2026-2027 Singer Agreement
TO BE READ, DISCUSSED, AND SIGNED BY SINGERS & THEIR LEGAL GUARDIANS
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Each rehearsal builds upon the last in order to ensure that every singer feels prepared to make their best performance. While we know you have busy lives, singer have a maximum of 2 excused absences in the Fall and 1 excused absence in the Winter. This is truly for your benefit—nothing is more discouraging than being lost or behind at rehearsal or performances, and the best way to stay caught up is just being present each week!
Singers who do not adhere to the attendance policy—or do not make a serious effort to catch up—may not be allowed to perform. Put the schedule in your calendars now- please support your singer in attending rehearsals and arriving on time.
Rehearsal Conduct
We only rehearse once a week- let’s make the most of our time!
COME PREPARED: Singers must bring their music—which we will provide at the first gathering—to rehearsal each week. Looking over a friend's shoulder, or using a phone or extra copy, means you are not making markings in your music that you will need at future rehearsals and performances. Be prepared looks like:
Bring their music.
Bring a pencil, or borrow one at the start of rehearsal.
Bring a water bottle.
STAY ENGAGED: We have singers of all experience levels from beginner to advanced—some of will learn the music quickly, some might take more time, but everyone can stay plugged in to rehearsal. We’ll go over these strategies in rehearsal. Staying engaged can look like:
Point and track: Use your finger or your pencil to trace the sheet music.
Physicalize the music: Use solfege hand signs, trace the melody through the air, or tap the beat or rhythm quietly.
Sit or stand: You are always welcome to stand! If you feel yourself disengaging, try standing up behind your chair or pacing behind your section.
Take a quick reset: Sometimes you just need to reset. Ask your Director for a break, walk to the water fountain, grab a drink, and come back in about 3 minutes.
If staying engaged is really difficult for you, ask for help! Mx. V and Ms. Sophie can help you brainstorm ways to be successful!
Singers may not use their phones during rehearsal for any purpose other than audio-recording rehearsal for reference during home practice. Parents/Guardians of singers who are asked to put their phone away more than once will be contacted by the director.
At home practice
One rehearsal a week is not enough time to learn our music, singers are expected to practice 2-3 days a week (outside of choir rehearsal) for 20-30 minutes.
Elementary and middle school aged students will require parent/guardian support in practicing- they need help developing the skills of opening up their practice tracks and singing through their music. Parents/Guardians- Consider offering them incentives if they are diligent in their practice! (Stickers, small treats, screen time- whatever works best in your home!) Car time is also a great time to put on practice tracks so they get to listen while driving to-from activities.
Performances are the most fun when singers feel prepared and excited to share their music with the audience!
Concert Etiquette
We will perform memorized—this frees up our eyes to watch the conductor and engage with the audience, and frees up our bodies to be expressive. Your Director will have helpful tools and tricks for learning your music, but memorization will require some practice at home.
Singers will remain in the performance space for the duration of the concert. During any songs they’re not performing, singers have the opportunity to be attentive audience members. Stay seated in your designated spots, and save all your supportive comments and cheering until the end of the song.
COMMUNICATION
Singers and parent/guardian must provide an active email address, and must agree to check it regularly for important rehearsal and performance information. Parents/Guardians and singers should work together to read messages from their Director and respond as necessary.
On some occasions, the Director may contact singers or parents/guardians directly by phone call or text message.
Transportation
Families are responsible for singer transportation to and from all rehearsals and performances.
Please include in your singer registration form all adults who are approved to pick up singers from rehearsal, including emergency contacts! If no one has arrived to pick-up a singer 15 minutes after a rehearsal, we will start calling emergency contact numbers.
Please email youth@panoramicvoices.org if you are running late so that we can make a plan to keep our singers safe and supervised!
