Handbook

The mission of Cantus Youth Choirs is to provide quality music education with the goal of attaining the highest level of artistic excellence in choral music performance. The organization endeavors to enrich the lives of youth from all religious, racial, cultural, economic, and musical backgrounds. The program strives to foster the personal and social growth of its members and to promote their sense of self-worth, discipline, accomplishment and pride. Cantus Youth Choirs seeks to work collaboratively with the community at large to promote singing.

Membership

Membership begins when a singer’s online registration is submitted and tuition is paid or authorized. Every member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the entire duration of his/her enrollment. Enrollment can be semester 1, semester 2 or both semester 1 and 2.

Cantus reserves the right to deny or rescind membership at its sole and absolute discretion.

Resignation

Because a majority of the season’s expenses are paid before rehearsals begin, Cantus cannot issue any refunds and the family will still be responsible for any remaining tuition due.

If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from honoring that commitment, and the family wants to requests a refund, the family must:

• conference with the director
• submit a letter of resignation to secretary@cantusyouthchoirs.com stating the circumstances of the resignation and why a refund should be issued.

Refunds are granted only under extremely unusual circumstances (e.g. death in the family, debilitating illness, family relocation).

The Cantus Board of Directors will review the request and respond within a couple of weeks.

Placement

Singers in the 3rd through 6th grades do not need to audition. Singers in the 8th through 12th grade audition for directors to make section placements within open-enrollment ensembles. No one is “cut;” your ensemble is determined by your grade in school.

• Singers will be placed in an ensemble based on grade, and will be placed in a section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) based on a simple placement audition.
• Singers who wish to join one of our contemporary ensembles must already be enrolled in a traditional ensemble and will need to complete a more detailed audition.
• Specific details and instructions for auditioning are available at cantusyouthchoirs.com/submitaudition

Communication Expectations

All communication to Cantus families will be made via email, text (text message rates will apply), the Cantus website (check out the “Members” link at the top) and the Cantus Facebook page. We do not send notes home with singers.

• You MUST have an email account that you check on a weekly basis to participate in Cantus. All singers and families will be held accountable to the information sent in emails.
• Emails will be sent to the address you provide in your online registration. If you would like to receive emails at another account as well, please sign up now.
• If you are not receiving the emails, please check your spam/junk box and/or resubscribe at the Cantus website.
• Accidentally deleted something? Not to worry—every email we send out through the season is kept for reference and can be accessed at www.cantusyouthchoirs.com > Email Archives.

Please always refer to our website, handbook and emails for answers to your questions before contacting us. If you still need help, please use the Contact page to connect with us.

Traditional Ensembles

• Chorale. Grades 3-4. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique with unison to three-part treble music.
• Concert Choir. Grades 5-6. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique as the adolescent voice expands, singing unison to four-part music written for treble and mixed voices.
• Virtuoso Singers. Grades 7-9. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique through mixed choral repertoire, ranging from two- to eight-part music.
• Concordia. Grades 10-12. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique through advanced mixed choral repertoire, ranging from two- to sixteen-part music.

Contemporary Ensembles

• Contessa. Grades 8-12. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique through all-female contemporary choral music with accompaniment. Singers in Contessa also participate in Virtuoso Singers or Concordia as their primary ensemble. There is an additional participation, music, and outfit rental fee to sing in this ensemble.
• Fortis. Grades 8-12. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique through advanced all-male contemporary choral music with or without accompaniment. Singers in Fortis also participate in Virtuoso Singers or Concordia as their primary ensemble. There is an additional participation, music, and outfit rental fee to sing in this ensemble.
• Bella Visi. Grades 10-12. Focus: Development of healthy singing technique through advanced all-female contemporary choral music with or without accompaniment. Singers in Bella Visi also participate in Concordia as their primary ensemble. There is an additional participation, music, and outfit rental fee to sing in this ensemble.
• VoiceOver. Grades 10-12. Focus: Development of advanced ear training, harmonic, rhythmic, contemporary vocal technique, and performing skills through advanced, popular a cappella music. This music is typically sung with beatboxing and choreography. Singers in VoiceOver also participate in Concordia as their primary ensemble. There is an additional participation, music, and outfit rental fee to sing in this ensemble.

Photo/Video Waiver

You grant permission for your child/ward to be photographed and/or video/audio taped in conjunction with Cantus activities/performances and the possible subsequent promotional use thereof. You agree to no compensation for these recordings, except as may be agreed to in a signed writing in advance for specified projects, regardless of payment or other benefits to Cantus and hereby release all claims against Cantus with respect to such recordings related compensation.

Medical Release

You authorize Cantus, its officers, employees, and agents to secure the services of emergency transportation, health providers, emergency workers, hospitals and other related persons and facilities on behalf of your child/ward in the unlikely event of an accident, illness or other exigent circumstances, and you assume responsibility for related expenses and will provide payment or repayment to Cantus of such expenses. You further give permission to Cantus, its officers, employees and agents to provide over-the-counter medicines (eg: Tylenol, Tums, Ibuprofen, Dramamine, etc) to your child/ward as deemed necessary by Cantus or by appropriate emergency or medical personnel.

Coranavirus/COVID-19 Waiver of Liability and Indemnification

I acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

I further acknowledge that Cantus Youth Choirs can not guarantee that I will not become infected with the Coronavirus/Covid-19. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, Cantus staff, and other participants and their families. 

I voluntarily seek services provided by Cantus Youth Choirs and acknowledge that I am increasing my risk to exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. I acknowledge that I must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while participating.

I hereby release and agree to hold Cantus Youth Choirs harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of Cantus Youth Choirs, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from Cantus Youth Choirs. I understand that this release discharges Cantus Youth Choirs from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against Cantus Youth Choirs with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from Cantus Youth Choirs. This liability waiver and release extends to Cantus Youth Choirs together with all owners, partners, and employees.
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, claims, lawsuits, judgments, losses, and/or liabilities (including attorney fees) arising directly or indirectly from or related to any and all claims made by or against any of the Released Parties due to bodily injury, death, loss of use, monetary loss, or any other injury from or related to my participation with Cantus Youth Choirs whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise specifically related to COVID-19.

You can miss three rehearsals per semester. No questions asked!

Weekly Rehearsals

All ensembles meet weekly on Tuesday nights. We rehearse at Tree City Church (3852 N. Eagle Road, Boise, ID 83713). Please see here for actual times and location.

All changes will be noted on the Cantus Calendar: cantusyouthchoirs.com/calendar

Retreats, Dress rehearsals and Performances will be visible on the Cantus Calendar (see below.)

Attendance Policy

All Cantus events will be added to the Cantus Calendar. This calendar can be found at cantusyouthchoirs.com > Members > Calendar (the EVENTS page is for the public). Members will be notified by email regarding any changes to the Cantus Calendar.

Be There: Choir is a “team sport.” All rehearsals, retreats, dress rehearsals and performances are mandatory unless otherwise indicated on the Cantus Calendar. Be on time and be ready to sing when the rehearsal begins.

Our attendance policy is very simple. You can miss 3 rehearsals per semester, not counting illness. You do not need to excuse these 3 extra absences, but budget wisely, so you do not exceed 3. Illnesses should be reported as soon as possible so they do not count against the 3 absence allotment. Absences are reported using the “Absence Request” link in the upper right hand corner of the website.

Concerts, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals and retreats are mandatory, and must be excused prior to the event.

Any singer with more than 3 absences (that has not made prior arrangement by conference with Mrs. McCauley), will need to get special permission from the Artistic Director to be allowed to sing in the concert.

Covid-19 Safety Policy: If a singer has any illness symptoms or a family member with illness symptoms, we ask that they stay home. If the singer or a family member has been diagnosed with Covid, the singer needs to wait until all family members have tested negative to Covid and provide a copy of the singer’s negative Covid test to the Cantus administration before returning to rehearsals.

You can do other activities and sing in Cantus

We know Cantus kids tend to do everything. We support that. Please just plan well in advance for conflicts with other activities (at the beginning of a season or semester), communicate between the Choir Coordinator and the coach/teacher/director with the conflicting schedule, and work to give fair effort to both the conflicting activity and Cantus. We have had many singers successfully negotiate incredibly demanding schedules while singing in Cantus. If you have a recurring conflict that will last for more than a few weeks, please submit an Absence Request, before registering for Cantus or participating in the activity.

The Basics for Singers

• No cell phones, iPods, or devices in rehearsal unless prior approval has been granted by the director(s). If singers bring cell phones to rehearsal, they will be turned in at the front of the room before rehearsal and picked up by the singer at the end of rehearsal.
• Always bring your music, a pencil and water bottle to rehearsals. No gum.
• Arrive on time and be ready to sing when the rehearsal begins.
• Be quiet and respectful in the lobby. Do not roam about the building or outside the building at any time.
• Wear clothing that is modest and appropriate, following typical school district guidelines.
• Don’t run, yell, or be disrespectful to adults, colleagues or Cantus equipment.
• If you see something, say something. We expect all Cantus singers to help us create a positive, safe environment.

The Basics for Parents

• Be prompt to drop off and pick up your singer.
• Due to limited rehearsal space, parents and community members are generally only welcome to observe rehearsals by invitation of the choir director.
• Because directors must prepare for rehearsal, they are unavailable to talk to parents before/during/after rehearsal on Tuesdays. For Tuesday emergencies, please call 208-954-6254 and leave a voicemail.
• Be positive! Your child will have a better experience if you are optimistic; give us the benefit of the doubt and encourage your singer to do the same.
• Please do not say anything negative about other Cantus singers or ensembles.

Disruptive Behavior

• First offense – a verbal warning.
• Repeated offenses – removal from rehearsal; possible conference with parent; possible permanent removal from Cantus.
• Extreme behavior (director’s discretion), such as bullying, purposefully distracting others, disrespect to directors, etc. may result in immediate removal from rehearsal, a conference with the parent/guardian, prevention from participating in performances and tours, and/or permanent removal from Cantus.
• Any singer caught with alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or any type of weapon will be immediately suspended from the program.

Performance Attendance

Attendance is required at all scheduled performances. The following are acceptable reasons for an excused absence from a performance:

• Illness
• Death in the family
• School music performance
• Unresolvable sports conflict (must be approved by the Artistic Director at least one month in advance)
• Pre-arranged family vacation (must be arranged at least one month in advance)

NOTE: Any unexcused absence from a performance may result in the placement of the singer in another ensemble or removal from the program.

Performance Procedures

Singers will receive emails prior to performances with dress rehearsal and call times, behavior expectations, and any other pertinent details. Below are specifics that apply to all performances:

• Tardiness to a performance, dress, or tech rehearsal may exclude a singer from participation at that performance.
• Singers must wear the required concert attire to sing in the performance.
• Singers must represent Cantus well in all behavior. Any behavior that violates Cantus standards may prevent singers from concert participation.
• Cantus Directors and staff will be unavailable to respond to phone calls, texts and emails on the day before, of and after a dress/tech rehearsal and/or performance. We need to focus all energy and time on executing the performance. For true emergencies on these dates, please leave a voicemail on the Cantus phone (208-954-6254).

Tech and Dress Rehearsals

• All singers MUST attend. Much of the tech rehearsal is organizing logistics, body placement, and microphone and sound balance, which means we need every singer in attendance.
• Final dress/tech rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are always closed to the audience, including families. Only designated chaperones will be allowed in the rehearsal area prior to a performance. This allows the singers to concentrate on the music, the director, and concert logistics.

Performance Outfits

Cantus singers will provide their own outfits for our concerts this season. We will provide guidelines and then let you show your own style. You looked fabulous at our Season 12 Finale Concert and our music videos, and we look forward to doing something similar this year. Specific outfit guidelines will be distributed by November for the Winter Concert and March for the Finale Concert.

Youth can register semester by semester or for the entire year. Please see our current tuition schedule here. Tuition is non-refundable.

Tuition is due in full (or recurring payment plan) at time of registration.

Based on your audition and interest, you may be invited to participate in one of our contemporary ensembles (these ensembles are only available to youth who commit and pay for a full year). For information about tuition installments see “Payment Options and Policies” below.

Additional Fees

Performance Outfit

Uniform cost is in addition to tuition and will be handled by the Cantus Parent Organization Outfit Committee after rehearsals begin. Please refer to the “OUTFITS” section of the handbook for more information.

Extra Ensemble Fee

There is an additional participation fee to sing in a secondary, contemporary ensemble. This extra fee helps offset the cost of the music, additional rehearsal space, and outfit rentals. Please see our current Extra Ensemble Fee here.

Concert Expenses

Tickets to Cantus concerts will be available for purchase prior to each concert. Parents, siblings, and guests will need to purchase tickets to be admitted to concerts. Our concerts are recommended for ages 8 and up; infants will need their own purchased ticket and any child making noise that disrupts the performance may be asked to move to the lobby. Performing singers do NOT need to purchase a ticket.

Tour

Information about tour participate and costs will be disseminated via email.

Payment Options and Policies

All Tuition and Fees are non-refundable, including payments made in the summer prior to the first rehearsal (the Board of Directors may review circumstances in cases of family relocation or extended emergency situations).

• Payments must be made by credit/debit card when you register.
• Tuition can be paid in 6 installment payments by direct debit only (payments are automatically deducted from your debit or credit card account) and are set up when you register. No personal checks or cash will be accepted for tuition payments.
• Fundraised money may be applied to Cantus costs.
• Payments will never be accepted at rehearsal except for dates and times specifically stated in advance (e.g. for advance ticket sales, merchandise sales, or fundraising); directors cannot accept payments of any type on rehearsal evenings. Cantus is not responsible for payments made to unauthorized individuals or at unauthorized times.
• Tuition for the entire season is due in full, even if a child drops out of, is removed from, or joins the program at any time during the season.
• Tuition assessments for singers joining Cantus any time after rehearsals begin will be made by Board discretion.

Payment Statements and Deadlines

• Your Cantus Account (created at registration) on the MEMBERS page allows access to your account information. You can track your payments, if you are on a payment plan.
• Deadlines and other payment information will be sent via our regular emails; you are responsible for receiving this information; if your email or computer becomes disabled it is your responsibility to seek out this information in some other way. All emails sent are archived at Members > Email Archives.
• Each singer will be allowed ONE “grace” late payment occurrence; any and all subsequent late payments (i.e. payments made or received after the deadline without prior written or email arrangement confirmed by Cantus staff) will incur late fees.
• Singers with unpaid tuition and/or fees may not be allowed to sing in concerts or participate in tour.
• Past due payments of more than three months may be sent to a collections agency and reported to credit bureaus.
• Fees up to $30 per item will be assessed on any bounced transactions.

Each singer will be presented with a folder of sheet music. Each sheet of music is checked out (by barcode) to each singer. At the end of the year, singers will be charged for any missing or damaged pieces. The Cantus Music Library is one of the organization’s greatest assets, with over $10,000 of the annual budget allocated toward the purchase of sheet music. Music is the property of Cantus and should be kept in outstanding condition.

If sheet music is distributed digitally, Cantus has received special permission to post that music digitally. It must be destroyed at the end of the semester and, even if printed at home, is the property of Cantus Youth Choirs.

Handling and Care of Sheet Music

• Music must be brought to all rehearsals unless you are notified otherwise.
• Never fold or roll music.
• Do write performance and rehearsal notes lightly in pencil. Do not deface any piece of music. Blank pages or portions of the music are NOT for drawing pictures, writing personal notes, etc.
• Photocopied music is done with permission and should be treated the same as a printed piece of sheet music from a publisher. Families should not make copies of sheet music and keep it.
• If a piece of music is in need of repair, do so carefully with clear tape.

Cantus strictly adheres to and enforces all copyright laws, including, but not limited to photocopies/duplication of sheet music, handling of audio files, videos files, and other licensed property.

Fees for Lost/Damaged Music

If music or binders are lost, irreparably damaged, or not returned, you will be charged the following:

• $5.00 per piece of music: When purchasing individual pieces of sheet music, we have to pay the additional shipping charges for that copy, which can be up to $5.00 for one copy.
• $5.00-$50.00 for books

Cantus sponsors different touring opportunities from year to year. All tour costs are in addition to tuition. Waivers and Work Study Waivers do not apply to tour costs. Tour destinations, costs, dates, etc., will be announced via email as soon as the information is available.

Participation

Each director whose ensemble is involved in a given tour will follow a selection process for that tour. To participate in the tour, the following criteria must be met:

• Director approval based on singer behavior.
• No excess unexcused rehearsal or concert absences.
• Passing any part or memorization assignments/tests.
• All payments (for tour, tuition and all incidentals) made on time.
• No outstanding Cantus fees.
• All tour-related documents signed by both the singer and parent/guardian and submitted by the required deadlines.

Behavioral expectations

Given our increased visibility and the extended period of the tour, the singers will be expected to maintain an extremely high level of behavior. In the most severe discipline cases, the director may send the singer home before the completion of the tour at the parent/guardian’s expense. No singer may leave the tour group, even with his or her parent, without prior written approval. Singers and parents will agree to behavioral standards as outlined prior to tour.

Touring Accounts

• Payments made toward tour will be tracked in your Cantus Account (created at registration). To access your account, log in on the MEMBERS page.
• Fundraised money will be credited to your account. Fundraised money is not refundable nor eligible for cash withdrawal by the singer, but is transferable to other Cantus expenses.
• Touring Account Balances: Any balance remaining in the touring account at the end of the season for a returning singer will stay in their account for use the next season; for a graduating or withdrawing Cantus singer, the funds revert to the Cantus general touring fund. This fund is used to provide financial assistance and pay general touring costs not covered by touring fees charged to participants. Upon request, any balance remaining in a graduating/leaving singer’s touring fund can be transferred into an active sibling’s touring fund for future tours in subsequent seasons.
• Tour Cancellation Policy: In the event that a singer who has previously committed to tour decides for any reason to NOT participate, Cantus may not be able to offer a refund for paid or fundraised money in the singer’s account. Regardless of participation, the singer may still be required to pay for the entire tour. Many tour expenses are paid or bound by contract well ahead of tour.

Cantus Financial Aid consists of three options: Need-Based Tuition Waivers, Work-Study Waivers, and Tuition Deferment Plans. Cantus occasionally has a very limited amount of need-based tuition assistance available. See also the section on FUNDRAISING below.

To apply for Financial Aid:

• Complete a Cantus Financial Aid Application.
• Forms are blind-reviewed and assistance is awarded at the discretion of a committee appointed by the Cantus Board of Directors. Qualification is determined based upon financial need or special circumstances as documented in your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Tuition waivers may be partial or full, and awards depend upon the resources available in the assistance fund.
• Tuition deadlines are deferred upon prior receipt of your completed Request Form.

If your personal financial circumstances change during the season and alter your ability to pay on a timely basis, please contact us at secretary@cantusyouthchoirs.com to discuss your situation.

Waivers and Work-Study Waivers apply to tuition only, not to Tour costs.

Welcome to the Cantus Community!

My name is Erika McCauley and I am the Artistic Director of Cantus Youth Choirs. As a teenager, my life was strongly influenced by music. I sang in award-winning choirs that taught me the value of hard work, provided transcendent musical experiences, and gave me a support network that helped me through the challenges of those formative years. This is why I am passionate about teaching music. I have repeatedly seen young lives change for the better through the power of singing.

The discipline, focus, determination and excellence learned in choir can be transferred to all areas of life. It teaches the values of teamwork and trust. It can provide hope, direction and an expanded vision of each individual’s potential.

A small group of community members and myself started Cantus in the fall of 2010 with the hope of bringing this vision and experience to youth of the Treasure Valley. We had an incredible first year. Our 140 singers –many of whom were new to singing in choir – earned national recognition. All of our ensembles participated in a national music festival in Anaheim, California, where they earned superior ratings and an invitation to sing in Carnegie Hall.

As one boy summed it up, “I had the experience of a lifetime in your choir.”

Our subsequent seasons were just as fantastic, if not more so. Our enrollment from Season 1 to Season 2 jumped from 140 singers in three ensembles to 225 singers in six ensembles. The program continues to grow and we now have EIGHT ensembles! We have performed throughout the valley to standing ovations, performed “Songs of Hope” concerts and tours to benefit people in need, hosted acclaimed guest artists, and toured throughout the Western United States.

We look forward to having you as part of Cantus. We invite you to jump in and give your all; you will get out of Cantus what you put into it. Andrew Carnegie said, “Anything in life worth having is worth working for.”

A Note to Singers

In Cantus, we shoot for the moon. The sacrifice of this goal means complete dedication in a once-a-week rehearsal, and up to 20 minutes for four days a week of home practice. If you are willing to give this, you will have your life changed for the better, make new friends, and achieve things you may not have thought possible.

A Note For the Parents

We started this because we have a vision for your child. They will have a first-rate musical experience. I also believe it is important that you know that everything you see is because of minimally paid directors, staff and our many unpaid volunteers. We are a relatively new nonprofit organization. We will need your help and support to make this year, the coordination of over 150 families, our local concerts, our tour, and many other events a success. As you do this, you will not only gain a better understanding of what is happening in Cantus, but why and how it happens.

An anonymous survey of our Cantus families found that the parents who were most involved were also the most satisfied with their child’s Cantus experience. For some of you, we understand that your schedules will only permit support by providing a positive attitude, weekly rides for your child and attending concerts. For others, we hope you are able to offer your time and expertise to help the Cantus youth.

I want to share with you the feelings expressed by a mother whose child was in our first season of Cantus:

You can feel this way, too.

Join with us to help your child. Together, we can help your singer realize tremendous achievements.

Again, the board and I welcome you to Cantus! Together, we are going to have a great year!

With much gratitude,
Erika McCauley
President, Founder and Artistic Director