristers in the nearest safe location. A staff member will remain close to the building to inform parents of the location. In the event of a citywide emergency, we will hold choristers at Brooklyn Youth Chorus for immediate pick-up, or until we receive specific permission for your child to leave alone or with a designated guardian. In the event of an emergency affecting choristers off-site (at a performance or special event), our first response will be to return to Brooklyn Youth Chorus Headquarters providing it is safe to do so. If this is not possible, we will stay at the event site and communicate our plans with families. In case of a citywide (or more extensive) emergency, do NOT call the Chorus Manager s cell phone. Contact the office at 718.243.9447. We will make an immediate attempt to change the outgoing phone message to reflect current information about your child. If your child has a cell phone with him or her, call your child s cell phone. EMERGENCY CONTACTS When a chorister becomes ill during rehearsal, we will contact a parent or guardian at the phone number we have on file. If a parent or guardian is not reachable, we will attempt to reach the designated emergency contacts. The effectiveness of our emergency procedures depends largely on maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information. If any of your contact information changes, including that of emergency contacts, please alert the Brooklyn Youth Chorus office immediately. Brooklyn Youth Chorus must be able to reach a parent, guardian or emergency contact at any time during which your child is in our care. 13
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Brooklyn Youth Chorus cancels rehearsals for weather when New York City public schools close or impose an early dismissal. Listen to WCBS Newsradio 88 (880 AM) or WINS (1010 AM) for school closing announcements. For performances on the weekend, we will update the Members Area of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus website by 5 pm the evening before a canceled Saturday or Sunday rehearsal/ performance. Alternatively, you can call the Brooklyn Youth Chorus office at 718.243.9447 and listen to the outgoing message, which will state if a rehearsal or event has been cancelled. In the event of a weekday cancellation: For a same-day emergency cancellation of an event not covered by the public school closure policy, we will send an All-Division Memo email. Also, we will update the website and place a message on our phone system. It is also important to note that, unless you are notified about a cancellation in the manner listed above, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus attendance policy will be in effect. If a chorister is unable to attend a rehearsal due to weather-related transportation circumstances, it will be treated as a discretionary absence. 14
BROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS STAFF DIRECTORY Dianne Berkun-Menaker Founder & Artistic Director 718.243.9447 dberkun@brooklynyouthchorus.org Andrea Arevalo Community Engagement Manager 718.243.9447 aarevalo@brooklynyouthchorus.org Angela Batchelor Chorus Manager 718.243.9447 ext. 231 abatchelor@brooklynyouthchorus.org Marjory Bruno Office Coordinator 718.243.9447 mbruno@brooklynyouthchorus.org Kris Burke Chorus Manager and Conductor 718.243.9447 ext. 240 kburke@brooklynyouthchorus.org Jennifer Cambras Production and Events Manager 718.243.9447 ext. 232 jcambras@brooklynyouthchorus.org Sheila Carroll Chorus Manager 718.243.9447 ext. 223 scarroll@brooklynyouthchorus.org Elise Bernhardt Executive Director 718.243.9447 ext. 235 ebernhardt@brooklynyouthchorus.org Frank Impelluso Manager, Marketing and Communications 718.243.9447 ext. 239 fimpelluso@brooklynyouthchorus.org Marie-Laure Kugel Director of Development and Institutional Advancement 718.243.9447 ext. 226 mkugel@brooklynyouthchorus.org Julian Sheffield Director of Finance 718.243.9447 ext. 243 jsheffield@brooklynyouthchorus.org Eric Williamson Chorus Manager 718.243.9447 ewilliamson@brooklynyouthchorus.org Elizabeth Woodhouse Director of Training Divisions and Elective Programs 718.243.9447 ext. 236 ewoodhouse@brooklynyouthchorus.org 15