Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of music does Pacific Youth Choir perform?

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    PYC performs repertoire from many genres all over the world in the style of the “choral” tradition. This includes secular, sacred, holiday, seasonal, ethnic, spirituals, popular, contemporary, traditional, folk songs, musical theater compositions, and many more. We look for music that is uplifting, entertaining, and thematically and age-appropriate. The music can have varying moods: somber, triumphant, jubilant, pensive, happy, sad, angry, and more.

  • Can I bring a friend?


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    Yes, but each level of choir has specific procedures around this. Please make sure it is cleared with the conductor beforehand.

  • Where do we rehearse and perform?

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    Pacific Youth Choir rehearses at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97209. Our main concerts take place at Trinity, although we perform specialty concerts elsewhere as well.

  • What is expected of parents?

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    Parents are expected to pay all tuition and fees on time. They are expected to make sure their child has an appropriate performance outfit. They are expected to be involved and encourage their singer(s) to do any at-home practice. They are expected to have an email account, check their email weekly, and read emails sent by PYC. Parents understand that they and their singer(s) are expected to remain active for the entire season, and that should they resign, all fees are non-refundable and that they are responsible for all balances.

  • I’m a parent, how can I learn about what’s going on?

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    We have an extensive SINGER PORTAL dashboard on our website. You can access this by clicking SINGER PORTAL in the footer of our website. Parents AND singers will use this area extensively. Singers use the SINGER PORTAL to stay informed, submit auditions, access practice tracks and sheet music, and view upcoming events. Parents use the SINGER PORTAL to stay informed, view their purchase history, view progress on any payment plans they have open, and update their contact information.

    To help parents stay informed, we use the following tools:

    Frequent Emails. When you register for PYC, your email address gets imported into our mailing list. These emails contain important information and must be read.

    Calendar. Every event is posted to our Calendar. You can sync the PYC calendar to your computer and mobile device.

    Texting. Occasionally, we send out text messages for urgent or timely reminders. We use the cell phone numbers you and your singer provide at registration.

    Social Media. We post information to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

  • Can I get a refund?

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    In most cases, no. The majority of the season’s expenses are paid before rehearsals begin (sheet music, licensing, lease, etc). 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:

    • Have a conference with the director

    • Submit a letter of resignation to the PYC office, 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 PYC Board of Directors will review the request and respond within a couple of weeks.

  • What is our concert attire?

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    PYC requires members to purchase a specified concert uniform. Before each concert, members will receive information about the required uniform.

    High School and Middle School Attire Options

    Choir Dress: This concert attire costs $85. Dresses are kept at the office. Call for an appointment for a fitting. Please note that dresses are made extra long to accommodate all heights. It is the responsibility of the family to hem their dress to the appropriate ankle length, and to assume responsibility for the cost that may be involved.

    Black Shirt with Black Slacks: This concert attire is purchased independently. We suggest Mr. Formal Clearance Store at:

    1103 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
    503-239-6121

    3rd Acceptable Option: As long as shoulders are covered and skirts/pants are below knee length or longer, the singer may wear an all-black (called concert black) of their choosing. Black dress shoes with low or no heel may be worn, and black tights or black socks are preferred.

    Elementary Concert Attire Options

    Students may wear:

    • A white button-down, long sleeve shirt

    • Black pants with black socks or black skirt with black tights

    • Black dress shoes (no sneakers, please)

    The following applies to all performers:

    • Remove bulky watches, bracelets, and chains – understated is best.

    • Modest Makeup – no glitter or heavy application of make-up.

    • Dress shoes for all genders – non-shiny and black. Low or no heel for safety and comfort. Closed-toe, no patent leather, no bows, no clunky heels.

  • How much does Pacific Youth Choir cost?

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    Costs for each choir are listed under the “Choirs” dropdown menu option in “Auditions and Membership.” PYC has a strong scholarship program and, if needed, families may choose to receive a 20% or 40% scholarship package. There is additional help available by filling out the PYC scholarship form.

  • What ages sing in PYC?

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    PYC serves students aged 5-19 (K-12 plus up to 1 year after HS graduation.)

  • How do I audition?

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    Fill out the audition form and you will be contacted with a time and audition details. You can find the form under the “Choirs” dropdown menu option, in “Auditions and Membership.”

  • What is expected of singers?

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    Singers will attend all rehearsals, retreats, dress rehearsals and performances. Singers understand that they can miss 2 rehearsals per semester. Singers will do their home practice, as assigned. They will care for the materials issued to them and pay any fees for lost or excessively damaged materials.

  • Can I go on tour?

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    All Pacific Youth Choir high school singers and alumni are invited to our national and international tours (attendance on these tours is not required.) Elementary and Middle School singers will embark upon state and regional events. Tour costs are separate from tuition, and the price for the tour is published the fall prior to the tour. PYC parents spearhead fundraisers from time to time, and information about those opportunities will be sent to everyone. Interested participants will also want to make sure that they meet the attendance and behavior requirements and successfully complete all assignments given by their choir director.

  • Is financial aid available?

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    Pacific Youth Choir is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth, regardless of financial barriers. We partner with individuals and businesses in the community to provide financial need-based scholarships. Additionally, tuition costs are kept as low as possible. We offer a payment plan for tuition where payments can be broken up into smaller affordable installments, and discounts are available for siblings.

  • Can I do other activities AND Pacific Youth Choir?

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    Definitely! With rehearsals held just once per week, your schedule remains open to pursue many other opportunities. We encourage you to be as well-rounded as possible. It takes planning and open communication between you, the choir director and your coaches or other activity directors.