2023-2024 Oregon Repertory Singers Youth Choir Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Oregon Repertory Singers?
ORS is a premier choral arts 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1974. We consist of a 100-member professional-caliber adult choir, and an education- and performance-based youth choir music program (established in 1994) unmatched in the region for ages 5-18, serving the greater Portland and SW Washington areas.
2023-2024 Oregon Youth Choir Rehearsal & Concert Schedule:
A more detailed calendar will be sent out upon enrollment.
Rehearsal Location & Time
Tuition Cost:
Kindergarten - 5th grade: $800 for full year
6th - 8th grade: $1,100 for full year
9th - 12th grade: $1,400 for full year
What is included in my tuition?
As a part of your ORSYC tuition, you receive a binder with repertoire (to be returned to the ORS library at close of season), music theory materials, an ORSYC t-shirt or polo, an accessory piece to wear for performances, and an ORSYC pencil. Tuition costs also include involvement at two day retreats (4th-12th) and an end of year party following our final performance for all singers!
What kind of financial aid is available?
Please see our website for comprehensive financial aid information. Applications for financial aid are now integrated into the enrollment process for a more efficient user-friendly experience.
Do you have a tuition payment plan option?
ORSYC recommends paying tuition in one payment, if possible. We do provide the option for a two- or monthly-payment plan (auto-pay set-up & ACH available) for 2023-2024 ORS Youth Choir tuition. Invoices will be created and sent through Quickbooks for any singer who is on a payment plan or scholarship. All payment plans will incur a $1.50 processing fee per transaction. If paying in full, you can complete your tuition payment in the enrollment process and will incur no additional processing fees.
Note: Tuition discount codes, such as sibling discounts and pre-enroll, only apply to those paying in full.
Contact our office at 503-230-0652 or office@ORSingers.org if you have any questions.
Does ORS have a COVID-19 policy?
Yes. You can find it here. As of July 1, 2022, ORS will adhere to, at minimum, current Federal, Oregon Health Authority, and Multnomah County Guidelines regarding masks, vaccinations and distancing.
Do I have to audition to sing in ORS Youth Choir?
No! All singers are welcome to sing in ORS youth choir. There may be opportunities to audition for chamber groups and/or solos throughout the season.
What can I expect at “Back to Choir” night and is it required?
September 12 - NORTH - 4 - 6:30pm
September 13 - CENTRAL - 4 - 6:30pm
September 11 - WEST - Time TBD (likely 30 minutes before rehearsal)
Back to Choir night is a great opportunity to meet and greet with the artistic and executive staff AND meet with other families participating in the program! Learn about us and our planned season for ORSYC. While this is not a required event, we highly encourage everyone to participate! We are planning an informal potluck style get-together. During this time, parents/guardians are encouraged to ask questions, sign-up for volunteer positions, meet other parents while your singer can expect to get one on one time with their music director to ask and answer some questions about their music background and interests; they will sing a song of their choosing - a folk song, nursery rhyme, Happy Birthday, or any other piece they would like to share. Singers should expect to sing short vocal exercises with a piano to determine range. This is NOT an audition, but a chance to learn about each singer. All singers are welcome.
What can I expect regarding communication home?
Your choir director will communicate weekly with you. This may include a wrap up of the prior week, important details to remember for the following week(s), practice tracks, or rehearsal notes. Please have your 6-12th grade singer sign up to receive these emails as well as they will contain information specific to their music and practice expectations. Any/all emails that should receive weekly communications are collected during the enrollment process.
What do I wear for concerts or performances?
Portions of concert attire will be provided. Singers may be asked to provide black bottoms and shoes. Singers are asked to inform their instructors if that is a difficulty and pieces will be provided for you. More details will be shared upon enrollment and leading up to concert/performance opportunities.
What should I bring to rehearsals?
Bring your provided binder with sheet music and theory materials and a pencil, and a water bottle if you need!
Is there an option for carpooling?
Yes! If you are interested in participating in a carpool with other ORSYC families we have a carpool interest form. Your information will be shared with other ORSYC families and coordination will be the responsibility of the participating families.
What if I need to miss a rehearsal?
If you know you need to miss a rehearsal, please communicate this absence via the missed rehearsal google form accessible on our “singers-only” website accessed via the footer of the ORSYC website (ORSingers.org/youth-choir). We don’t want you to miss rehearsals, as we want to maximize every minute of our limited time together to create music! Please plan ahead to communicate conflicts and minimize missed rehearsals. Singers who miss more than 2 rehearsals preceding a performance may be expected to sing their vocal part for the director, choir manager, or a section leader.
Will there be extra rehearsals?
We make every effort to communicate the full season calendar at the onset of each singing year. However, sometimes we get extra performance opportunities! These performances, and any accompanying rehearsals, will be reflected on our calendar document, and communicated as soon as possible via weekly email. There may be the requirement of online evening sectionals as needed for 6-12th grade as we prepare for tour and festival.
Can I attend extra rehearsals at a different location?
Because the West side rehearses on Mondays, we will encounter school holidays. We will adhere to school schedules to allow for family flexibility, but know that your singer is always welcome to that week’s Central or North side rehearsal! Communicate your desire to attend extra rehearsals by reaching out to the music director directly.
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Each singer’s family/guardian should expect to cover one week of check in/check out at rehearsal via signupgenius. A QR code will be provided at Back to Choir Night - you may sign up for more than one option. Volunteer opportunities, in addition to rehearsal check-in/out, consist of chaperoning concerts, retreats, tour and festival, joining the Youth Choir Committee or the ORS Board of Directors. It takes a village and we appreciate every contribution!
Are rehearsals open?
You are welcome to observe rehearsals if you like, but we encourage you to enjoy the quiet time to run errands or meet other Youth Choir parents!
How do tickets work for ORSYC concerts?
Tickets for youth choir concerts in the 2023-2024 season are pay-what-you-can. You must have a ticket to attend concerts. For joint concerts with the adult choir (ORS), a ticket discount will be provided at the time tickets go on sale.