How can you nominate your students to receive a special audition invitation?

            Email us at chorus@govap.org the following information:

            Child’s name

Parent/Guardian name(s)

            Current grade for the 2009-2010 year

            School name

            Mailing address

            Phone number

GOVAP HANDBOOK DOCUMENT

HOW TO AUDITION
The audition consists of reading a short paragraph from 5th grade material, rhythmic clapping, melodic retention, and singing a song of the child's choice of “Happy Birthday” or “America”.

Included in the audition is a brief conversation with the prospective chorister about his/her desire and willingness to succeed in the chorus, and consequently his or her willingness to adjust personal schedules to fit the needs of the program.

It is hoped that when a child enters the program, he/she will remain in the program to the maximum ages or until a voice change occurs. Voice changes will be considered on an individual basis.

SUMMER CAMP
When a child is accepted into the chorus, the chorister will be expected to attend a week-long training camp – typically held the first week of August.

REHEARSALS
In September, weekly rehearsals begin for both choruses and will be held every Monday, except for Holidays. Concert Choir rehearsals start at 5:00 pm and end at 6:50 pm. Chamber choir starts at 6:10 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.

Occasionally, extra rehearsals will be held on throughout the year if more practices are needed.

ABSENCES
Choristers are expected to attend all rehearsals. Absences for sickness, family crisis or school events that are cumulative in nature are excused. For a school event absence to be excused the chorister must be an active participant and the event is only a seasonal school activity for a team or for class work.

Chorister and/or parent is require to notify the director of absence prior to scheduled rehearsal. Notification can be made through email, a written note, in person, or by a telephone call.

Attendance at all performances is mandatory, excused only for sickness and family crisis and severe extenuating circumstances that must be discussed with the director.

Three unexcused absences will result in a recommendation by the chorus staff for dismissal of the chorister from the program. Tuition is non-refundable.

Decisions for dismissal may be appealed before a committee composed of the Artistic Director and two members of the Board of Directors of GOVAP.

CODE OF CONDUCT
It is expected that all choristers follow the highest standards of personal behavior and discipline at all times. Choristers are expected to be well acquainted with the Chorister's Code of Conduct:

GOVAP choristers are to exhibit RESPECT for him/herself at all times, RESPECT for others, RESPECT for property and RESPECT for the program.

Guidance will be given to help develop this attitude and assure correct behavior. There are 3 levels of formal disciplinary action that the chorus staff observes:

1. The first warning is issued after repeated infractions of the Chorister's Code of Conduct. The parents of the chorister is notified that the child has received their 1st warning.

2. A second warning is issued in writing after continued infractions of the  Chorister's Code of Conduct. A meeting with the parents, chorister and staff is called immediately to discuss the situation.

3. Dismissal as a result of continued infractions following second written warning. Appeal may be made before a committee composed of the Artistic Director and two members of the Board of Directors of GOVAP.

** Please note, GOVAP is not equipped to deal with chronic or severe behavior problems.

TUITION
Yearly GOVAP tuition is the following:

$700 total:
$150 due at registration (early Summer) $250 due at camp (Aug. 2-6, 2010) Remaining balance due in monthly increments of $75 September - December. 

Tuition includes Registration fee, a 4-night/5-day camp, Uniform rental, and weekly rehearsals.
 
All payments are final. Failure to meet your financial agreements with GOVAP may result in a loss of membership in the choruses. No refunds will be made.

UNIFORM RENTAL
This includes the shirt, vest and pants and bow tie. Choristers are responsible for shoes, socks, belts, etc. After the last concert, choristers are asked to turn in their uniforms.

GOVAP POLICY
It is the policy of GOVAP NOT to exclude anyone from the program or any of its activities because of an inability to pay tuition, fees, or other assessments. If a family is unable to meet the financial expectations of the chorus, a brief letter of explanation to the Treasurer of the Board of Directors will serve as a request for assistance and initiate a dialogue between the Board of Directors and the family.

The Board of Directors may request the family to provide information to assist in determining the style of financial assistance most appropriate. The Board of Directors will rely on the honesty and integrity of those requesting financial assistance to do so in earnest. If the financial status of a family receiving scholarship assistance ever changes, it is hoped that the family will choose to repay GOVAP for its assistance so that GOVAP may continue this kind of program. 

Download and print the
2010 GOVAP Handbook Document