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.

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.

Starting in 3rd grade, every singer takes part in a 10–15 minute vocal placement. This is a chance for us to get to know their voice, musical instincts, and learning style so we can place them in the choir that best supports their growth.

For younger singers, vocal placements are casual and welcoming. No preparation is needed—they’ll sing some simple exercises, match pitches and rhythms, and chat with a director.

For middle and high schoolers, vocal placements do begin to look more like an audition. We’re listening for pitch accuracy, vocal maturity, eagerness to learn, and social readiness. Weekly rehearsals go quickly, so we need to ensure singers are a good fit—not just musically, but also in terms of attitude and commitment. A positive mindset is just as important as musical skill.

Placements help us get to know each singer’s voice, learning style, and needs so we can best support their growth. Choristers will:

• Sing simple vocal exercises
• Match pitches and rhythms
• Chat briefly with a director about their singing experience


This process ensures each child is placed where they will grow and thrive musically and socially.

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

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.

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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.