Handbook

2014-2015
(Amended 10/5/2014)



Mailing Address: Long Island Childrens Choir
PO Box 3042
Dix Hills, NY 11746

Office Phone: (631) 306-4121

Rehearsal Address: West Hollow Middle School
Room 121
250 Old East Neck Rd.
Melville, NY 11747

Website: www.lichildrenschoir.org

Email: info@lichildrenschoir.org



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CONTENTS

Subject Page
Mission 3
Organizational Structure 3
Performance Literature 3
Program Description 4
Uniforms 5-6
Tuition / Deposit / Additional Expenses 7
Payments 8
Tuition Assistance 8
Membership 9
Attendance 10
Inclement Weather/Cancellations 10
Conduct 11-13
Choir Assistants 13
Privacy Disclosure 14
West Hollow Middle School 14



























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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Long Island Childrens Choir is to unite children in song and to create musical
artistry by providing opportunities for children to engage in all components of music and singing.
Through the music that comes from within, we instill confidence, creativity, cooperation, and a
feeling of community to children of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience.




ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Long Island Childrens Choir is a non-profit organization and is exempt fromfederal income tax
under Internal Revenue code section 501(c)(3). LICC is governed by the Board of Directors. The
organization also has an Advisory Board and Parent Association. The Executive Director and
Operations Manager oversee day-to-day operations. All musical and artistic elements are overseen
by the Artistic Director and conductors. All biographies and contact information, list of Board of
Directors, and list of Advisory Board members are available online at www.lichildrenschoir.org.




PERFORMANCE LITERATURE

Singers will be exposed to high-quality childrens choir repertoire, spanning a wide range of
musical styles and time periods. At times, sacred literature may be performed. It is not the intent
of the Long Island Childrens Choir to teach or impose any religious tenets; all music programmed
and performed will be chosen for the inherent musical value it provides.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Long Island Childrens choir is an educationally based choral performance ensemble. Singers
are provided instruction in healthy vocal technique, music literacy, music history, choral practice,
and sight-reading while experiencing performance excellence. Rehearsals will incorporate the
philosophies and techniques of Zoltan Kodaly and Jacques Dalcroze. Participants will engage in an
active and creative learning environment, while forming lasting relationships with peers outside of
their community as they cultivate a personal and lifelong appreciation of music.

Prelude is LICCs introduction to choral singing, musicianship, and the philosophies of the program.
Children in grades 1 through 3 who have demonstrated ability to match pitch are introduced to
basic note reading, solfege, and healthy vocal technique through the performance of elemental
unison literature. Prelude singers participate in weekly rehearsals, as well as outside events as
arranged by the director.

Tuesdays 6:00 7:00 pm Ms. Christa Braunreuther, Director
West Hollow Middle School, Room 121


Cantate is for children in grades 3-5 who have excelled in Prelude or their school music program
and are continuing to develop their foundational choral technique. Students must be able to
demonstrate healthy use of head tone and beginning literacy skills. Cantate students participate in
weekly rehearsals, to include sight-singing instruction and the performance of unison and two-part
literature, as well as outside events as arranged by the director.

Tuesdays 6:15 7:15pm Ms. Meagan Finnerty, Director
West Hollow Middle School, Room 122


Harmonia is for intermediate and advanced singers in grades 5 through 12. Choir members
demonstrate healthy vocal technique, developing literacy skills, and can sing comfortably in 2 and
3 part literature. Harmonia singers participate in weekly rehearsals and outside events as arranged
by the director.

Wednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm Dr. Danielle McRoy, Director
West Hollow Middle School, Room 121


Lyric is for advanced singers in grades 7 through 12. Choir members must demonstrate excellent
vocal technique, reading skills, and the ability to sing in 3 and 4 part literature. Lyric singers will
participate in additional repertoire rehearsal and outside events as arranged by the director.

Wednesdays 6:15-7:45pm Mrs. Colleen Regan, Director
West Hollow Middle School, Room 122

*Lyric singers will also participate in an additional rehearsal monthly, schedule TBD.

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UNIFORMS

It is as important to appear professional as it is to sound professional. Upon arrival for concerts,
singers are expected to be clean and well-groomed. Hair accessories that match the color of the
hair are permitted. No jewelry or embellishments other than stud earrings will be permitted.
Perfume is not allowed as it can potentially cause allergic reactions in other singers. If a singer is
not in proper dress, he/she may not be permitted to perform.

Formal and casual uniforms for all groups must be purchased from the specified vendors. Polo
shirts for casual performances will be ordered through the choir. Members are responsible for
ordering their own formal uniforms and dealing directly with the uniform company. Members of
Lyric and Harmonia are responsible for any hemming or alterations of their concert dress. It is
essential that correct fabrics and colors are purchased, where specified, to ensure ensemble
uniformity. Please allow adequate order time to ensure you have your uniformin time for the first
scheduled formal performance. Specific formal uniform requirements are as follows:

Young Ladies:
Prelude Cantate

Lands End Girls Uniform Plaid Jumper Lands End Girls Ponte Pleated Jumper
Item #: 065009-BP3 / 065010-BP6 Item#: 445971-BP1
Color: White Plaid Color: Classic Navy
www.landsend.com www.landsend.com

French Toast Long Sleeve Peter Pan Blouse French Toast Long Sleeve Peter Pan Blouse
Item #: 1460B / 1460G Item#: 1460G
Color: White Color: White
www.frenchtoast.com www.frenchtoast.com

White Knee Socks or white tights Nude tights
Black FLAT shoes (either Mary Jane or Ballet) Black FLAT shoes (either Mary Jane or Ballet)


Harmonia and Lyric

Formal Fashions V-neck Princess Dress
Item #: 4723AA
Fabric: Performance Knit
Color: Black
www.formalfashionsinc.com

Black shoes, flat or modest heel (1-2)

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Young Men:

All Ensembles
School Uniform Boys' Plain Front Chinos
Item #:varies
Color: Black
www.landsend.com

French Toast Long Sleeve Dress Shirt
Item #: 1014A / 1014F / 1014L
Color: White
www.frenchtoast.com

Lands End School Uniform Plaid Necktie
Item #: 42673-BP4 / 058427-BP7
Color: White Plaid
www.landsend.com


Dark Socks, Black Shoes
Black Belt



















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TUITION, DEPOSIT, AND REGISTRATION

Membership fees are charged per year. Tuition does not include the cost of the uniform,
transportation-related expenses, or costs that may be associated with attending or performing at
other festivals , concerts, and tours. Installment payments will be due Sep 1, Nov 1, and Feb 1.

Prelude: Three payments of $170 each ($510 total) or pay in full for discounted rate of $450
Cantate: Three payments of $170 each ($510 total) or pay in full for discounted rate of $450
Harmonia: Three payments of $185 each ($555 total) or pay in full for discounted rate of $500
Lyric: Three payments of $200 each ($600 total) or pay in full for discounted rate of $550

LICC Deposit and Tuition

A non-refundable $50 deposit is due upon the childs acceptance to the choir and will be credited
towards the total cost of tuition. Tuition for Choir members accepted in the fall must have tuition
paid in full by September 1
st
.

Tuition for the Choir members joining after start of the fall season must be paid in full upon
acceptance.

A $10 monthly late fee will be assessed to bills that are more than 15 days past due. Cash, check,
PayPal, and credit card payments are accepted for tuition and fees. Payments can be made directly
via the LICC website. (password protected)

Additional Expenses
Formal Uniforms Priced by uniform company, $50-60/student
Logo Polo Shirts For casual performances, $20/student
Concert Tickets Cost will vary based on the venue



Program Book

The Long Island Childrens Choir will create a program book for each year, to be distributed at all
performances. In order to produce the book, parents are requested, but not required, to sell
advertisements as part of the LICC program. Parents may purchase a booster for their child, while
others sell ads to local businesses. While students are not required to secure an advertisement or
booster, all proceeds are used to benefit the students in the choir.

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Payment Procedures
LICC prefers that you pay your tuition and fees online. Go to
http://www.lichildrenschoir.org/payments.html and click Pay Now at the top of the page.
If you are unable to pay online, checks are accepted. All checks should be made payable to Long
Island Childrens Choir.
Tuition checks may be submitted to a choir assistant at rehearsal or mailed to: Long Island
Childrens Choir; PO Box 3042, Dix Hills, NY 11746
Please list the following information with all payments so that your account can be clearly
identified:
1. Reason for payment (e.g., tuition, program book, etc.)
2. LICC members name, and
3. LICC members assigned choir.
Each childs account balance must be kept current. Failure to do so may result in exclusion froma
performance and/or childs dismissal from the program.
Refunds will not be available after October 15 (Fall) or March 15 (Spring). Please understand
that, as a non-profit organization, LICC establishes its operating budget based upon tuition from
committed participants. No refunds will be available if a child is suspended fromthe programfor
any of the reasons set forth in this handbook or if a child resigns from the programafter tuition
is already paid.
All returned checks will result in a $25.00 charge to the childs account.

Tuition Assistance and Discounts

Tuition Assistance is available on a limited basis, as the LICC budget allows and as may be awarded
in the Board of Directors discretion. Applications may be obtained on our website under Members -
General Information - Scholarships. Applications for assistance must be received by the LICC office
prior to September 1
st
for the Fall semester and February 1
st
for the Spring semester. A letter
stating specific reasons for the need must be included. The Board of Directors will consider the
application and letter, and the Executive Director will notify the family. All Tuition Assistance
Requests remain confidential and are presented anonymously to the LICC Board of Directors.
Only the Executive Director has access to these completed applications.

LICC does not offer specific discounts. However, families with multiple members may request
tuition assistance as specified above for full or partial tuition. The standard application process
must be followed for any and all tuition assistance requests.
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MEMBERSHIP

Singers are admitted to The Long Island Childrens Choir upon demonstration of skills in a closed
audition and are selected for membership at the discretion of our professional staff. LICC
welcomes children of all races, backgrounds, and abilities to audition for and participate in the
program.

It is expected that members of LICC are both responsible and committed to the program.
Membership in the choir is an honor and singers are expected to remain active for the entire
season. Tuition is to be paid in full even when a child is unable to fulfill their commitment and
resigns mid-semester.

Auditions

Returning students will be evaluated each year so that artistic staff may place singers in the most
developmentally appropriate choir. Auditions for new members will generally be held in January
and June or, if special circumstances exist, auditions can be held at other times during the season.
Auditions can be scheduled online at www.lichildrenschoir.org.

Resignation

It is expected that singers are committing to the year for which they have auditioned. If, however,
unforeseen circumstances arise that interfere with a singers ability to honor his/her commitment,
both singer and parent should contact the ensemble director. If it is then determined that the
singer will, in fact, resign, notification in writing must follow the meeting. If a student resigns, the
parent is still responsible for all fees and no tuition will be refunded.

School Music Programs

The Long Island Childrens Choir highly values public and private school music programs as the
primary source of music education for our singers. It is our goal to serve as an extension of these
programs, not a replacement. Accordingly, all singers of performance age are expected to
participate in a positive manner in school performance ensembles, where they are available. The
only exceptions are when the school music program requires that students choose between
instrumental ensembles and chorus or when the child's advanced education schedules do not allow
time for participation therefore leaving LICC as the only alternative for choral study. Additional
exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis and requests for appeal should be submitted, in
writing, to a director.







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ATTENDANCE POLICY

It is an honor and a privilege to be selected to the Long Island Childrens Choir. Singers are
expected to demonstrate responsibility by being present and punctual for scheduled rehearsals
and performances. Just as in any ensemble or team, the success of the whole is dependent on the
efforts of each individual member.

Please consult school and family calendars at the beginning of each season and plan for conflicts
accordingly. For all ensembles, formal concerts (to take place twice annually) will be required and
only in instances of school concerts for which a grade is being issued (e.g. band, orchestra, choir),
or other unforeseen circumstance, will the LICC performance be excused; these do not include
extra-curricular activities or performances.

If your child is unable to attend a rehearsal or performance, both the ensemble director and
Operations Manager, Christine Califano, should be notified. These email addresses may be found
on the LICC website. For an absence to be considered excused, reason must be cited. Should
emergencies arise on the day of performances, parents, when able, should contact the Operations
Manager via phone or email. Any planned absences not submitted in writing prior to the missed
rehearsal or performance will be considered unexcused. In addition to formal concerts, choirs will
be scheduled for various optional performances throughout the season. While these performances
are not mandatory, it is still asked that parents please notify the ensemble director if the singer is
unable to participate.


Lyric Ensemble
Given the heightened performance structure of this ensemble, stricter attendance expectations
will be upheld. Only in instances of illness, unforeseen emergency, and school performance or
event will a rehearsal or performance be considered excused. Additionally, one rehearsal per
half-year session may be excused for dress rehearsal or tech week in a theater production.
Attendance for the full final rehearsal before any required LICC performance is mandatory.

Excessive unexcused absences and/or tardiness of any member may result in removal from Long
Island Childrens Choir, as determined by and at the discretion of the director. Tuition will not be
refunded.


Inclement Weather

LICC will align with West Hollow (HHH School District) for decisions regarding inclement weather
closure. If the District closes the school, LICC will not have rehearsals. LICC also reserves the
right to cancel rehearsals when the school remains open but staff members have concern about
the safety of traveling choir members and family. LICC rehearsal and performance cancellations
will be announced on the LICC website, LICC voice mail, Facebook, and via the Remind101 texting
service.
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CONDUCT

The following policies will be enforced for the childrens safety and in order to achieve a productive
and respectful rehearsal environment.

LICC Members Guidelines and Dress Code

1. Arrive no more than 10 minutes before scheduled rehearsal time and immediately check in with
your Choir Assistant. Late members must still check in before taking their seat.
2. Always bring your LICC folder with music and pencil, as well as any other handouts your
conductor has required.
3. Pay attention to the conductor at all times. Talking or other distracting behavior in rehearsals
interferes with the choirs productivity and progress and will not be tolerated.
4. Cell phones and other electronic devices are to be turned OFF and put away for the duration of
rehearsal.
5. Students are to remain in the rehearsal area at all times; do not roamthe building or campus. We
are guests of West Hollow Middle School and any other venue in which we may perform and all
parents and student must abide by the policies set by each venue; do not run, yell, or engage in
any other disrespectful behavior. If parents wish to wait in the building during rehearsal, they
must wait in designated areas and supervise any siblings or other children who accompany them.
6. Food or drinks, with the exception of water bottles, are not permitted during rehearsal.
7. Show respect at all times for each other, parent volunteers, and the facility.
8. Sheet music is the property of LICC. Do not fold or roll music. Make all markings lightly and in
pencil. Music that is lost or irreparably damaged will incur up to a $10 replacement fee per
octavo.
9. If a singer is unable to actively participate in a rehearsal, he/she should still bring all materials
and observe quietly rather than stay home and miss rehearsal completely. Additionally, research
has proven those who sing through colds and minor illnesses encounter shorter, less-severe
symptoms.
10. Clothing should not be distracting in any way to other singers. Shirts should be long enough to
cover midriff area and undergarments should not be visible. Additionally, clothing that has
profanity, sexual innuendos/overtones, promotes drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, makes
reference to gang/satanic/cult-like activity or promotes violence is not appropriate for LICC
activities.

Parent Expectations

1. Parents are responsible for keeping up with choir correspondence and being alert to all forms of
communication. Ways in which we may communicate with you include:
a. Email: Please be sure your email server is configured to accept emails from the domain
lichildrenschoir.org to ensure safe delivery to your inbox.
b. Website: General announcements and information will be available on the website; however,
we will not post choir specific information, including but not limited to student last names,
meeting times, and meeting locations.
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c. Remind101 Text Service: To register your cell phone for text alerts, text your singers choir
code to (631)350-7407 and follow the prompts. Prelude parents, text @preludept. Cantate
parents, text @cantatept. Harmonia parents, text @harmoniapt. Lyric parents, text @lyricpt.
You will only be able to receive text notifications with this service; you may not reply.
d. Automated phone calls: These will only be utilized in cases of inclement weather and/or
emergency notifications.
e. Handouts: Handouts may be distributed when your child checks in for rehearsal. Please ask
your singer if they received anything after each rehearsal.
f. Facebook
g. Blog: Parents are encouraged to subscribe to the LICC blog to keep apprised of current choir
news / events. The link is also available on the website.
2. Parents are responsible for delivering their child safely to rehearsal and all performances. Do not
leave your child unattended on campus or at any performance before the performance or
rehearsal begins. Parents are also responsible for promptly picking up their child at the end of
rehearsals and performances. Failure to do so may jeopardize the singers safety and result in
dismissal from the program.
3. Parents are responsible for getting their children to and fromrehearsals and events and for their
conduct and well being while waiting for rehearsals, sound checks, or performances to begin.
LICC will use reasonable efforts to inquire about security at public venues where the choir will be
performing, but we do not independently review, monitor, or audit any of those policies. The LICC
is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or loss as a result of the failure to understand or
abide by the venues security or conduct protocol.
4. Parents that are late picking up their child may be charged $20 for every 15 minutes, which will
be added to tuition bill. Exceptionally late and/or frequent late pick-up may result in dismissal
from the program.
5. If your child is participating in LICC and will be driving him/herself to campus, please send a note
stating you are allowing your child to transport themselves to and from rehearsals, which will
include walking to and from the parking lot.
6. Please respect that rehearsals take place in a professional learning environment. Excessive noise
in the hallways by adults and/or young children can be disruptive both to choir members and
professionals in nearby offices, reflecting poorly on LICC.
7. Final dress rehearsals for any performance will always be closed. Only assigned chaperones and
LICC staff may be permitted in the rehearsal area.
8. The LICC believes that parents are an important part of our learning environment. Parents must
not engage in conduct that is detrimental to the education, safety, or well being of other
students. A student member may, at the discretion of the Director or Board of Directors, be
asked to resign or suspend participation from the LICC in the event his/her parent(s) or family
member engage in conduct that is inconsistent with the LICCs mission, goals, or program
handbook.


Performance Guidelines

1. Singers should eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest prior to a performance.
2. Singers should use the rest room before arriving at the concert site.
3. Singers should arrive at the specified scheduled call and check in with their Choir Assistant or
Ensemble Director. Singers who are late for call may be excluded from performance.
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4. Singers should be in specified performance dress, as communicated by their conductor.
5. Prior to performance, singers must have demonstrated competence in all repertoire. Music
should be memorized unless otherwise specified by the conductor. Failure to demonstrate
knowledge of performance music may result in exclusion from performance.
6. Singers feeling ill during performance should sit down in their place. At the end of the song, the
singer should quietly leave the stage. Parent volunteers will be on hand to assist.
7. Singers and parents should remember that they are representing the Long Island Childrens Choir
and best behavior will be expected at all times.




CHOIR ASSISTANTS

Choir Assistants are parent volunteers who wish to help the choir. Choir Assistants will be
selected by the Operations Manager and are expected to attend rehearsals in their entirety for
their child's designated choir. There is no compensation of any kind for serving as a Choir Assistant.
They should arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of the rehearsal to pick up attendance sheets
and nametags from the Conductor, which they will return at the end of that evenings rehearsal.
They will also be expected to distribute any handouts or music and collect any correspondence
from choir students or their parents.

It is a primary responsibility of the Choir Assistant to oversee any hallway activity by the students
while they are outside of their rehearsal space. This includes, but is not limited to trips to the
bathroom or water fountain. We cannot have any students unaccompanied while in the School.

Choir Assistants should be knowledgeable about the choir happenings, as parents will look to them
for answers to questions they may have about upcoming events. Most, if not all of the questions
asked can be found on our website or by reading the e-blasts that we send out.

Lastly, Choir Assistants should be courteous and reliable. If you are unable to make it to a
rehearsal for which you are expected to act as Choir Assistant, we must be given notice and it is
your responsibility to contact an alternate to replace you in addition to advising the Operations
Manager of your absence.

Any parent wishing to serve as a Choir Assistant should contact Operations Manager Christine
Califano prior to the start of the semester. Not all volunteers may be selected.








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PRIVACY DISCLOSURE

The Long Island Childrens Choir wants to capture the moment by photographing, videotaping,
or recording any rehearsals or performances, which the LICC may then use for recruiting,
promotional, or other purposes in the LICCs discretion including on its website or in social media.
Additionally, the news media may be invited to attend our rehearsals or events and may wish to
photograph or interview your child. We ask each parent or guardian to sign a consent and release
form allowing your childs voice and/or image to be used for these purposes. By receiving a copy of
this handbook, you also consent to allow your childs voice and/r or image to be used for all of
these purposes.

WEST HOLLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL

Directions:

From the East: Long Island Expressway (495) to Exit 50 Bagatelle Road. Merge onto the North
Service Road and continue for 2.3 miles to Half Hollow Road. Make a left and cross over the
expressway. Continue 0.7 miles to the light and make a LEFT onto Old East Neck Road. The school
is 0.2 miles down on your left.

From the West: Long Island Expressway (495) to 49S NY-110 S/Amityville. Merge onto the S
Service Rd. and then proceed 1.2 miles and turn RIGHT onto Pinelawn Road. Proceed 0.3 miles to
Half Hollow Road and make a LEFT. Take the 1st RIGHT onto Old East Neck Rd. The School is 0.2
miles down on your left.

All LICC rehearsals are held in the Choir rooms, #121 or #122.

Student Interns

LICC opens its rehearsals to college music education students. At times, these individuals may be
present to observe and assist in rehearsals. All observers will be approved by LICC staff prior to
rehearsal and identified with school ID or name tags.
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