Refund Schedule

• Before first class in September: 100% of tuition (and 100% of Jumpstart camp fees, if applicable)
• After first class, before October 1: 80% of tuition
• After October 1, before November 1: 60% of tuition
• After November 1, before first class in January: 40% of tuition

Usage fees (wardrobe, facility, etc.) and service fees are non-refundable.

No refunds are given after the first rehearsal of the second semester.

The KIDS & MUSIC program is under the larger umbrella of the Youth Singers of Calgary. The Grade 3 program, KIDAZZLE, is a training ground for the youngest performance division, KIDZXPRESS (Grade 4-6). KIDS & MUSIC provides a foundation on which to build. The passionate and highly skilled artistic teams of all the older divisions further your child’s pursuit of an enduring and lifelong musical education.

The majority of children move up automatically to the next level corresponding with their grade. If you or Ms. Kathy thinks it would be best for your child to return to the same program for an additional year or skip a year, there is flexibility to do so. By communicating openly, we are able to ensure the best outcome for your child so that music-making continues to be an important part of their life.

There is not a specific volunteer requirement for KIDS & MUSIC families, but there are places where we ask for your help and many ways to get involved. We are always so impressed by how much parents are willing to help!

1. It is recommended that a parent of each singer signs up to be an Administrative Helper at least once in the year, to help with binder handouts and stickers and sit at the desk during the class.
2. We ask all families to contribute snacks for our Holiday and Year-End presentations.
3. Many volunteers will be required for our Year-End Presentation. Please note that all volunteers (regardless of their assigned tasks) will be able to enjoy all of the show.
4. There are other opportunities to volunteer, donate, and get involved with Youth Singers, and you’ll find out more about these throughout the year.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm all year (except holidays), and general inquiries can be made to yscadmin@youthsingers.org or by calling 403-234-9549.

We may ask singers to wear a specific colour, choose a favourite outfit, or dress in their party best. Information will be communicated prior to presentations. Please ensure that footwear meets the safety-first rule.

Yes. For Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 programs we have set specific dates for you to join us for the last 20 minutes of class and see your child in action – these dates will be available to you in September. For the Grade 2 program parents are welcome to join us for observation classes through the month of September. Observation classes will be held again in January for new January registrants ONLY. Please refer to the class calendar for these dates in September and January.

When entering the rehearsal space you will be asked to remove outdoor footwear. Also, please be “in the moment” and refrain from camera use.

Youth Singers’ entrance/admin area has limited seating. If you bring any younger, “vocal” siblings, we ask that you have quiet activities to keep them busy. Parents may also check on the availability of the boardroom as an alternative waiting area. For any families who do not stay on site during rehearsal, we need an emergency contact number and an update of any changes.

Sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes, a bottle of water, a positive attitude, a smile, and a willingness to learn. A music binder is provided which children need to bring each week to regular class (binders may be left at home on presentation days). In the Grade 2 program, sheet music is the property of Youth Singers and is collected towards the end of each term. A fee is assessed for any lost music.

Each level of KIDS & MUSIC has the opportunity to share their accomplishments twice in the year. Please note the dates and times – they are noted on the registration page, and you’ll receive a full calendar in the fall. It is an expectation that your child attend these presentations. Details will follow as those dates approach and we hope you are able to plan family holidays accordingly to allow your singer the chance to participate. 

The December presentation brings together both classes of each level within KIDS & MUSIC. The year-end presentation showcases all classes together so that everyone feels part of the bigger KIDS & MUSIC family. This latter presentation will be off-site.

Refund Schedule

• Before first class in September: 100% of tuition (and 100% of Jumpstart camp fees, if applicable)
• After first class, before October 1: 80% of tuition
• After October 1, before November 1: 60% of tuition
• After November 1, before first class in January: 40% of tuition

Usage fees (wardrobe, facility, etc.) and service fees are non-refundable.

No refunds are given after the first rehearsal of the second semester.

Youth Singers programs are all about singing, dancing, and performing. We offer a unique experience where kids can sing together while also learning dance and theater. At Youth Singers of Calgary, students build their confidence, discipline, self-esteem, leadership skills, and ability to work as a team.

Our programs help kids learn about the performing arts while also improving their reading, concentration, memory, and focus.

In a supportive environment with friends and mentors, we watch young performers grow from shy or hesitant to lively, focused, and excited about performing.

Singers receive, at age-appropriate levels:

• Coaching from a talented team of music and performing arts instructors and choreographers

• The chance to perform locally several times a year

• Opportunities to develop leadership through student-led projects

• Paths for exploring careers in the performing arts, starting as students and moving up to coaches

Going on tour is an exciting opportunity for our singers in JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3. Many of our Youth Singers have had amazing experiences on these tours, creating memories that last a lifetime.

JUNIOR HI usually goes on tour in the spring of odd-numbered years. Most often, they travel to Disneyland, where they can perform, take part in competitions, and join workshops led by professionals in the performing arts.

SENIOR HI and ACT3 tend to tour in even-numbered years. Their trips alternate between international destinations and places in North America. In the past, they’ve visited countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Bahamas, China, Brazil, Argentina, various countries in Europe, and many spots across the USA and Canada.

Please keep in mind that tours involve additional costs and require extra practice. Registration typically opens 12 to 18 months before each tour, and you can help cover some of the costs through our bingo program.

You can find schedules, updates, important links, music learning resources, and other details on TeamSnap. You’ll also get a weekly newsletter from Youth Singers, which is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening overall with the group.

If you’re a singer in grades 10-12 , you can earn high school credits for your work with Youth Singers through the Work Experience program. This won’t affect your ability to earn credits from your school choir, drama classes, or other arts activities. You can earn up to 15 credits toward your high school diploma. This program is run by representatives from CBE and CSSD, and there’s no extra cost for singers to join.

Yes, you will need to buy some clothes for your performances. There are three types of wardrobe items:

1.  **Personal dancewear and performance clothes**: Each singer needs their own basic items. This includes things like dance shoes, dance tights, black dress pants, a white dress shirt, and stage makeup. You’ll get a list of what you need at the start of the season. You can find these clothes at special dance shops, but you might also find them second-hand.
2. **Clothes provided by Youth Singers**: We have a lot of outfits for you to use, including matching dresses or suits and special costumes. These clothes are included in your fees, and you’ll be given some to use during the year. You’ll need to return them at the end of the season.
3. **Clothes you provide**: This usually includes items that are easy to find or things you may already have at home, like blue jeans, a plaid shirt, or a solid-colored sweater. Sometimes, you might need to get creative and come up with a specific costume, like an ’80s outfit. If you need help with this, our Wardrobe team is here to support you. You can often borrow, buy second-hand, or get items from friends or family.

The cost of tuition depends on the division. You can find specific tuition details on the program pages under the “Programs” tab.

Keep in mind that some things are not covered by your tuition, like show tickets, certain clothing items, tours, meals during workshops and show days, show DVDs/Blu-Rays, and other extra costs.

You can break your tuition payments into monthly installments. If you need financial help, there are bursaries available for singers.

We operate a bingo program and require all families to work a specific number of bingos, based on their singer’s division.  The bingo program brings in money from the province and is a way for use to subsidize the cost of the Youth Singer’s program. Without the bingo revenue tuition would be higher.

• KIDAZZLE-4 bingos per singer
• KIDZXPRESS & ACT3-6 bingos per singer
• JUNIOR HI & SENIOR HI-8 bingos per singer

Once a family has worked their required number of bingos, you can keep working bingos and earn credits that can be applied towards your tuition!

Families can also choose to buy out of working the bingos for $110 each.

• KIDAZZLE-$440
• KIDZXPRESS & ACT3- $660
• JUNIOR HI & SENIOR HI-$880

There are other ways you can help Youth Singers, like buying Purdy’s Chocolates, donating items for our silent auction, or attending our annual fundraising gala. We let our members know about these chances to get involved throughout the year, and we hope everyone will join in, but it’s not mandatory when you sign up.

All families are required to volunteer. The number of hours varies by division:

• KIDAZZLE & ACT3-30 hours per singer (approx. 3 hours per month)
• KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI & SENIOR HI-60 hours per singer (approx. 6 hours per month)

The fees we collect for registration don’t cover all the costs of our programs, and your volunteering helps us provide a fantastic experience for young performers in Youth Singers.

Our volunteer department will be there to support you throughout the year, helping you find the right volunteer opportunities that match your skills, interests, and schedule. There are many ways to get involved, such as doing administrative tasks while your child is in rehearsal, joining planning and event committees, working on design and production for our shows, or helping with photography and videography. We’re dedicated to helping you find a great role with Youth Singers!

Families can also buy out of the volunteer commitment: 

• KIDAZZLE & ACT3-$450
• KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI & SENIOR HI-$900

KIDAZZLE, KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3 have weekly rehearsals from September to early June, with breaks for Christmas, spring break, and holidays.

The length of these rehearsals varies between 1.5 to 3.5 hours, based on the age group. JUNIOR HI meets on Mondays, SENIOR HI and ACT3 on Wednesdays, and KIDAZZLE and KIDZXPRESS on Thursdays.

In addition to weekly rehearsals, KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3 hold weekend workshops six times a year (usually in September, October, November, February, April, and May). You won’t need to be there the entire weekend, as the time required can change for each workshop.

There is a September workshop for SENIOR HI and ACT3 that involves an overnight camp, while the other workshops require participants to be available during the day, depending on their age.

The groups perform two main shows each year at the Jubilee Auditorium in December and May and also have 4 to 6 seasonal performances. Most of these performance dates are decided before the season begins and can be found in our registration info.

Refund Schedule

• Before first class in September: 100% of tuition (and 100% of Jumpstart camp fees, if applicable)
• After first class, before October 1: 80% of tuition
• After October 1, before November 1: 60% of tuition
• After November 1, before first class in January: 40% of tuition

Usage fees (wardrobe, facility, etc.) and service fees are non-refundable.

No refunds are given after the first rehearsal of the second semester.

You can find schedules, updates, important links, music learning resources, and other details on TeamSnap. You’ll also get a weekly newsletter from Youth Singers, which is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening overall with the group.

Refund Schedule

• Before first class in September: 100% of tuition (and 100% of Jumpstart camp fees, if applicable)
• After first class, before October 1: 80% of tuition
• After October 1, before November 1: 60% of tuition
• After November 1, before first class in January: 40% of tuition

Usage fees (wardrobe, facility, etc.) and service fees are non-refundable.

No refunds are given after the first rehearsal of the second semester.

Most wardrobe pieces for SECOND CHANTS and ENCORE are supplied by the singer, although Youth Singers has a vast wardrobe stock and can assist where necessary.

Costumes for SECOND CHANTS are often character-driven and provide fun ways to express your creativity. The SECOND CHANTS wardrobe team provides support, guidance, and ideas, and certain items are assigned to all singers from Youth Singers’ wardrobe stock. Costumes are designed to be created from items that you can find in your closet or at a thrift store.

ENCORE’s wardrobe tends toward specific colour palettes and styles of everyday clothes. Guidance is given from the wardrobe team, but items are generally supplied by singers from within a specified colour palette and style. Members in ENCORE can expect to have 3-5 looks for the year, although specific looks are often used from year to year, so your wardrobe pieces will see repeated use.

Singers in ENCORE and SECOND CHANTS do not have required fundraising or volunteer commitments, but there are many opportunities to get involved with Youth Singers, and all singers are encouraged to support the organization.

There are ways to volunteer within your specific group to help your program run smoothly, as well as with the organization at large. Many members of these choirs are involved in areas such as the board of directors, planning and event committees, design and production work for our shows, photography and videography, and more.

Other ways to support Youth Singers include Purdy’s Chocolates, donating to support our silent auction, purchasing AdMazing coupon books, and attending our fundraising gala. Members are made aware of these opportunities throughout the year and we encourage everyone to participate, but they are not required as part of registration.

ENCORE rehearses from 7-9 on Monday evenings, and SECOND CHANTS rehearses from 7-9 on Tuesday evenings. Rehearsals are weekly from September to May, with breaks for Christmas, spring break, and holidays.

SECOND CHANTS has four workshops (1 in the fall, 3 in the spring) on a weekend afternoon. ENCORE has a fall retreat and a spring one-day workshop.

The performance weekend for each division’s year-end show includes a dress rehearsal and show call. These dates are all on the calendar at the time of registration so you can plan accordingly.

ENCORE and SECOND CHANTS each work toward a year-end show, open to family and friends, that caps off the season in the spring. During the Christmas season, SECOND CHANTS performs as a part of one or two community events, and ENCORE has 3-4 additional performances.

Adult singers in SECOND CHANTS do not require an audition or an interview. ENCORE requires an informal placement interview to assess your voice part and level of experience. Style, vocal range and previous experience are unique attributes to every performer. Please prepare a song of your choice to sing at your interview.

Both groups are adult recreational choirs. SECOND CHANTS is open to people with any level of (or no) music or dance background. Adult beginners are welcome! There is a larger choreography component to SECOND CHANTS, with weekly choreo rehearsals and a combination of musical theatre-style performances and more traditional choral singing.

ENCORE is geared towards more experienced singers with previous choral experience. The ability to read music is an asset, and the repertoire is at a more challenging level. There is less choreography in ENCORE, although movement and creative staging are a part of the Youth Singers experience for all groups.

You can find schedules, updates, important links, music learning resources, and other details on TeamSnap. You’ll also get a weekly newsletter from Youth Singers, which is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening overall with the group.