OCC FAQs
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If there is a question about the OCC of general interest that is not covered here please contact the OCC at:
Email: info@oakvillechildrenschoir.org
Questions:
What is the vision of The Oakville Children's Choir?
Our vision for the OCC is threefold:
- OCC is nationally and internationally renowned with a reputation for musical excellence.
- Through OCC programs choristers develop creativity, teamwork, self expression, self esteem, self confidence and leadership skills.
- A love and appreciation of choral music is instilled through participation in the OCC community.
How long has The Oakville Children's Choir been in existence for?
The Oakville Children's Choir is celebrating its 17th season in 2010/2011. 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.
How do I arrange for an audition for my child?
The OCC accepts children between the ages of 5 and 18. 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.
How many choirs make up The Oakville Children's Choir?
For Season 2011 2012 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)
- Youth Choir (also known as INDIGO Voices) which includes experienced male singers aged 12 and up with changed voices
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 2011-2012 is:
Rehearsal Schedule 2011 2012 Day Time Preparatory Choir Tuesday 5:00-5:30 pm Cherub Choir Monday 5:00-5:45 pm Intermediate Choir Tuesday 6:00-7:15 pm Senior Choir Monday 6:00-8:15 pm Chamber Choir Monday 8:15-8:45pm Alternate Tuesday 7:30-9:00 pm Youth Choir (Indigo Voices) Select Mondays 8:15-9:00pm How often do the choirs perform?
The Oakville Children's Choir has 3 self-produced concerts each season. The 2011-2012 schedule is as follows:
OCC 2011-2012 Concert Schedule Date Time Concert Location Sat. Dec. 3, 2011 7:00 pm Joy to the World St. John's United Church Sat. Dec. 10, 2010 3:00 pm Community Carol Concert St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church Fri. May 11, 2012 8:00 pm One World Many Voices Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts 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. As the level of the choir increases, the number of additional community performances will increase.
Will my child be required to wear a uniform?
The OCC has a dress uniform for concerts and a casual uniform, for informal engagements. Uniforms are not worn to rehearsals
The Little Notes Preparatory Choir does not have a dress uniform and concert attire is determined according to the songs that will be performed.
Cherub Girl Uniform Dress Casual Black Tunic dress Navy OCC sweatshirt White katie collar blouse White OCC T-shirt Opaque black tights Blue Jeans Black flat plain rubber sole shoes White sneakers and socks Blue OCC ribbon Cherub Boy Uniform Dress Casual White Long sleeve dress shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt OCC Blue crepe tie White OCC T-shirt Black Dress pants with belt Blue Jeans Black dress shoes and socks White sneakers and socks Intermediate Girl Uniform Dress Casual White revere dress shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt OCC Blue crepe vest White OCC T-shirt Black box pleated skirt Blue Jeans Black flat plain rubber sole shoes, opaque black tights White sneakers and socks Intermediate Boy Uniform Dress Casual White Long sleeve dress shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt OCC Blue crepe tie White OCC T-shirt Black Dress pants with belt Blue Jeans Black dress shoes and socks White sneakers and socks Senior Girl Uniform Dress Casual Blue OCC music jacket Navy OCC sweatshirt Black 3/4 sleve shirt White OCC T-shirt Black palazzo pants Blue Jeans Black slippers, opaque black knee highs White sneakers and socks Senior/Chamber Boy Uniform Dress Casual Black Long sleeve dress shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt OCC Blue satin tie White OCC T-shirt Black Dress pants with belt Blue Jeans Black dress shoes and socks White sneakers and socks Chamber Girl Uniform Dress Casual Black 3/4 sleeve shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt Blue Satin Full Skirt with Organza overlay White OCC T-shirt Blue Jeans Black slippers, opaque black knee highs White sneakers and socks Indigo Voices Uniform Dress Casual Black sleeve shirt Navy OCC sweatshirt Black pants White OCC T-shirt OCC INDIGO funky scarf Blue Jeans Black slippers/shoes, opaque black knee highs/socks White sneakers and socks Season 2011 2012 - Uniform Fitting Days - will take place in September for all choirs. Updated uniform lists with prices will be provided during the summer. Second hand uniforms will also be available at Uniform Fitting Day in limited quantities and sizes. Most uniform items are purchased by chorister families. OCC casual white T shirts are included in tuition. Some senior and Chamber formal uniform items are owned by the OCC and a rental charge is included in tuition for their use.
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.
What are the tuition fees associated with joining The Oakville Children's Choir?
Download 2011 2012 Tuition Fee Schedule here: Tuition 2011 2012
OCC Tuition is for the full season from September to May. The fees covers rehearsals, performances, sheet music, theory, musicianship, workshops, retreats, festivals, socials etc. There is no mandatory fundraising, for season 2011 2012. Parents are expected to volunteer at rehearsals, events and for some administrative tasks and a range of time and talent commitments are available.
Do I have to fundraise?
For season 2011 2012 mandatory fundraising has been eliminated.
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.
Are there touring opportunities available for my child?
The OCC Senior Choir tours internationally every two years.
This season, in July 2012 the Senior choir will travel to Vienna Austria to compete in the Summa Cum Laude international festival.
In the summer of 2010 the Senior and Chamber Choirs competed in the International Choral Festival of Preveza, Greece, in three different categories: Children, Youth and Chamber, earning 3 silver medals. In 2008 they participated in Melodia Music Festival in Argentina.
Touring is a wonderful opportunity for musical and cultural enrichment for our choristers. An international tour is the goal of years of hard work, and the experiences and memories choristers gain on tour last a lifetime. There is a cost associated with tour participation typically between $2,500 and $3,500 per chorister. The value - priceless.
Will my child be recorded?
All OCC concerts are professionally recorded. CDs are released every few years, and may include selections from various choirs.
