Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Participation
Singers under age 7 are placed into our programs based on their age, while singers over the age of 7 need to have a vocal assessment in order to join Hamilton Children’s Choir. Visit this page to inquire about registration and see below for more questions about Vocal Assessments.
It is possible to register mid-year for our programs. To find out more on how to register, contact the Choir Office here.
No formal training is required to join the choir. We welcome all singers regardless of experience or musical background.
Our Poka, Kolibro Eta, and Kolibro Juna classes are generally limited to 10 singers. All other programs typically range from 35-50 singers.
Our programs begin as young as 18 months and singers can join up until age 24. Placement in our Poka and Kolibro classes are based on age, while joining the rest of our ensembles is based on the best fit for the singer, which is discussed in a vocal assessment. Learn more here.
Rehearsals take place at Hillfield Strathallan College (299 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton.)
At this time, we have an established schedule of rehearsal times for each choir. For more information about registration and schedules, please contact us for more information.
We provide all hard copy materials required for learning. Participating members will need to have access to a device with internet capability to manage homework.
Kolibro rehearsals generally run from September to early May. Komenci, Esplori, Lumo, and Esprimas typically rehearse until mid-May, and our most senior choir, Ilumini, rehearses, performs and tours until June or July each season.
Financial Information
Yes, there is a cost to participate in the program. Our fees are available here. We are proud to offer a Financial Award program to ensure that no child is unable to participate due to financial reasons. For more information, please contact us.
The individual program fee paid by members only covers approximately 30% of the actual program costs. Community funding is used to help with program affordability.
A 50% discount on Program Fees is available to families registering more than two children.
HCC fee payments are processed using an online billing & payment system called TUIO. TUIO accepts payments via eCheck (electronic cheque, similar to preauthorized debit/withdrawal) or credit card. You will be issued an invoice within 10 days of registering for the HCC.
The length of time it takes to confirm Financial Award varies depending on the time of year. For those that apply during our regular registration period (summer), applicants are typically notified before September. Throughout the year, applications are processed as they are received and can take up to one month to process. Other than the Registration Fee, no further invoices will be issued until your application has been approved. Any further questions can be forwarded to our office.
The non-refundable Registration Fee is used to offset the cost of administration necessary to prepare for each members' program participation.
Most fundraising efforts members are asked to participate in are usually in support of touring. Since program fees only cover approximately 30% of the actual program costs, the Hamilton Children's Choir engages in a number of different fundraising efforts and sometimes this requires assistance by members. Families are informed at the beginning of each season what role they will be asked to play in support of specific program goals.
Vocal Assessments
The main objective during a vocal assessment is to get to know the young singer and make a confident recommendation about which HCC choir will best bring out their passion. This is accomplished by creating a safe and comfortable environment where young singers can share their musical talents, interact with our artistic staff, and learn about HCC.
You can sign up for a vocal assessment here.
Please come prepared to: sing a song of your choice (ideally it’s a common folk song - Twinkle Twinkle, Happy Birthday, O Canada), but we’ll happily listen to whatever the young singer feels excited to perform; take part in some ear-training and music reading activities (rhythm clapbacks, melody echos, note reading); chat a bit about your musical background (even if the answer is very short!) and your interests.
