If a participant withdraws before the first class in September, a refund of 100% of tuition and 100% of camp fees will be given.

If a participant withdraws after the first class in September, but before October 15, a refund of 60% of tuition will be given.

If a participant withdraws after October 15, but before the first class in January, a refund of 40% of tuition will be given.

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.

If a participant withdraws before the first class in September, a refund of 100% of tuition and 100% of camp fees will be given.

If a participant withdraws after the first class in September, but before October 15, a refund of 60% of tuition will be given.

If a participant withdraws after October 15, but before the first class in January, a refund of 40% of tuition will be given.

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 focus on singing, dance, and performance skills. We focus on an exceptional choral experience complemented by dance and theatrical elements. At Youth Singers of Calgary, students develop their self-confidence, discipline, self-esteem, leadership capacity, and teamwork skills.

Our programs are focused on learning the performing arts by improving reading skills, concentration, memorization, and focus.

Surrounded by a trusted peer group and encouraged by mentors, we see youth transform from reluctant or timid performers into robust, focused, and enthusiastic individuals.

Singers receive, at age-appropriate levels:

• Coaching by an accomplished team of music and performing arts education directors, choreographers, and support network

• Multiple, local performances annually

• Leadership development; student-led initiatives and projects

• Performing arts career development opportunities; a progression from student to coach

Touring is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for our singers in JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI and ACT3. In many cases, Youth Singers tours have resulted in life-changing experiences and in every case, life-long memories. 

Typically, JUNIOR HI tours in the spring of odd-numbered years. Most JUNIOR HI tours are to Disneyland, where singers perform, compete in festivals, and participate in workshops by performing arts professionals.

SENIOR HI and ACT3 generally tour in even-numbered years. These tours typically alternate between an overseas tour and a North American destination. Past tour destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Bahamas, China, Brazil, Argentina, numerous European countries, and many locations throughout the USA and Canada.

Tours are an additional cost and rehearsal commitment. Registration generally opens 12-18 months prior to each tour, and the cost can be offset by earning credits through our bingo program.

At the beginning of the season, you will receive a login for the Youth Singers Choir Genius page, a website that acts as our complete information hub. Calendars, notices, important links, music learning resources, and other information are posted here.. We recommend logging in weekly. You will also receive the weekly Youth Singers newsletter, which is an important way to receive information about the big picture of Youth Singers.

Singers in grades 10-12 can earn high school credit for their work at Youth Singers and nearly all singers opt in to this program. The credit program is open to high school singers at any school in the province and is offered through the Work Experience program. It does not take away your ability to earn Music or Performing Arts credits earned through your school choir, drama classes, or other arts activities. Singers can earn up to 15 credits toward their high school diploma. This program is facilitated by liaisons from CBE and CSSD and there is no additional cost to singers to participate.

Yes, you need to purchase some wardrobe items. Wardrobe is divided into three categories:

1. Basic dancewear and performance attire owned by each singer. Items such as dance shoes, dance tights, black dress pants, white dress shirt, and stage makeup are required basics. A list is provided at the beginning of the season. Appropriate, professional-quality dance gear is available at specialty dance stores, but you can also often find them second-hand.

2. Items provided by Youth Singers. We have a vast wardrobe stock, and items such as matching dresses/suits, other uniform looks, or specialty costumes are used by singers as a part of your fees. These items are assigned to you for the year and are returned at the end of the season.

3. Specific items provided by singers. These are typically items that are easily acquired or already in your wardrobe (i.e. blue jeans, a plaid shirt, or a solid coloured sweater), or they involve your creativity in creating a more specific costume (i.e. an ‘80s-style outfit). Our Wardrobe team is available to support you with these items if necessary, and these items can often be borrowed, thrifted, or handed down.

Tuition varies by program and more information can be found on individual division pages under the “Programs” tab.

In addition to instruction from a large team of professional artists, your fees include your music binder rental, use of certain wardrobe items, festival entrance fees, Jumpstart Camp, and facility/equipment usage for both rehearsals and performances.

Items which are not included in your program tuition and fees include things such as show tickets, some wardrobe items, tours, snacks and meals during workshops and show days, show DVDs/Blu-Rays, and other incidental costs.

You can split your tuition into monthly payments. Bursaries are available for singers with financial need.

Bingos (or an opt-out fee) are required on behalf of all singers in KIDAZZLE, KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3. You can also work additional bingos to earn credits toward tuition or tour costs.

KIDAZZLE requires 4 bingos per singer, KIDZXPRESS & ACT3 require 6 bingos per singer, and JUNIOR HI & SENIOR HI require 8 bingos per singer.

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.

We ask families in KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, and SENIOR HI to contribute around 6 hours/month, and families in KIDAZZLE and ACT3 to contribute around 3 hours/month. The volunteer commitment is per family, not per singer.

Our registration fees do not cover the total program costs, and volunteering helps us to provide the high-quality, professional experience that Youth Singers offers young performers.

Our volunteer department will work with you throughout the year to ensure the best fit for your skills, interests, and schedule. There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities and positions, such as administrative work that can be done while your child is in rehearsal, planning and event committees, design and production work for our shows, photography and videography, and more. We are committed to helping you find a great fit at Youth Singers.

KIDAZZLE, KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3 rehearse weekly from September to the beginning of June, with breaks for Christmas, spring break, and holidays.

Weekly rehearsals range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on age. JUNIOR HI rehearses on Mondays, SENIOR HI and ACT3 on Wednesdays, and KIDAZZLE and KIDZXPRESS on Thursdays.

KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and ACT3 have weekend workshops 6 times per year (September, October, November, February, April, and May). Rehearsals take place Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday on these weekends (with the exception of the April workshop, which is Saturday only). Singers are not required for the entire weekend because the exact commitment varies by workshop.

The September workshop for singers in SENIOR HI and ACT3 is an overnight camp, but all other workshops require age-appropriate daytime availability.

There are 2 performances annually at the Jubilee Auditorium (December and May), as well as 4-6 seasonal performances. Most of these dates are set before the season begins and are available in our registration information.

Full attendance at weekly rehearsals, workshop weekends, and performances is expected as part of your commitment to your division. Your attendance is important for your own education and preparation, as well as for the rest of the choir. Your presence matters to everyone around you, and everyone is prepared when the whole group is present.

Optional additional opportunities such as vocal solos, acting roles, small dance ensembles, and talent shows are available throughout the year, with additional time commitment but no additional cost.

If a participant withdraws before the first class in September, a refund of 100% of tuition and 100% of camp fees will be given.

If a participant withdraws after the first class in September, but before October 15, a refund of 60% of tuition will be given.

If a participant withdraws after October 15, but before the first class in January, a refund of 40% of tuition will be given.

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

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

At the beginning of the season, you will receive a login for the Youth Singers Choir Genius page, a website that acts as our complete information hub. Calendars, notices, important links, music learning resources, and other information are posted here.. We recommend logging in weekly. You will also receive the weekly Youth Singers newsletter, which is an important way to receive information about the big picture of Youth Singers.

If a participant withdraws before the first class in September, a refund of 100% of tuition and 100% of camp fees will be given.

If a participant withdraws after the first class in September, but before October 15, a refund of 60% of tuition will be given.

If a participant withdraws after October 15, but before the first class in January, a refund of 40% of tuition will be given.

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.

At the beginning of the season, you will receive a login for the Youth Singers Choir Genius page, a website that acts as our complete information hub. Calendars, notices, important links, music learning resources, and other information are posted here.. We recommend logging in weekly. You will also receive the weekly Youth Singers newsletter, which is an important way to receive information about the big picture of Youth Singers.