OCC Frequently Asked Questions
The mission of The Oakville Children's Choir is to provide world-class vocal, musical, and performance training to young people in Halton and beyond.
Questions:
- What is the vision of The Oakville Children's Choir?
- How long has The Oakville Children's Choir been in existence for?
- How do I arrange for an audition for my child?
- How many choirs make up The Oakville Children's Choir?
- Where and when are rehearsals held?
- How often do the choirs perform?
- Will my child be required to wear a uniform?
- Can my child attend a rehearsal to see what The Oakville Children's Choir involves?
- What are the tuition fees associated with joining The Oakville Children's Choir?
- Do I have to fundraise?
- Are their bursaries available for my child?
- Are there touring opportunities available for my child?
- Will my child be recorded?
Answers:
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What is the vision of The Oakville Children's Choir?
Our vision for the organization is to nurture musical ability and positive values through excellence in what we do and participation in our community. Our vision for each chorister is to develop his or her musical talents and love of music, and to build values teamwork, cooperation, participation, discipline, leadership, social diversity and creativity.
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How long has The Oakville Children’s Choir been in existence for?
The Oakville Children’s Choir is celebrating its 16th season in 2009. During this time the OCC has earned an outstanding reputation with both the local and international communities for artistic excellence, diverse programming and a high standard of performance.
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How do I arrange for an audition for my child?
The OCC accepts children between the ages of 5 and 17. Auditions are held throughout the summer and early fall. Your child does not have to have a music background in order to audition for the OCC. There is a fee of $15 for the audition. Please contact The OCC office for further information or to book an audition time.
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How many choirs make up The Oakville Children’s Choir?
We have a total of six choirs: Little Notes Preparatory Choir (SK-Grade 1), Cherub Choir (Grades 2-4), Intermediate Choir (Grade 4 and up), Senior Choir (Grade 5 and up), Chamber Choir (most accomplished choristers from Senior Choir) and Boychoir (boys from all choirs).
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Where and when are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals are held weekly at St. Simon’s Anglican Church in the Trafalgar Road – Upper Middle Road area of Oakville. The rehearsal schedule for 2009-2010 is:
Rehearsal Schedule Choir Day Time Preparatory Choir Tuesday 5:00-5:30 pm Cherub Choir Monday 4:30-5:15 pm Intermediate Choir Tuesday 6:00-7:15 pm Senior Choir Monday 5:45-8:15 pm Chamber Choir Monday 8:30-9:00 pm Every second Tuesday 7:30-9:00 pm Boy Choir Tuesdays (once per month) 7:30-8:15 pm -
How often do the choirs perform?
The Oakville Children’s Choir has 4 performances each season. The 2009-2010 schedule is as follows:
OCC 2009-2010 Concert Schedule Date Time Concert Location Fri. Dec. 4, 2009 7:00 pm Snowflakes, Songs and Stars St. Johns United Sat. Dec. 5, 2009 3:00 pm Snowflakes, Songs and Stars St. Johns United Sat. Dec. 12, 2009 3:00 pm Community Carol Concert Appleby College Sat. Feb. 27, 2010 4:00 pm A Little A Cappella and All That Jazz! OCPA Sat. May 29, 2010 3:00 pm Songs & Rhythms of the World ClearView In addition The OCC collaborates with other community music organizations and charities from time to time throughout the year. The OCC is committed to community involvement.
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Will my child be required to wear a uniform?
The OCC has a dress uniform for concerts and a casual uniform, for informal engagements. Little Notes Preparatory Choir does not have a uniform. The Cherub Choir and Intermediate Choir dress uniforms and casual uniforms can be purchased at a reasonable cost from a local retailer in Oakville.
In addition Cherub and Intermediate uniforms may be purchased second hand from previous choir families in the fall. Senior Choir and Chamber formal uniforms are owned by the OCC and are lent to choristers.
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Can my child attend a rehearsal to see what The Oakville Children’s Choir involves?
While our rehearsals are not open to the public, we strongly urge you to bring your child to one of our concerts. At the concert they will be able to see the choirs perform and learn about the type of music involved in choral singing. This will give your child a good indication if this is something they wish to become involved in.
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What are the tuition fees associated with joining The Oakville Children’s Choir?
The fees for the 2009-2010 Season (September-May) are as follows:
Choir Fee Preparatory Choir $400 Cherub Choir $680 Intermediate Choir $880 Senior Choir $1150 Chamber Choir $300 Boychoir N/C This fee covers rehearsals, performances, musicianship programs, workshops, retreats, festivals, socials etc.
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Do I have to fundraise?
Yes, family fundraising is an integral part of our funding, and typically involves 3 sales campaigns during the fall. Fundraising helps to keep our tuition fees as low as possible.
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Are their bursaries available for my child?
Yes, bursary applications are available from The OCC office and are reviewed by our Board of Directors. All bursary applications are kept strictly confidential. No child with ability and desire to sing will be denied an opportunity to join The OCC due to financial reasons.
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Are there touring opportunities available for my child?
The OCC Senior Choir tours internationally every two years. In 2008 they participated in Melodia Music Festival in Argentina and 2010 will see them compete in Greece at the 28th International Choir Festival of Preveza 16th International Competition of Sacred Music. Touring is a wonderful opportunity for musical and cultural enrichment for our choristers. The experiences and memories they gain on tour last a lifetime. There is a cost associated with tour participation typically between $2,500 and $3,500 per chorister.
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Will my child be recorded?
All OCC concerts are professionally recorded. CDs are released every few years, and may include selections from various choirs.