All choirs, except Prelude Choir, participate in all 3 Mainstage concerts each year and the Welcome Concert in October. Prelude Choristers skip our December Concert and have mini-parent recitals instead.
Chorister attendance at these concerts is expected. We understand that sometimes life events come up that take precedence. We ask, however, that you make every effort to attend these concerts. Our students work together as a community and every voice matters both in rehearsal and in our performances similar to a team sport. In addition to these concerts, sometimes we participate in community performances (benefits, music festivals, caroling, etc.). Chorister participation in these community performances is expected. As a member of an ensemble, we reasonably expect that each chorister will understand and follow through on the commitment made to their fellow choristers.
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CONCERT PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES:
Choristers are expected to perform in all scheduled Bellevue Youth Choirs concerts and performances.

Choristers must be on time to the given arrival time for the performances and dress/tech rehearsals. This early arrival time is essential for running through the logistics of the program.

Out of respect for the rest of the choir, a singer whose attendance falls below 60% at the time of a ticketed concert will not be allowed to perform in the concert.

Consistent absences from concerts, whether for other scheduled activities, illness, or lack of part check readiness, may result in dismissal from the choir.

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GENERAL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR ALL CHOIRS:

Choristers are expected to regularly attend rehearsals.

Choristers should not miss more than two consecutive weeks of rehearsals.

Choristers are expected to be on time for rehearsals. Late arrivals interrupt the learning process for everyone in the room. Plan to arrive five minutes early; have a snack prior to rehearsal, use the restroom, and bring a water bottle.

Choir depends on each chorister participating to facilitate group learning, much like team sports. As such, we have the following attendance policy:
-Choristers who miss more than 3 rehearsals in a concert cycle may be asked to complete a part check with their director in order to participate in the concert.
-Choristers who miss more than 5 rehearsals in a concert cycle may be deemed ineligible to perform, but should still attend remaining rehearsals to facilitate their learning.

Attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory to sing in all concerts. Dress rehearsals are the same day as our concerts. Choristers are given a call time 2-3 hours prior to our concert and provided snacks.

If a concert absence is unavoidable, please communicate with your director by email at least two months in advance. Most of the choirs sing in parts and this ensures the director can plan accordingly and prepare other choristers.

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Concert Dress Code:
Bellevue Youth Choirs has uniform requirements for each choir level. As an inclusive program, we are committed to ensuring uniforms accommodate students of all genders, identities, and disabilities. Bellevue Youth Choirs has selected multiple options for each choir level for choristers and their Parent/Guardians to choose from. Please let the Managing Artistic Director know immediately if a chorister has a uniform requirement that relate to their gender, identity, or disability.
Choristers must provide black dress shoes for all performances and black socks or tights.

Bellevue Youth Choirs T-Shirts:
Note that each chorister will receive a Bellevue Youth Choirs T-Shirt at our Welcome Concert in October. The shirt cost is part of your registration fee, so no additional money is needed and BYC orders these for you.
If your chorister joins after the Welcome Concert, you will receive your T-Shirt at that time or after an additional order is placed (likely February).

These t-shirts are not used in concerts. They are used for outreach events and tours.
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Chorister Code of Conduct:
Performance participants represent Bellevue Youth Choirs and our values. As such, all participants, and their parents and/or guardians, must:
- Treat all community members with kindness and respect.
- Work to their potential and see challenges as an opportunity to learn.
- Actively build a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on themselves and the Bellevue Youth Choirs community.
Failure to uphold these values may result in the chorister's dismissal from the program.

Payment and Billing Information:
I represent and warrant that if I am purchasing something or paying for a service from Bellevue Youth Choirs or from other merchants through Bellevue Youth Choirs that (i) any credit card or bank account draft (ACH Draft) information I supply is true and complete, (ii) charges incurred by me will be honored by my credit card company or financial institution, and (iii) I will pay the charges incurred by me at the posted prices, including any applicable taxes, fees, and penalties.

I hereby authorize (if online payment is made or autopay information is provided) Bellevue Youth Choirs to charge my ACH draft or credit card account. I understand that written notice to Bellevue Youth Choirs is required to terminate billing and I am responsible for payment whether or not my student attends classes until I notify Bellevue Youth Choirs in writing to drop my student from class(es).

I hereby authorize Bellevue Youth Choirs to process my credit/debit card on file for all charges due.
Should I dispute a charge through my financial institution this will constitute a breach of contract possibly resulting in, but not limited to, penalties, additional fees, collection, legal action, and/or termination of any and/or all current and future services.

BYC Financial Policies:
I understand that tuition will be charged automatically on the 1st of each month of rehearsals (September through June). I will set up autopay or ensure that the tuition balance is paid by the 1st of the month. If my credit card information changes, I will update my parent portal account before the next tuition charge processes.

I understand once rehearsals have begun, any tuition paid is non-refundable. If a singer misses rehearsal or withdraws before the end of a given month, I am still obligated for the payment of my tuition in full. If my singer is removed from the program due to inappropriate behavior, I will not be refunded for that month.

I understand as a member of Bellevue Youth Choirs I am required to pay annual dues at the beginning of each choir season or upon joining the choir. These annual dues are separate from monthly tuition and are non-refundable.

I understand I must be current on dues as well as monthly tuition for the singer to be eligible to rehearse or perform with the choir or participate in activities of the choir, including but not limited to: concerts, retreats, tours, etc.

I understand that singers are not to be dropped off more than 10 minutes early or picked up more than 10 minutes late, or I will incur a $20 fee.

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Rehearsal Facility Guidelines:
We are delighted that Cross of Christ Lutheran Church is our rehearsal space! This facility is truly home for us: a terrific location, perfectly sized classrooms, and a caring and supportive staff who are willing to share their space with us. Please respect it as a sacred space by following these rules:

No running/screaming/horseplay.
Leave the facility in the same or better condition than how you found it.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Please stay in our reserved areas: Main Lobby and access to upstairs bathrooms.
The Ark Daycare uses much of the downstairs space and the playground at Cross of Christ. We have agreed to the following to respect their space, staff and children.
We will drop off and pick up our choristers upstairs.
We will supervise our children at all times: (especially siblings of choristers) in the entryway.
We will not use their playground.
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Cancellation Policy:
BYC has open enrollment until the end of September and again throughout the month of January. This is to ensure choristers have enough time to be prepared for concerts. Our cancellation policy is centered around those dates, our Mainstage concerts, and being able to fill vacancies.
If written notice is given by August 30th, the family is only responsible for the $60 nonrefundable registration fee/annual dues.
If written notice is given between September 1st and September 15th, the family is responsible for the $60 nonrefundable registration fee and September tuition.
If written notice is given between September 16th and December 31st, the family is responsible for the $60 nonrefundable registration fee and September-December tuition.
If written notice is given by January 15th, the family is responsible for the $60 nonrefundable registration fee and September-January tuition.
If written notice is given AFTER January 15th, the family is responsible for the remainder of the season.

Note - families are not responsible for paying months prior to their enrollment.

Note for Prelude families - Until January, choristers will not be responsible for the remaining semester tuition for dropping early, but must give notice two weeks before the start of the next month to avoid being charged for the next month.

Once withdrawn, all outstanding balances will be due at the time of withdrawal.

Of course, life can be unpredictable. If something happens, we strongly encourage families to talk with us so we can work with you.

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Other Program Policies:

Emergency/Weather Closures: Bellevue Youth Choirs uses the Bellevue School District (BSD) emergency and severe weather closures as a guideline; however, we will always assess if we can safely operate. When a decision has been made to close, we will email and text all impacted families.

In the Event of Illness:
Choristers should not attend a rehearsal if they have a cough, fever, or sore throat or had a fever in the last 24 hours.

Nut-Free Space:
Please do not bring nuts or food containing nuts to Bellevue Youth Choirs as we have several members of our community with severe nut allergies.

Code of Conduct:
Students and families must be respectful of our program policies, classroom rules, peers, and staff. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of the student or family from the program. Students who become disruptive to others in class will not be able to participate in class. In certain cases, a parent may be contacted for early pick-up. There are no refunds or credits for missing a class due to disruptive behavior.

Music:
Choristers must return music at the end of each season. All music remains the property of Bellevue Youth Choirs. A $20 replacement fee for unreturned music and folder will apply.

Waiver of and Release of Liability:
In consideration of minor(s) I enroll and my participation in programs at Bellevue Youth Choirs, I hereby, for myself and on behalf of the minor(s) I enroll, my family, spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, and personal representatives, forever release, waive, acquit, discharge, and covenant not to sue Bellevue Youth Choirs, as well as their agents, employees, officers, directors, instructors, volunteers, spouses, assignees, heirs, guardians or personal representatives for any and all claims from injuries, illness, death, damage or loss which I have or which may occur to me or my family on account of myself, minor(s) I enroll, and family’s participation in Bellevue Youth Choirs classes and programming, including those resulting from acts of negligence. I understand that Bellevue Youth Choirs has relied upon this agreement in determining the extent of insurance coverage to be obtained and that in the absence of this Release, Bellevue Youth Choirs would charge considerably higher fees to participants.

Consent to Medical Treatment:
In the event of an accident or emergency, I hereby authorize Bellevue Youth Choirs and its representatives, including its employees, contractors, teachers, coaches, and volunteers, to render first aid to myself and the minor(s) I have enrolled to the extent they deem appropriate. I further authorize Bellevue Youth Choirs and its representatives to transport or arrange for the transportation of myself and the minor(s) I enroll by ambulance to a hospital or any other medical or dental facility for medical or dental treatment and I authorize Bellevue Youth Choirs and its representatives, to consent to medical and dental treatment for myself and the minor(s) I enroll. I agree to hold Bellevue Youth Choirs and its representatives harmless from any and all decisions made concerning medical and dental treatment for myself and the minor(s) I enroll. Additionally, I hereby agree to be personally responsible for payment of all medical and dental expenses, including transportation, which may be incurred by myself or on behalf of the minor(s) I enroll, as a result of any injury sustained while attending or participating in Bellevue Youth Choirs programming, including future medical and dental expenses related to such injury.
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Photography and Videography Release:
I hereby grant Bellevue Youth Choirs permission to take photographs, videos, and/or recordings of myself and/or my child/ward, and grant permission to use these images, videos, and recordings, as well as my/their likeness, name, and voice as follows:

-The use may include reproduction, distribution, derivative works, display, and performance.
-The use may be in composite or modified forms and in any media, now known or later developed,
including without limitation, the internet, social media, newspapers, television, and radio.
-The use may be for any purpose throughout the world and in perpetuity, including, without limitation, education, trade, advertising, and promotion.

I further acknowledge that I will not be compensated for these uses, and that Bellevue Youth Choirs exclusively owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings, and to any derivative works created from them. I waive the right to inspect or approve of the uses of any printed or electronic copy. I hereby release Bellevue Youth Choirs from any claims that may arise from these uses, including without limitation claims of defamation or invasion of privacy, or of infringement of moral rights or rights of publicity or copyright.
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By signing my name below, I, the participant and legal parent/guardian of any minor(s) I enroll, hereby attest that I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I further acknowledge that I understand its contents, agree to all policies stated in this document, and I agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. I further agree that this electronic signature is the legal equivalent of my manual signature on this agreement. I hereby release Bellevue Youth Choirs, as well as their agents, employees, officers, directors, instructors, volunteers, spouses, assignees, heirs, guardians, or personal representatives from liability. I acknowledge and understand that I am signing a contract with legal consequences. In the absence of the participant and/or parent/legal guardian signature below, payment of fees, attendance at and participation in any Bellevue Youth Choirs programming shall constitute acceptance of the conditions set forth in the release.


Legal Authority: The Parent or Court-Appointed Legal Guardian must sign for any participating minor(s) (those under 18 years of age). I certify that I am the Parent or Legal Guardian of any minor(s) I enroll in Bellevue Youth Choirs programming, and I agree that I and the minor(s) I enroll are subject to all the terms of this document, as set forth above.