Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did you start the choir?
A. We launched Palmetto Youth Choir in the fall of 2022, after postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We kicked off the season with a successful summer camp followed by our first choir season! Our 2022-2023 inaugural year was incredibly rewarding and more successful than we dreamed! We ended the season with 38 enthusiastic choristers and have grown from there. We launched the Palmetto Peace Choir one year later in the fall of 2023, and ended the season with 32 wonderful members.
Q. Where are your rehearsals & camps? When and where are your performances?
A. We are so grateful to be holding our rehearsals and camps at the James Island Arts & Cultural Center, located at 1248 Camp Road, Charleston, SC. Our performance venues and retreat locations vary according to the event. We have utilized venues such as area social halls and churches for our previous concerts, and we've had a few performances as guest artists at special events at outdoor venues.
Q. What kind of music will you be performing?
A. We are an independent secular community choir, unaffiliated with any school our church. Our repertoire includes an eclectic range of music, such as folk, jazz, world, musical theatre, Americana, pop and traditional choral pieces. Our goal is to choose music that shares messages of peace, hope, love and justice!
Q. Does a member need to be able to read music to join?
A. Music literacy is not a requirement, but it is helpful. Our curriculum will include instruction in music literacy.
Q. Can I book the choir for a performance?
A. Yes! We are looking forward to expanding our local performances opportunities! Please direct any inquiries to [email protected]
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Yes! We strive to be an inclusive community for all. A limited number of scholarships are available to members who have the financial need and demonstrate passion and dedication. "Financial need" is defined as having a household income of no more than 125% of the SC Poverty Guidelines, as outlined HERE, or may also be considered for extenuating circumstances.
Q. Can someone with special needs participate?
A. We warmly welcome any member who loves to sing, wants to be considered for the choir and can meet our minimum musical standards. Together with the parents, we can assess a child's readiness to join the choir. If a child needs regular individual assistance we ask that a parent/caregiver remain with the child at all times during rehearsals and performances, as we have a limited staff at this point in time.
Q. Are there any additional costs besides the monthly tuition and the enrollment fee?
A. Families will be asked to provide performance attire based on our guidelines, or at times purchase a t-shirt, but it need not be expensive. Admission to our ticketed concerts must be purchased by all in attendance; This is how we help offset the high cost of renting a performance venue and paying guest musicians. Other opportunities may occasionally be offered, such as merchandise, workshops, special events or recordings, etc. but these are optional.
Q. Are there any volunteering requirements for students or parents/caregivers?
A. We need volunteers for choral retreats, dress rehearsals and performances, etc. and enthusiastically welcome your assistance. Once a member enrolls, you will receive more information about our specific needs.
Q. Can I make a donation, and will it be tax-deductible?
A. Any donations, in-kind donations, advertising sponsorships, etc. are not tax deductible at this time; although as a new arts organization, we certainly welcome your support! We are planning to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the near future.
Q. I'm still worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. What policies and safety measures are in place?
We take seriously the health and safety of our choir family and our community. We will follow recommended safety protocols to strive for safety for our students and directors. Masks are optional for the foreseeable future, but requested if you think you've been exposed to any communicable illness. We don't currently require masks for singers and staff/volunteers (although they are welcome if that is your choice.) We are not currently practicing social distancing. We have hand sanitizer readily available and encourage its use. Members should not come to rehearsal if they are sick, or have been recently exposed to COVID-19. Members who develop a persistent cough or fever during rehearsal will be sent home. If a new COVID-19 infection is reported by one of our families, we will contact our choir community as soon as possible. If we need to shift to a virtual format temporarily, we are prepared to do that, as have many choirs throughout the world during recent times. We will provide regular updates and communications, monitoring changes and everyone's comfort level as needed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. This policy is subject to change.
A. We launched Palmetto Youth Choir in the fall of 2022, after postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We kicked off the season with a successful summer camp followed by our first choir season! Our 2022-2023 inaugural year was incredibly rewarding and more successful than we dreamed! We ended the season with 38 enthusiastic choristers and have grown from there. We launched the Palmetto Peace Choir one year later in the fall of 2023, and ended the season with 32 wonderful members.
Q. Where are your rehearsals & camps? When and where are your performances?
A. We are so grateful to be holding our rehearsals and camps at the James Island Arts & Cultural Center, located at 1248 Camp Road, Charleston, SC. Our performance venues and retreat locations vary according to the event. We have utilized venues such as area social halls and churches for our previous concerts, and we've had a few performances as guest artists at special events at outdoor venues.
Q. What kind of music will you be performing?
A. We are an independent secular community choir, unaffiliated with any school our church. Our repertoire includes an eclectic range of music, such as folk, jazz, world, musical theatre, Americana, pop and traditional choral pieces. Our goal is to choose music that shares messages of peace, hope, love and justice!
Q. Does a member need to be able to read music to join?
A. Music literacy is not a requirement, but it is helpful. Our curriculum will include instruction in music literacy.
Q. Can I book the choir for a performance?
A. Yes! We are looking forward to expanding our local performances opportunities! Please direct any inquiries to [email protected]
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Yes! We strive to be an inclusive community for all. A limited number of scholarships are available to members who have the financial need and demonstrate passion and dedication. "Financial need" is defined as having a household income of no more than 125% of the SC Poverty Guidelines, as outlined HERE, or may also be considered for extenuating circumstances.
Q. Can someone with special needs participate?
A. We warmly welcome any member who loves to sing, wants to be considered for the choir and can meet our minimum musical standards. Together with the parents, we can assess a child's readiness to join the choir. If a child needs regular individual assistance we ask that a parent/caregiver remain with the child at all times during rehearsals and performances, as we have a limited staff at this point in time.
Q. Are there any additional costs besides the monthly tuition and the enrollment fee?
A. Families will be asked to provide performance attire based on our guidelines, or at times purchase a t-shirt, but it need not be expensive. Admission to our ticketed concerts must be purchased by all in attendance; This is how we help offset the high cost of renting a performance venue and paying guest musicians. Other opportunities may occasionally be offered, such as merchandise, workshops, special events or recordings, etc. but these are optional.
Q. Are there any volunteering requirements for students or parents/caregivers?
A. We need volunteers for choral retreats, dress rehearsals and performances, etc. and enthusiastically welcome your assistance. Once a member enrolls, you will receive more information about our specific needs.
Q. Can I make a donation, and will it be tax-deductible?
A. Any donations, in-kind donations, advertising sponsorships, etc. are not tax deductible at this time; although as a new arts organization, we certainly welcome your support! We are planning to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the near future.
Q. I'm still worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. What policies and safety measures are in place?
We take seriously the health and safety of our choir family and our community. We will follow recommended safety protocols to strive for safety for our students and directors. Masks are optional for the foreseeable future, but requested if you think you've been exposed to any communicable illness. We don't currently require masks for singers and staff/volunteers (although they are welcome if that is your choice.) We are not currently practicing social distancing. We have hand sanitizer readily available and encourage its use. Members should not come to rehearsal if they are sick, or have been recently exposed to COVID-19. Members who develop a persistent cough or fever during rehearsal will be sent home. If a new COVID-19 infection is reported by one of our families, we will contact our choir community as soon as possible. If we need to shift to a virtual format temporarily, we are prepared to do that, as have many choirs throughout the world during recent times. We will provide regular updates and communications, monitoring changes and everyone's comfort level as needed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. This policy is subject to change.
Other Policies: All choir members will receive our Member Handbook, which provides more details about our policies on conduct, attendance, dress code, etc. as well as our operating procedures and commitment to being a safe space for all.
If you have additional questions contact us!