FAQ

BYC is a nonprofit youth choral program creating a joyful, inclusive community through music. We offer high-quality training, friendships, and exciting performance opportunities.

We welcome singers from age 4 through young adulthood (up to age 24). Placement is based on age, grade, and—starting in 3rd grade—musical readiness.

We have open enrollment each September and January. Prelude (PreK–K, must be 4 by Sept. 1) has continuous open enrollment through January as they do not perform in our December concert.

All choirs rehearse at:

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church
411 156th Ave NE,
Bellevue, WA 98007

Placement depends on both age/grade and musical development. Our youngest choirs (Prelude and Prima) are strictly grade-based. Starting with Intermezzo (3rd–6th grade), we also consider maturity, ability, and readiness.

Every choir is multi-age by design. Choristers typically spend at least two years in each level—first as a learner, then as a leader. This helps children build confidence, leadership, and strong musical foundations.

• Prelude
  
  • PreK–K (must be 4 by Sept. 1).
  • 45-minute rehearsals focused on joyful singing, rhythm, and movement.
    
• Prima
  
  • Grades 1–2.
  • 60-minute rehearsals with more structured singing, literacy foundations, and ensemble skills.
  • Strictly grade-based. Children spend two years in Prelude/Prima combined.
• Intermezzo
  
  • Grades 3–6.
  • 90-minute rehearsals with part-singing, sight-reading, and independence.
  • Placement considers age, maturity, and ability. From here, you’ll notice grade overlap.
• Lyrica
  
  • Grades 5–8.
  • Intermediate ensemble focusing on vocal technique, literacy, and leadership.
• Cantare
  
  • Grades 7–12.
  • Advanced ensemble with challenging repertoire and leadership opportunities.
• Voce (coming soon!)
  
  • Grades 11–college age 24.‍
  • Chamber-style ensemble for advanced young adult singers.

Not at all! Our teachers use a rotating curriculum—so songs, activities, and repertoire are always fresh. In Intermezzo and above, choristers revisit solfege, rhythm reading, and vocal technique at progressively deeper levels to strengthen musicianship.

Every choir is multi-age by design. Choristers typically spend at least two years in each level—first as a learner, then as a leader. This helps children build confidence, leadership, and strong musical foundations.

We’re often asked this—and we get it! Wanting your child to be challenged is a wonderful thing. However, chorister placement is not optional or parent-selected. For our younger choirs (Prelude and Prima), placement is based solely on age and/or grade. For our older choirs (Intermezzo and up), placements are determined through a vocal placement and ongoing evaluation by teaching staff.

Requests for early advancement are extremely rare exceptions. We’ve learned that moving too soon often leads to frustration. Staying in a choir where a chorister can lead and thrive builds confidence and skills that serve them far better in the long run. Trust us—we’re planning for their growth every step of the way.

All choirs rehearse at:

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church
411 156th Ave NE,
Bellevue, WA 98007

Weekly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on choir. See the choir page for exact times.

For all choirs, rehearsals are drop-off only. Parents and caregivers do not stay in the classroom during rehearsal time.

For our youngest choirs (Prelude and Prima), an adult is required to walk the chorister into the building and stay with them until teachers greet the group and begin class. After drop-off, caregivers are welcome to wait in the lobby during rehearsal but are not required to stay on site.

Out of respect for our singers and staff, we ask that caregivers do not linger at the windows or doors during rehearsal—this can be distracting for our youngest choristers who are learning how to focus and work independently.

We do love having you involved! Nearly every month, families are invited to join us for a special 15-minute "Choir Connection" at the end of class, where choristers perform and share what they’ve been learning. These events are listed on the BYC calendar.

Please email BYC if your chorister will be absent so we can make a note and support their progress.

Choristers should stay home if they have a fever, cough, or other contagious symptoms. If you're unsure, we recommend erring on the side of caution or having your chorister wear a mask.

For Mainstage concerts, singers typically have 9–12 rehearsals to prepare. If a chorister in Intermezzo or older misses 3 or more rehearsals, a teacher will reach out to schedule a quick “part check” to ensure they’re feeling confident and prepared. If a chorister misses 5 or more rehearsals, they may be asked to sit out of the performance.

Our goal is always to set choristers up for success while honoring the work of the full ensemble.

Yes—a $25 fee applies if pick-up is more than 5 minutes late.

Yes—every voice matters! All choristers are expected at MainStage concerts and community events.

Tickets go on sale about a month before each MainStage concert on our website. Community events are usually free.

Currently, “concert black” (black dress shoes, pants/skirts/dresses, shirts, socks/tights). BYC also provides a T-shirt for outreach events as part of every chorister’s registration fee.

All choristers perform in three MainStage concerts each season:

• December (Winter Concert)
• March (Spring Concerts)
• June (End-of-Year Concert)

Exception: Prelude (PreK–K) does not perform in the December MainStage concert but does participate in festive December outreach events.

2025-2026 Concert dates:

• December 6th at First Free Methodist - all choirs except Prelude
• March 14th & 15th - Lyrica & Cantare
• March 21st - Prelude, Prima & Intermezzo‍
• June 6th - all choirs

Yes! In addition to MainStage concerts, every choir shares music with the community:

• December:‍
  
  • All choirs perform in local community settings (retirement homes, libraries, etc.).
• June:
  
  • New this season: all choirs will share music in the community as part of our year-end celebrations.

• Intermezzo (Grades 3–6)‍
  
  • one-day tour in the spring.

• Lyrica, Cantare, and Voce (Grades 5–college age 24)‍
  
  • overnight tours each year.
We are developing a rotating cycle of local, national, and international tours to give choristers unforgettable opportunities to grow as musicians, leaders, and global citizens.

Yes! We are proud to support choristers who wish to audition for national honor choirs such as OAKE. Our staff helps with the application process, audition preparation, and even learning the repertoire if a chorister is selected.

We also share information about unique performance opportunities in the region that may enrich our singers’ growth beyond BYC.

Yes! High school choristers may volunteer within BYC, helping with younger choirs, events, or community engagement.

At BYC, concerts aren’t just performances—they’re celebrations of belonging. We include singalongs, invite families into rehearsals, and create space for connection so every singer and parent feels part of our musical community.

Tuition varies by choir (see choir page for details) and is split into 10 equal monthly payments (Sept–June). Some months have more rehearsals than others, but tuition is averaged so families always pay the same amount. A 10% sibling discount is provided.

We hope choristers will commit to the full season (September–June), as consistent participation supports both musical growth and ensemble connection. That said, we structure our program in two semesters—September–December and January–June—to offer flexibility when needed. Prelude choristers are enrolled on a month-to-month basis through January.

For choristers in Intermezzo and older, we can occasionally accommodate a leave of absence. If your family needs to make adjustments, please reach out—we’re happy to help explore options.

Please note: Choristers remain enrolled in our system for the full season unless we receive written notice to withdraw.

Our budget is built on open enrollment twice a year (Sept & Jan). Last-minute withdrawals create financial strain and disrupt ensemble balance—just like a team sport, every singer counts.

Yes! Each year, nearly 10% of BYC choristers receive aid. For the 2025–2026 season, BYC is providing over $23,000 in scholarships to make choir accessible for all. Families may email info@bellevueyouthchoirs.org to apply.

Donations directly support chorister scholarships, tours, and performances. Many employers also match gifts or volunteer hours. Make a gift here.