THE OCC CHORISTERS & PARENTS HANDBOOK2020-2021

Contact information:151 Laurier Ave EastOttawa, ON K1N 6N8info@ottawachildrenschoir.ca613-233-4440

www.ottawachildrenschoir.caRegistered Charity Number is 89242 3922 RR0001

AllisonProwseChoirConductor

VivaChoir&ConcertChoir

JamieLobackAr2s2cDirectorChoirConductor

ChamberChoir&Boys’Choir

JenniferBerntsonChoirConductorPrimaChoir

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COVID -19 Note to Families

This choral handbook represents information during a normal choral year. As the OCC is actively seeking and implementing newly found best practices due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some information of the handbook is likely subject to change in order to better serve our choral families.

All families will be updated on the 2020-2021 choral season in late August. The list below represents some of the areas to be addressed.

Areas to be covered

1. Tuition Fees2. Payment structure3. Drop out / Refund deadline 4. Uniforms 5. Choir Start dates - late September, early October6. Choir Times - possible small shifts7. Cancellation of Performance tours8. Public concerts9. Closed rehearsals 10.Zoom rehearsals - each choir will have their own reusable Zoom link for all online

rehearsals. These rehearsals will be recorded for archival purposes

*Remember to check our website and social media for updates*

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Table of ContentsCOVID-19 Note to Families 2

Getting to Know us 4 – 10Welcome 4Acknowledgements 5Vision & Mission 6A Brief History 7Past Choral Highlights 8Code of Conduct 9Curricula 10

Our Community 11 – 16Conductors 11Communication 13Choir Managers 2020-2021 13Volunteers 14Board of Directors 14Membership in The Corporation 15Alumni 16Office Administration 16

Choir Information 17-28Tuition Fees 17Rehearsals 17

Parents at Rehearsals 18Parking 18Transportation 20Rehearsal Cancellations 20Chorister Attendance 20Chorister Expectations 21

Annual Re-Auditions 21Performances & Recordings 22Recording & Imaging 22Audience Etiquette 22Special Projects 24Uniforms 24Music Binder 27

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Fundraising & Donations 29

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WELCOME The Choir exists to enrich artistically the lives of our choristers, families and the community. 2020-2021 promises to be an especially rewarding year for all of our new and returning choristers as we bridge into a new digital world.

The Choir offers an instructional music program emphasizing musicianship and vocal training through choral music experience. The organization consists of five separate but interlinked choirs: Prima (for children ages 6 and 7), Viva (beginner), Concert (intermediate), Chamber (advanced) and Boys’ (where boys can sing through their change of voice). Choristers begin their training in the Prima, Viva or Concert Choir and progress through to the more demanding repertoire of the Chamber Choir. Rehearsals and performances of choral music form the foundation of instruction.

We hope this handbook provides you with the information you need, and answers any questions you may have about the Ottawa Children's Choir. We want to make this year the best it can be for your child.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe gratefully acknowledge the support of:

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OUR VISION & OUR MISSION

The Ottawa Children's Choir is devoted to artistic excellence, community connection and above all, the joy of singing.

The OCC supports this vision by:

> Striving for choral excellence through the provision of professional choral training for children who have demonstrated musical aptitude

> Promoting the advancement of children’s education in, and knowledge and appreciation of, choral music

> Providing annual educational outreach initiatives> Performing regularly within the National Capital Region, as well as

nationally and internationally> Studying and performing a wide variety of repertoire, with a particular

emphasis on the works of Canadian composers

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A BRIEF HISTORYThe OCC was originally known as the Ottawa Board of Education Central Choir and was created in 1958 by John G. Sutherland. It began as a workshop choir for a music educators’ workshop conference, and swiftly developed into the enrichment program it continues to be today.

Originally one group of 70 singers, the programme has expanded over the years and currently consists of five levels of training. In 1987, the Concert Choir was formed, and it serves as the training choir for the most advanced group, now known as the Chamber Choir. In 2001, the Viva Choir was added as a second training choir.

In 1998, the 40th Anniversary year, the Choir was incorporated as a not-for-profit charitable organization with a Board of Directors. In 2003 the name was changed to the Ottawa Children’s Choir to better reflect the community we serve.

Our ensembles now include Boys’ Choir for boys with changed or unchanged voices and Prima Choir, an entry-level training choir for younger children.

The Choir has flourished under the direction of a succession of distinguished musicians:

2017 - present Jennifer Berntson Prima Choir2016 - present Jamie Loback Boys’ Choir2015 - present Jamie Loback Chamber Choir2005 -present Allison Prowse Concert and Viva Choirs2008 -2015 Jackie Hawley Chamber Choir2002 - 2007 Robert Filion Chamber Choir1988 - 2005 Yvonne Navratil Concert and Viva Choirs1987 - 1988 Nancy Tanguay Concert Choir1979 - 2002 Barbara Clark Central Choir/Chamber Choir1967 - 1979 Arnold Earl OBE Central Choir1958 - 1967 John Gunn Sutherland Founder – Conductor

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PAST CHORAL HIGHLIGHTSPerformances

> Vimy Gala Performance, Ottawa, 2019> John Rutter, Music & Beyond, 2018> 100th Anniversary Ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy,

France> National Arts Centre’s Ribbon-cutting ceremony, 2017> National Art Gallery re-opening ceremony, 2017> National Arts Centre 40th Anniversary 2010 National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa

Symphony Orchestra, Ottawa Choral Society, > Canada Day on Parliament Hill > Annual National Remembrance Day Service at the National War Memorial> Annual Christmas and Spring concerts> National Arts Centre performances: Star Wars 2016, R. Murray Schafer's 75th Birthday

Celebration, The Nutcracker Suite, Opera Lyra "Otello", Governor General Performing Arts Award, Young People's Concerts, St. Matthew's Passion, L'Enfance du Christ, Midsummer Night's Dream

> Annual Battle of the Atlantic commemorative service at the National War Memorial> Governor General's Levee> City of Ottawa, Mayor's Annual Christmas Celebration> Ceremony of Lights on Parliament Hill> Lansdowne Tree-Lighting Ceremony> Music & Beyond, Carmina Burana National Arts Centre Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg

Ballet, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Classique de l'Outaouais, Ottawa Choral Society

> 40th Anniversary Canadian Centennial Choir> Unisong National Arts Centre - Host Choir - Canada Day

> Kaleid on the Road - Rajaton 2010> Choirs Hosted: Spivey Hall Children's Choir (Georgia); Alabama Boys Choir; Prague

Philharmonic Choir; Winnipeg Mennonite Children's Choir; Juventus Vocalis (Germany); Boni Pueri Boys Choir (Czech Republic), Inuksuk Drum Dancers and Iqaluit Fiddlers.

> municipal and federal events, conferences, church services, Ottawa Music Festival> local, Canadian and international service and fundraising

Tours> Montreal Tour, 2019 (Chamber Choir)> Eastern Canada Tour, 2018 (Chamber Choir and Boys’ Choir)> Vimy, France, 2017 (Chamber Choir)> Kingston 2017 – It takes a Village (Concert Choir)

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> Iqualuit, Nunavut 2015 (Chamber Choir)> Saugeen Shores 2012 (Chamber Choir)> Kingston 2012 - Friends and Neighbours (Concert Choir)> St. John's, Newfoundland Festival 500 2009 (Chamber Choir)> Vancouver & Victoria BC ChorPodium 2006 (Chamber Choir)> International Youth and Music Festival, Vienna 2004 (Chamber Choir)> Choir Exchange - Winnipeg Mennonite Children's Choir 2003> Toronto 2002 (Chamber Choir)> International Conductor's Symposium of Sir David Wilcox 2002 (Chamber Choir)> Italy 2001 (Chamber Choir)> Kingston 2001 (Concert Choir)> Nova Scotia 1998 (Chamber Choir)> International Eisteddfod in Wales and England 1999> Japan 1997> Tuscany International Children's Chorus Festival 1995> Cornwall 1996 (Concert Choir)> Ottawa Valley, Kingston, London, Brantford, Chatham, Toronto, Scarborough,

Etobicoke, Peterborough, New Brunswick, Montreal, British Columbia

CODE OF CONDUCTMembers of the Ottawa Children's Choir represent the Choir, the City of Ottawa, and Canada. Respect for others is highly valued and expected at all times. All ‘Choir Participants’, i.e. choristers, parents, staff or volunteers, are required to read and abide by the terms of the OCC Code of Conduct which can be found here.

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CURRICULAThe Ottawa Children’s Choir provides sequential learning opportunities for vocal and music education. Musical concepts taught in Prima Choir are carried through into Viva Choir and Concert Choir and then to the more advanced levels of study in Chamber Choir. Children have the opportunity to experience their own progress as they master music with greater vocal facility and a deeper musical understanding. Additional repertoire is introduced regularly, depending on the unique musical events of the season. These may include concerts with symphony orchestras, television, radio, and recording opportunities and tours. The choral literature varies in degree of complexity.

Although ages are given as a guideline for our auditioned choirs, please be aware that, other than the minimum age of 8 and the maximum age of 15 for participation in our auditioned choirs, choristers are not assigned to choirs based on age. The assessment of vocal ability and musicianship that our conductors make during the audition process, along with the amount of experience a chorister may have, are all factors that go into deciding which of our choirs is best for children, in order that they can most easily learn the many expectations and routines of choral singing, and the musical skills that are being taught. The primary goal is for the best interests of the children and to foster a life-long love of and appreciation for music and

singing. Programming and expectations are very different in each of Viva, Concert and Chamber choirs, and each level offers appropriate challenges and opportunities for learning to the choristers in it.

Musical concepts remain the same throughout the chorister’s tenure. The complexity of the repertoire studied increases with time and readiness. Further opportunities for all choristers exist with the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir in the region once having completed tenure in the OCC.

*All curricula can be found on the website on each choir’s page*

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CONDUCTORSJamie Loback - OCC Artistic Director, Conductor Chamber & Boys’ Choirs

Jamie Loback is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, holding Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Music. In addition to his specialization in choral conducting, Jamie is an accomplished pianist and educator. Since 2005, Jamie has served as Director of Music at St. Joseph’s Parish, where he conducts the church’s three choirs. The 2018-2019 season marks his sixth year as Music Director of the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir and his seventh year as Artistic Director of the Capital Chamber Choir. Jamie was appointed Conductor of the OCC’s Chamber Choir in 2015.  In 2016, he initiated the Ottawa Children's Choir: Boys' Choir, to encourage boys to sing through their change of voice. His most recent work includes conducting performances of the OCC's Chamber Choir in the Senate of Canada and in the annual European Union Christmas Celebration at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ottawa, as well as preparing the OCC's new Boys' Choir for

performances in the National Arts Centre's Star Wars concerts. A highlight of this year’s season was the Chamber Choir’s trip to France to perform at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and at the ceremonies to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy. He also recently completed a recording as conductor of the Capital Chamber Choir, whose first album was released in April 2017.

Allison Prowse -Conductor Concert & Viva ChoirsAllison Prowse is a graduate of Queen's University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Piano Performance), Ms. Prowse has been a professional accompanist for choral, instrumental and dance performances for over 25 years and, while teaching full-time with the school board, was the accompanist for the Viva and Concert Choirs from 1987-2005, at which point she assumed her role as Conductor. She has conducted the choral component of the Ottawa Youth Orchestra's summer school programme and has collaborated with choral ensembles of all ages and with organizations at the municipal, federal and international levels, including the National Arts Centre and with Music and Beyond. Ms. Prowse (O.C.T.) also holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University with Specialist Qualifications in Special Education (Speech and Language). As an educator with the OCDSB for 18 years, Ms. Prowse placed a strong emphasis on music education both in the classroom and at the school-wide level, supporting choral and instrumental programmes at the piano and podium. Ms. Prowse's strong commitment to the joy of

singing within an educational context is met within the excellent and rich history of the OCC.

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Conductor Prima Choir

Jennifer Berntson is a passionate choral artist and music educator. Inspired by a childhood spent singing with the Saskatoon Children’s Choir, she has performed with ensembles across Canada, including the National Youth Choir. Jennifer is the founding artistic director of Aella Choir, an ensemble intent on sharing innovative programming and compelling repertoire for women’s voices. She currently works at First Baptist Church as the soprano soloist and conductor of the First Baptist Children’s Choir. Jennifer enjoys sharing her love of music through her voice and piano studios, working with students of all ages and levels. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Mount Allison University and a Master of Arts in Music and Culture from Carleton University where she studied the role of collective music-making in social movements.

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CHOIR MANAGERS 2020-2021The Music Conductors and Choir Managers are the key people dedicated to the activities of the five Choirs. Choir Managers are parent volunteers who act as the liaison between the GM, board, conductors, choristers and parents. They try to be available on a day-to-day basis to assist parents and choristers, answer questions, and receive messages regarding attendance. Boys’ Choir Manager: Barn-Yen Li

boyschoir@ottawachildrenschoir.ca Boys' Choir website

Chamber Choir Manager: Beth Nicholson, full team TBDchambermanager@ottawachildrenschoir.ca Chamber Choir website

Concert Choir Managers: Merri Legris, Katherine Percival, team TBDconcertchoir@ottawachildrenschoir.ca Concert Choir website

Viva Choir Managers: To Be Determinedvivamanager@ottawachildrenschoir.caViva Choir website

Prima Choir Manager: Katerina Michalysynprimachoir@ottawachildrenschoir.ca

To Report Absences: e-mail your child’s Choir Manager if very last-minute text or telephone the office at: 613-233-4440. If no one is available, please leave a message.

COMMUNICATIONWe make every effort to keep our choristers and families informed, and rely primarily on e-mail.It is very important to please:

> Check e-mail daily for notices.

> Check your child’s binder and knapsack each week for hard copies of notices.

> Check the OCC website www.ottawachildrenschoir.ca for updated schedules and events.

> Inform the Office Administrator & Choir Managers of any changes to e-mail, phone or address.

> Contact your Choir Manager, Board Rep or GM with questions or concerns.

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VOLUNTEERSThe Ottawa Children’s Choir depends heavily on volunteers for its success.We all want the best for our Choirs, and this cannot be achieved without a large and active group of volunteers. All parents are asked to complete and return the Volunteer Form that was included in their acceptance package, indicating their specific interests and talents. If you are new to the organization, or have never helped with a particular job before, rest assured that there will always be an experienced volunteer to lead the way on tasks! Our Volunteer Coordinator or your Board Rep will contact you as need arises. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents and community members involved with the OCC.Some of our volunteer tasks include:

> During regular rehearsals - Assistant Choir Manager, preparing the physical rehearsal space, marking theory books, handing out and collecting uniforms, working in our music library to sort and file music, fundraising (additional details below)

> During extra rehearsals - Preparing rehearsal space, providing a snack

> Social - Year-end Party Coordinator, decorations, production of award certificates, ticket sales

> Assisting with Concerts & Technical Rehearsals - Selling advertising in the program, preparing and editing the program, posters and tickets, picking up flowers, riser set up and take down, handing out programs prior to the concert, selling tickets at the door, setup and cleanup for any post-concert receptions.

> Chaperoning Trips and Concerts - When the Choirs perform off-site, we require chaperones to provide a 1:10 adult to child ratio. Chamber Choir has the greatest number of commitments during the year, and we request that if your child is in Chamber Choir, you chaperone at least one event throughout the season.

> Board of Directors - The Board meets once a month, and its function is to provide the organizational and financial structure necessary to support the organization.

> Special Projects - These vary from year to year and range from helping with one-time concerts and trips, targeted fundraising, to CD production. See more on fundraising below.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Board of Directors is the volunteer governing body of the Ottawa Children’s Choir. It is responsible for the overall management of the Choir, the viability of its finances and the hiring of the Conductors and the General Manager. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the Choir’s legal responsibilities are discharged and that all reasonable measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of choristers, staff and volunteers who participate in Choir activities. The Board ensures that all OCC volunteers who have direct involvement with the children are officially screened by the Ottawa Police.The Board of Directors consists of up to 13 members, up to six of whom are parents of choristers and represent each of the choirs (Known as Board Reps). The remaining members

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are community representatives. In addition, the three Music Conductors and the General Manager are non-voting members of the Board.Board Directors are elected by the voting members of the Choir (i.e. the parents of choristers, see Membership in Corporation) at the annual general meeting, which usually takes place in June. Directors are elected for two-year terms, with the exception of the representatives of the entry-level choirs (Viva and Prima), who are appointed by the Board itself in September if no viable candidate arrives by the AGM. Vacancies may also be filled by a vote of the Board members.The President of the Choir, who is the chair of the Board of Directors and oversees all Choir operations, is elected at the AGM for a one-year term. Other corporate officers, such as the Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary, are voted in officially by Board members at their first meeting after the AGM.

* Board meetings are open to all parents and guardians. Highlights of each meeting will be forwarded to Choir parents following each meeting.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021

Executive CommitteePresident: Carol Ann Northcott (Parent Rep) president@ottawachildrenschoir.ca

Vice-President: Jane Haycock (Community Rep) vice-president@ottawachildrenschoir.caSecretary: Jim Delaney (Parent Rep) webmaster@ottawachildrenschoir.caTreasurer: Jane Jiang (Parent Rep) treasurer@ottawachildrenschoir.ca

DirectorsAriane Ryan (Community Rep) ariane@ottawachildrenschoir.ca

Anne Laure Wong (Community Rep) anne.wong@ottawachildrenschoir.ca

Beth Searle (Community Rep) email TBD

Stacey Hickey (Parent Rep) email TBD

*Additional Parent and Community Representative positions available. Inquire with the president@ottawachildrenschoir.ca*

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MEMBERSHIP IN THE CORPORATION

Parents and guardians of choristers are automatically voting members of the Choir, which entitles them to vote at the annual general meeting (typically held in June). Each member is strongly encouraged to participate in the activities of the organization to ensure its success and continuity.

ALUMNIThe Choir encourages its former members to stay in touch and to follow the Choir’s activities. All outgoing choir members will automatically be added to the OCC Alumni list unless the Office Administrator is contacted requesting otherwise. Contact information enables us to invite Alumni to share in anniversary and other special celebrations. Please visit our website or contact our Alumni representative at alumni@ottawachildrenschoir.ca.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATIONThe OCC General Manager, Emili Losier, is responsible for the administration of the Choir and provides a central liaison figure for choristers, parents, conductors, the Board of Directors and St. Joseph’s Parish and Sanctuary.

If you have any administrative or financial questions, please contact our General Manager

151 Laurier Ave EastOttawa, ON K1N 6N8info@ottawachildrenschoir.ca613-233-4440

Individual problems or concerns regarding the music program should be discussed with the Music Conductor, Choir Manager, Board Rep and/or General Manager.

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TUITION FEESFull year tuition is paid according to a fee schedule with the last payment in December. [We are considering the schedule in light of Covid-19. More details in late August]

A full refund of fees LESS NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT ($50) is available until October 15, 2020, and upon the return of all Choir property (music and uniforms) issued. [We are considering the refund schedule in light of Covid-19. More details in late August]

No refunds are available after that date.

Financial assistance in the form of a Tuition Scholarship is available and we encourage you to fill in this application if you are in need.

REHEARSALSChoristers are expected to arrive 15 minutes before rehearsal start time to check in and organize their rehearsal music. This may require your child to leave their day program early. In accordance with the Private Music Teacher & the School Administration Act, Section 6, sub-section 2: "A child is excused from attendance at school, if he/she is absent from the school for the purpose of receiving instruction in music and the period of absence does not exceed one half-day in any week."

All regular in-person rehearsals take place at St. Joseph’s Parish, 174 Wilbrod Street (see map below).

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Choristers arrive 15 minutes before rehearsal start time in order to:> Sign in, pick up new music and memos, and hand in forms > Assist with room set-up> Organize music binders. Music binders and pencils are essential at every

rehearsal with the pencil case and pencils provided.> Follow instructions given by the Conductor, Choir Manager(s) and mentors.

In the case of online Zoom rehearsals, we also expect choristers to arrive 15 minutes early in order to set up and assure they have everything and have signed on and are ready to go.

Parents at RehearsalsYour assistance in setting up and clearing the rehearsal space is greatly appreciated. Parents are welcome and encouraged to observe regular rehearsals of Viva, Concert and Boys’ choirs. Prima and Chamber choirs may have closed rehearsals in order to reduce distraction for choristers but do invite observers on selected dates.

ParkingOCC families can park in the St. Joseph’s parking lot for free 15 minutes before the start of the regular weekly rehearsal and 15 minutes after the end of rehearsal while you drop off and pick up your chorister. If you are going to park and stay in the area, you will need to pay using their pay and display system.The St. Joseph’s parking lot (approximately 100 spaces) is located on the east side of St. Joseph’s. This lot has two areas: the first beside the church, and the second located behind the school on the east side of the main lot. Those who park in either of these areas must pay at the parking meter located at the south side of the parking lot (nearest Laurier Avenue East)

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or risk being ticketed. The entrance to the lot faces Wilbrod Street, just east of Cumberland Street. The lot is managed and monitored by a third-party company.

The parking rates are as follows:Day (6am-5pm):                         $1.50/30mins to a maximum of $12.00 for the dayEvening (5pm-6am):   $1.00/30mins to a maximum of $10.00 for the night

*These are two separate time slots; you must pay $22.00 for the entire 24hrs. 

There is also street parking surrounding the church and the University of Ottawa has several public parking lots close to the church. 

For some performances and other special events St. Joe's generously provides free parking for OCC guests.  If there is no sign indicating free parking or it is not the 15 minutes before or after a scheduled rehearsal, please ensure that you have paid to park in the lot.

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TransportationTransportation to and from rehearsals is the responsibility of the parents. For safety reasons, children should not arrive more than 30 minutes before rehearsal as there is no supervision.

Rehearsal pick-up times are up to 15 minutes after rehearsal ends

As a service for chorister parents and guardians who are looking for carpooling options, the OCC is pleased to share a link with you to Ottawa Ride Match. Please be advised that OCC won't be monitoring the site, it is managed by the City of Ottawa and is only accessible to families who confidentially self-register:  http://ottawachildrenschoir.ottawaridematch.com

Rehearsal CancellationsIf school buses are cancelled, then choir rehearsals are moved online for OCC choirs, however, please check your emails regularly for updates. Chamber Choir rehearsals may proceed depending on the situation. Please check your emails throughout the day for updates. We will always endeavour to give as much notice of a cancellation decision as possible and will post it on our website.

Chorister AttendanceMembership in the Choir is a commitment to faithful, consistent and punctual attendance at ALL rehearsals and performances.

> The safety of choristers is our greatest concern. > Please notify the Choir Manager of all absences with a note or e-mail > For a last-minute absence text/ phone call to 613-233-4440 > In case of a planned absence, notification as far in advance as possible is recommended.> Choir members are expected to honour their commitment and attend all scheduled

rehearsals and performances. > Choristers who miss a rehearsal before a concert may not be permitted to sing at the

concert. > Irregular attendance jeopardizes a chorister’s chances of success and confidence in choral

singing and may influence them remaining in the Choir. The Choir Conductor has broad discretion in this matter.

Parents must collect their children promptly at the designated time. Your child's safety is our prime concern.

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Chorister Expectations> Attendance is required at technical or additional rehearsals before performances.> Music binders are essential at every rehearsal**> Choristers are responsible for all of their personal belongings.> A nutritious snack is suggested prior to the rehearsal, but once rehearsal begins no eating is

permitted.> Washroom requirements occur prior to the rehearsal> A non–breakable water bottle is permitted.> Tidy rehearsal space at the end of rehearsals.> Choristers will show respect to other choir participants at all times.> Choristers in the Viva, Concert and Chamber Choirs require daily review of their music. > Memorization of lyrics, memorization of parts, additional assigned homework and listening

(e.g. mp3 files, YouTube, etc.) are part of the weekly commitment. > Choir Conductors provide instruction and clear expectations far in advance to assist

successful choral education.

ANNUAL RE-AUDITIONSChoristers (from all auditioned choirs) are required to re-audition in the spring if they wish to continue the following year. Choristers who have outgrown Prima Choir will need an audition to progress into another OCC choir. A schedule will be made up in the spring and re-auditions take place mainly during regular rehearsal times. Choristers are asked to book a time via the website and after a re-audition are offered placement based on: level of individual musicianship, vocal development, and the balancing needs of each choir level.

Audition results are provided in writing to applicants within 2 days of the audition.

These Re-auditions are not to be confused with General Auditions, which exist for new choristers to our organization.

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PERFORMANCES & RECORDINGSChoristers are required to attend all rehearsals the week preceding a performance. Failure to do so may result in the chorister not being permitted to sing in the performance. This is at the discretion of the Conductor.

> Arrive 15 minutes before choir call > Arrive having eaten a nutritious meal or snack and be well hydrated. Performing is very

strenuous and the chorister's well-being is paramount.> Adhere to dress code as instructed by the Music Conductor or Choir Manager. > Personal hygiene is very important. Hair must be clean, brushed and tied neatly away from

the face. No trendy hairstyles or hair colours. No make-up, nail polish or jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets or anklets).

> Due to allergies, please do not use perfume or hairspray. Unscented deodorant is recommended. Stages are often crowded, and stage lights are hot.

> Present yourself at all times in a calm, polite and professional manner. > A choir is a group experience, where each voice is important. Every chorister is responsible

for mastering his/her own music.> If you feel unwell prior to a performance, tell your Choir Manager right away. If you feel

unwell during a performance, quietly sit down. Supervisors who are nearby will help you.> The OCC has a policy regarding the ratio of adult-child supervision which is based on the

Ottawa Carleton District School Board's (OCDSB) policy directed by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

RECORDING & IMAGINGThere are many times during the year when our choristers may be recorded (audio and videotape), photographed or interviewed during Choir functions. In fact, we rely on being able to portray the voices and images of our choristers through television, radio, print media and the Choir’s website. It is therefore understood that it is a condition of membership in the Choir that a chorister's voice may be recorded, and his or her image may be portrayed, as described above. This is why we ask families to fill in the Media Release Form.

AUDIENCE ETIQUETTEThe performances of the Ottawa Children’s Choir require focus, politeness, patience and presence from our audiences. Our goal is to be as professional and artistically excellent as possible and still have a relaxed and enjoyable time sharing our music. The expectation of the choristers is that they will perform with poise and focus and sing to the best of their ability to share their learning and love of music with the audience. Our concerts are recorded for archival purposes. Often times, a piece is sung most beautifully when it is being shared with a live audience. We are always working towards the

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production of a CD, and it would be ideal if the audience noise during the performance was at a minimum so that some of the recordings from our concerts could be used. Observing the convention of applauding only once the Conductor has lowered and relaxed his/her arms will also assist in making these recordings useable for CD production. The expectation of the audience members is that they will engage attentively and support the artists to the best of their ability by being fully present. If there are things that will distract from the artistic experience or recording such as electronic devices or young children who are not able to sit quietly, then they must be managed accordingly. For example, sit close to the back so you can quickly leave the hall or turn of your cell phone. We are guests in our performance venues, and it is imperative that we appreciate and respect the space. Churches are revered places of worship and we are fortunate to be able to perform in these wonderfully acoustic and special spaces. It is expected that we will not bring food or drink (water exempted) into these spaces and that we will leave things exactly as they were. It is wonderful that our audience fills the church and we are able to share our music with so many people! Let us all teach by example and let our children see that while at performances, we are considerate, appreciative, and fully present, in order to be moved by the beauty and power of the joy of singing.

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SPECIAL PROJECTSSome concerts may be performed outside of the Ottawa area and require the Choir to travel as a group. Some of this traveling is done by bus and some by air. These tours require everyone's complete cooperation for the chorister’s safety and well-being. The Ottawa Children’s Choir is recognized both nationally and internationally for the quality of its program and receives numerous invitations on a regular basis to participate in choral festivals both at home and abroad. Major projects of this kind are part of the enrichment opportunities for the Choir and it is expected that the parents of choir members will allow their child to benefit from these experiences. All major projects are presented to a full meeting of the parents involved, for their approval. The costs of these projects are shared between the families, the Choir (through special fundraising activities) and sponsoring.Families of the choristers in our organization are occasionally asked to billet visiting choirs or bands that are performing in concerts with our Choirs or who have billeted our Choirs in the past. This tradition of reciprocity is an enlightening and pleasant experience for all, and OCC families may be called upon to provide this support.

UNIFORMShint: label all clothing for when we meet in person– we all match!

The OCC uses 2 uniforms:1. Casual Uniforms2. Formal Uniform

* these pieces are provided on loan from the OCC+ these items are ordered by the OCC and available for purchase in September= these pieces are the sole responsibility of the families

CASUAL UNIFORM - Prima, Viva, Concert & Chamber

+ Red OCC golf shirt ($25)------------------------= Black dress pants= Black belt= Black socks= Black dress shoes

Note: this is also the Formal uniform for Prima Choir

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CASUAL UNIFORM - Boys

+ Boys’ Choir long sleeve ($25)

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= Black dress pants= Black socks= Black dress shoes

FORMAL UNIFORM - Viva & Concert Choirs

* Plaid vest White collared dress shirt Black dress pants OR *Navy kilt (=Opaque navy tights)= Black socks= Black dress shoes * Plaid scrunchie, or headband

No makeup or jewelry

FORMAL UNIFORM - Chamber Choir

Pants option= White collared dress shirt+ Black vest+ Red tie + Black tie= Black dress pants= Black socks= Black dress shoes

Dress option+ Black dress + Red sash= Black dress shoes (no heels)= Nude-coloured nylons or bare legs

Hair away from faceNo makeup or jewellery

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Remembrance Day Uniform

At the end of the year Uniform pieces must be dry-cleaned prior to their return otherwise a $25 Dry-cleaning fee will apply.

FORMAL UNIFORM - Boys’ Choir

= White dress shirt= Black dress pants= Black belt= Black socks= Black dress shoes

All Choristers Attending (Concert & Chamber)

= White turtle-neckYour own Winter jacket*Red K-way+Red OCC toque=Black dress pants and/or black dark snow-pants=Black or dark snow boots

Hair tied back from faceNo makeup or jewelry

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MUSIC BINDERA music binder is issued to each chorister at the start of the year. Each chorister is given a number at the start of the year and that is their ‘binder number. Scores are issued and returned at regular intervals during the year using each member's identification number. New music can be issued at any time but returns only happen after the Winter and Spring Concerts.

The musical scores and the binder remain the property of the OCC

If a binder or individual pieces of music are damaged or lost choristers will be charged a replacement cost. Individual sheets of music can cost $5/piece but vary significantly depending on the music; an entire binder of music may cost over $100.Markings in the music must be made in light pencil only and must be erased before music is returned.

To keep music in good condition, each chorister is provided with:> a three-ring binder> a pencil case> 2 pencils

The Choir respects copyrights, and therefore, photocopying of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holder is not permitted.

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FUNDRAISINGAs with most volunteer organizations, fundraising is a significant factor in our budget. The Choir generally has three fundraisers per year. Historically, these have been the coffee and honey sale in November/December, the frozen berry sale in January/February, and the Maple Syrup sale in April/May.

You can volunteer for any or all of the fundraisers as:

> Choir Coordinators (one per Choir - responsible for collecting orders from their Choir and assisting the Fundraising Organizer in finalizing the order);

> Fundraising Organizer (is the contact person for our suppliers, and is responsible for organizing and placing the final order of product);

> Order Distribution (several per Choir - these individuals help to sort the order when it arrives and distribute orders to Choir families).

DONATIONSDonations are a significant part of the Choir’s budget each year. Donations can be used for music, travel, chorister financial assistance, special projects such as commissioning new Canadian compositions, or general operating costs.

As the Choir is a Registered Charity, all donors receive an income tax receipt for donations of $20 or more. Donors’ names are listed in the Christmas and Spring Concert programs and on our website. We encourage families to solicit donations from family members and friends.

The Ottawa Children's Choir prefer donation be made:

> using the Donate Now button on our website: www.ottawachildrenschoir.ca;

> writing a cheque made out to Ottawa Children's Choir;

> giving cash to the Ottawa Children’s Choir;

> direct e-transfer to info@ottawachildrenschoir.ca;

> annual or monthly donations made through Canada Helps or United Way

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We hope that your family's involvement with the Ottawa Children’s Choir will be exciting, educational and enjoyable.