...from the Kalamazoo Children's Chorus


In order to meet operating expenses the Kalamazoo Children's Chorus Board of Directors voted to raise tuition by $30 for the 2016-2017 season.  Prep and Treble Choir tuition rates have been increased from $395 to $425.  Bella Voce and Turing Choir tuition rates have increased from $445 to $475.

Members who have chosen to make tuition payments are reminded that the next tuition payment is due August 1, 2016.  Tuition payments made out to KCC can be mailed to KCC at PO Box 50414, Kalamazoo, MI 49005.  Please include your child's full name and choir in the memo section of the check.  If you prefer, you can pay online through the PayPal link below.  Put your child's full name and choir in the section marked "instructions to seller."  If you do not see that section on your computer or mobile devise, please take a moment to send KCC finance director Lisa Colgren a note so the payment is correctly applied. 

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Members who have already paid tuition in full at the previous rate should send in another payment of $30.  Please be aware that all tuition must be paid in full by December 1, 2016.

Along with a tuition increase, the KCC Board of Directors voted to raise ticket prices from $10 to $15 for the holiday and spring concerts.  The KCC Board of Directors is looking at other ways to insure the financial strength and viability of the organization and we appreciated your understanding and support in these efforts. 

How does KCC tuition rates compare with other children's choirs around the country?  Download the 2015 Tuition Comparison Fact Sheet to find out. 
  
Scholarship Awards

Finance Director Lisa Colgren is happy to answer your questions about tuition and scholarship. You can reach her by e-mail at [email protected].  

Scholarship applications were due June 1.  If you applied for a scholarship, the trip to New Orleans delayed the processes.  You should hear sometime this month and we apologize for the delay.
 
Tuition payment schedule is as follows:
  • August 1 - $50 minimum payment (please note that this is your 3rd payment, previous payments should have been made on June 1 and July 1)
  • September 1 - $50 minimum payment
  • October 1 - $50 minimum payment
  • November 1 - $50 minimum payment
  • December 1 - Remaining Balance Paid In Full
2016-2017 Tuition amounts are as follows:
  • Prep Choir - $425
  • Treble Choir - $425
  • Bella Voce Choir - $475
  • Touring Choir - $475
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Not Enough Singers For Camp : (

In the last newsletter we asked parents to vote for either a 2-day overnight choir camp at Van Buren Youth Camp on August 19-21 or for a day camp at Milwood on that same weekend.  Of the 163 KCC families contacted 73% opened the e-mail, but only 39 families responded (29 for overnight camp and 10 for day camp).  KCC did not receive a commitment from enough parents to do either one this year.  We know that many of you were looking forward to it and we share your disappointment and ask you to mark your calendars for next years Choir Camp.  
  • AUGUST 16- AUGUST 20, 2017 at Van Buren Youth Camp
  • Members interested in going to China in 2018 should make every effort to attend
  • Estimated cost $150-$175
Plan B for 2016...
Musically, it is important to get everyone together to sing as a group early in the season.  We are now investigating the possibility of a one night fall retreat in September or October if we can secure a date.  Parents should expect the cost to be about the same as the 2-night camp - around $95-$100 with a less expensive day camp option for parents to send younger children for a day.  Of course, we will do everything we can to lower the rate by asking for parent volunteers. We welcome your suggestions and will send you information as soon as we work out the details.
 
Highlights From The Crescent City Choral Festival
NOLA 2016
KCC Artistic Director, Fred Sang, shares his thoughts on FaceBook after Monday's concert:

"Tonight our concert at St. Louis Cathedral here in New Orleans. I need a day to process the music, emotions and the pride and love I feel for the honest music making tonight. But I will say now, after three showers today, a massive thunderstorm during the concert ( perfect thunder cues) and amazing conducting by Sandra Snow and Cheryl Durand Dupont I am emotionally exhausted but not tired. Tonight the children served the music and in doing so elevated the lives of everyone in that space. I want to do this again tomorrow.. Oh today. Good night. I LOVE my work!!!"

Concert CDs are available from the New Orleans Children's Chorus.  You can download the order form here, and send your order form with a check to the address provided. 
    NOLA 2016 NOLA 2016

NOLA 2016 NOLA 2016 NOLA 2016
         
Important Dates At-A-Glance 

Tuesday, August 30, 6 pm - Mandatory Parent Meeting at Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Ave. in Kalamazoo.  Every KCC parent is a member of the Parent League.  This is the most important parent meeting of the year.  It's also a new member orientation and a chance to meet the staff, learn KCC policies regarding safe pick-up and drop-off, highlights of the season, and other important things you need to know. You'll also vote on new board members for the KCC Board of Directors and get updates on exciting announcements and other surprises!  

*Eastside Choir parents are welcome to attend this meeting but are not required to do so since you will be having your own parent meeting at the first rehearsal on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 5 PM.     

NOLA 2016 Tuesday, September 6 - First Milwood Campus rehearsal!  Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Ave. in Kalamazoo. 

 

The rehearsal schedule is as follows: 

  • Prep Choir from 6 pm to 7 pm
  • Treble Choir from 6 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Bella Voce from 6 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Touring from 6 pm - 7:30 pm


Monday, September 12 -
First Eastside Choir rehearsal from 5 PM to 6 PM at St. Mary's Church, 939 Charlotte Ave. in Kalamazoo. There will be a parent meeting at the beginning of rehearsal.

Upload a Save-the-Date Form and you're all set for now.  Enjoy all the joys of summer.   We look forward to seeing you in the fall! 

Sincerely,

Fred's Signature
Fred Sang
Kalamazoo Children's Chorus
PO Box 50414
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49005
269-547-7183