Performing Ensembles
Treble Chorus is the beginning level choral
ensemble for children approximately 8-11. Rehearsals
are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:00
pm and the children perform approximately four concerts
a year.
Concert Chorus is the intermediate level
choral ensemble for children with a strong choral
background. Rehearsals are held Mondays
and Thursdays from 4:20-6:05 pm. The children
perform approximately four concerts a year and may
have one weekend tour in the mid-western area per
season.
Touring Chorus is the advanced level choral
ensemble made up of experienced, mature singers.
Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 6:15 - 8:00 pm
and Thursdays from 4:15-6:15 pm. This ensemble performs
extensively, particularly in December and the spring.
One international, national or regional tour may
be taken per season, often rotating over a cycle
of two to three years.
Tuition
Tuition Covers: over 100 hours of high
caliber musical instruction and vocal training per
season as well as choristers' activities and materials,
music and folder, supplies, mailings, notices, rehearsal
space, conductor and accompanist.
Tuition Rate: Tuition for the 2007-2008
season will be:
TREBLE Chorus - $750
CONCERT Chorus - $875
TOURING Chorus - $975
For the January to May semester, tuition is one
half of the above.
Discounts are granted when
- more than one child in the same immediate family
is in the Chorus ($50 per child).
- a family with a child in Chorus also enrolls
a child in MEC. ($25 Applies only to the Chorus child)
- a Chorus family refers another child who then
auditions and registers for Chorus ($100) or registers
for MEC ($25).
Tuition deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. A split
payment plan may be prearranged, and there is a
small additional charge for this.
Financial aid is available based on economic
need. Call the Chorus office for an application.
Other Expenses and Responsibilities
Concert Dress: Choristers are responsible
for buying their own concert dress. This includes a custom-made shirt,
a black T-shirt, a GECC baseball-style shirt, and black dress pants.
Concert choristers will need a black GECC polo shirt; Touring choristsers
will need the black polo and a black hooded sweatshirt.
Concert Tickets: Choristers are encouraged
to sell 10 tickets to our own Holiday Concert and
to our Spring Concert each season.
Annual Giving Campaign: Every fall parents are
asked to make a tax-deductible contribution to the
chorus.
Major Chorus Benefit Event: Every year the
Chorus holds a major fundraising event. Chorus families
are expected to support this event as described
upon registration. For 2007-2008 season this will
be a Raffle held in the spring.
Chorister Fundraisers: To help choristers
pay for expenses several OPTIONAL individual fundraising
activities are available throughout the year. The
money that choristers raise goes into each chorister's
individual fundraiser account to help offset expenses
of tuition or a future tour.
Volunteering: Parents are expected to participate
in some support activities as described in the registration
materials.
Other Expenses: Choristers pay a nominal
fee for the annual Retreat in September. Tours are
charged separately from other expenses.
Weekly Classes (MEC)
Musical Experience for Children (MEC) is our entry
level class ("pre-choral training") for
young children (K to 2nd grade) with little or no
previous musical background.
- Kindergarten and first grade:
This class meets once a week on:
Tuesdays in Glen Ellyn at the Glen Ellyn
Park District from 5:00 to 5:50
pm or
Wednesdays at the College of DuPage from 5:00 to 6:00
pm or
Thursdays in Wheaton at the Wheaton Park District from 4:30 to 5:20
pm.
- Second grade:
This class meets once a week
on:
Tuesdays in Glen Ellyn at the Glen Ellyn
Park District from 6:00 to 7:00
pm or
Wednesdays at the College of DuPage from 5:00 to 6:00 pm or
Thursdays in Wheaton at the Wheaton
Park District from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
There is no placement hearing necessary for this program
and registration is handled by the GE Park District
or the College of DuPage Youth Education program or for the Wheaton Park District class by the GECC (630-858-2471).
MEC tuition: Registration and payment for the Musical
Experience for Children class is handled through
the Glen Ellyn Park District (858-2462) or the College
of DuPage (942-2377) or for the Wheaton Park District
class through the GECC (858-2471).
Rates for Glen Ellyn Park District in 2007-2008
are $185 per semester for Park District residents
and $267.50 per semester for non-residents.
Rates for the College of DuPage in 2007-2008 are
$185 per semester for everyone.
Rates for the Wheaton Park District in 2006-2007
are $185 per semester for Park District residents
and $267 per semester for non-residents.
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What do Choristers Do?
Grow: Through the following activities, the
children learn, develop and mature as people and as
artists - and they have a lot of fun doing it, too!
Rehearse: Twice a week all ensembles meet
to rehearse at 501 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn. (The Musical
Experience for Children classes meet once a week.)
Perform: All choristers sing in at least
four concerts a year, and the more advanced ensembles
perform considerably more often. Regular performances
include our own Holiday and Spring Concerts as well
as may other local concerts. Special appearances
have included singing at Chicago's Orchestra Hall,
the Ravinia Festival, and the Grant Park summer concerts.
Have Fun: Throughout the year the Chorus
has special events just for fun, such as Retreat,
Celebration Night and Visiting Choir events.
Tours: The advanced ensemble has participated
in many national and international tours over the
years. The intermediate ensemble may take a shorter
weekend tour in the Midwest area.
What Do Parents Do?
Parents are always strongly encouraged to be a
part of their child's Chorus experience by attending
concerts and fun-day events and also coming to a
few rehearsals throughout the year.
Volunteer activities for parents are crucial and
plentiful. The sheet given at hearings indicates
areas where help is needed either for single events
or in a more ongoing capacity. Here lasting family
friendships are made and invaluable support is given
to the children's activities.
Points to Remember
- Hearings are really easy. They're just for
placement.
- You don't have to be a "good" singer
before you join the Chorus.
The children say it best:
- "I have made lifelong friendships in the
Chorus."
- "Chorus is really fun."
- "I can't believe the places we have sung
and the experiences we have had. The benefits
I have received are more than I can put into words.
I've learned about friendship as well as music."
- "Coming to the Chorus is like coming home
to a family of friends."
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About
Us 
Ensemble
Placement Hearings and Registration