TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPRING 2024 SEASON

Rain Coast Choir remains committed to safely singing in person, and our first priority is the safety and comfort of our members. We will review our protocols regularly and adapt them to adhere to our Provincial Health Officer’s and 411 Seniors Centre Society’s COVID-19 policies.

Members agree to abide by the following Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to our COVID-19 safety policy as new developments arise.

If you have questions or concerns regarding any of the following Terms and Conditions, please visit our FAQ page, or contact us before signing and submitting your registration form.

1. COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Safety Policy

Proof of Double Vaccination

• Proof of vaccination is required to participate unless an individual has a medical exemption. Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• To avoid congestion and delay during in-person rehearsals, vaccination documentation can be emailed in advance to register@raincoastchoir.com.

• Proof of vaccination can also be presented at the first choir session.

Masks

• Masks are currently optional in all common areas of 411 Seniors Centre Society (foyer, hallways, restrooms, etc.) We will abide by their protocols if this changes.

• In the rehearsal hall, masks are optional but not currently required. This may change as we continue to monitor provincial mandates and group comfort levels.

• If you have concerns about our masking protocol or have increased risk for severe illness, we encourage you to email us to discuss your concerns at info@raincoastchoir.com.

• Any information disclosed will be kept strictly confidential, and will be considered in the ongoing monitoring of our masking protocol.

Physical Distancing and Symptom Screening

• Use outdoor spaces for small-group and sectional workshopping when weather permits.

• Complete symptom screening upon each arrival.

• Anyone who arrives to choir when they are ill will not be able to take part in the rehearsal and will be asked to go home for the evening.

Personal Hygiene and Equipment Sharing

• Hand-sanitizer will be provided at the entrance and sign-in areas.  

• Singers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, pencils, etc.

• Shared equipment will be sanitized after use.

• Single-use straws, lyric sheets etc., shall not be returned to where they could be inadvertently reused.

Illness Reporting and Attendance

• Members are not to attend rehearsal if they experience any suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness such as cold and flu. These symptoms include but are not limited to the following: cough, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain or pressure, unless these symptoms are normal for you, or related to a chronic condition (see below).

• Please use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool at bc.thrive.health/covid19/en and follow the guidance provided.

Exposure to Illness and Attendance

• Because COVID-19 is highly transmissable before symptoms appear, members are not to attend if they have had a known exposure to COVID-19 within 5 days prior to rehearsal and are likely to have contracted the illness. Here are some definitions and examples of various risk levels of exposure: Exposure Level Self-Assessment Tool

• Members are asked to use their best judgment and consider the well-being of their fellow members when deciding to attend rehearsal, if they had a known exposure to other communicable respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu.

Chronic Medical Conditions

• Some members have chronic medical conditions, such as allergies, whose symptoms mirror those of COVID-19. If you are comfortable, please let us know if you are affected by one of these chronic health conditions, so that we can make informed decisions about how to have you participate safely in choir activities.

• Members with chronic conditions are expected to be discerning when experiencing symptoms that are new or abnormal, which may indicate the presence of COVID-19 or other communicable respiratory illnesses. In these cases, members must adhere to the guidelines in the Illness and Reporting section above.

• Additionally, we suggest that anyone with a chronic medical condition keep in contact with their primary care physician, if they have one, as they can provide the best guidance and support.
  

2. Attendance and Missed Rehearsal Policy

Member Attendance and Absence

• Members are expected to make choir a weekly commitment and attend rehearsals regularly unless they are unwell.

• If you have a prior commitment and need to miss a rehearsal, please notify your section leader ahead of time.

• If a member misses a rehearsal because they are ill or have a prior commitment, they may use the practice tracks to keep up to speed.

• Missing more than two rehearsals in a row or four rehearsals total over the course of the season may impact your ability to participate in the end-of-season performance.

Director Absence

• If Joline misses a rehearsal, a substitute will coordinate the rehearsal. Section leaders can also help to direct and/or workshop with their sections.

• If Joline and multiple others become sick, this would indicate that risk of transmission had increased. We may suspend choir practice until we determine it is safe to continue meeting.
  

3. Season/Show Interruption Contingency Plan

• If provincial occupancy limits change and determine we cannot use our space, we will either hold rehearsals outside or at an alternative location.

• If we cannot complete the season, we may offer current members a discounted registration fee for another season if it is feasible to do so.

• If Joline is ill for the end-of-season performance, we will attempt to reschedule the show at a later date, or find a substitute director to perform with the choir if possible in the event that the show cannot be rescheduled.
  

4. Member Participation Requirements

• Rain Coast Choir is a non-auditioned community choir; no prior choir experience is necessary.

• All songs are learned by ear with lyrics sheets and practice tracks provided; there is no need to read music notation.

• Members must be able to sing in tune and match pitches with their voice.

• Members must be able to memorize songs and perform without the aid of lyrics sheets. We will not be allowing lyrics on stage this season.

• Members are expected to spend time on home practice between rehearsals to learn their parts and work on vocal development. It is recommended to plan for at least 2 hours per week of self-study (though the amount of home practice needed will vary for each member).

• Members are expected to be engaged in and committed to developing their vocal and musical abilities. Joline Baylis, the choir's director and a professional vocal coach, is passionate about providing the specific support that each singer needs in order to build confidence and skill. Members are expected to be open to following the guidance provided as we work throughout the season.

• Members are expected to participate in sound check on the day of our end-of-season performance. The timeline and details will be communicated in advance, and members are expected to attend all show-day activities unless they communicate schedule conflicts with the director ahead of time.

5. Monthly Payment Plan Policy

• For the Spring 2024 season, members may opt to pay their registration fee in four monthly installments of $125.

• Initial payment of $125 is due upon registration to secure your spot.

• Subsequent payments will be due on the following dates:

  • March 1, 2024 - 2nd installment due

  • April 1, 2024 - 3rd installment due

  • May 1, 2024 - 4th installment due

• You will receive an email reminder when it's time to make your next payment.

• Because we spend each season learning repertoire for our show, we cannot fill spots mid-season if members withdraw and default on payments. Our budget and planning for each season are based on the number of members who register, and we rely on receiving the full amount anticipated in order to meet our spending plan.

• By agreeing to a monthly payment plan, members commit to pay all four monthly payments, whether or not they complete the season (unless they withdraw within the refund period at the beginning of the season - see details below).
  

6. Refund Policy

• Members must withdraw from choir before Friday, March 1st to receive a refund for the season.

• A $25 adminstrative fee will be deducted from the refund, as well as $25 for each week attended.

• No refunds will be given for season tuition after the deadline.

• No refunds will be provided for missed rehearsals. The registration fee is for participation in the full season.
  

7. Tolerance and Inclusivity Policy

• All members are welcome, and will be treated with respect, regardless of racial identity, ethnicity, cultural identity, religion, beliefs, physical ability, socioeconomic status, social class, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. 

• If you have preferred pronouns, please do make them known.

• We are a community built on collaboration, support and encouragement. Singing and exploring our voices together is a vulnerable endeavour, and it is expected that all members will respect and celebrate each other's abilities, ideas, creativity and feelings. Criticism and competetion have no place in Rain Coast Choir and will not be allowed.
  

8. Photography and Video Consent

• Members consent to having their likeness used in photos and videos for promotional purposes.

• If you are concerned about being included, we will provide expectations about when to expect filming and/or photographing during rehearsals and social events, so you can take measures to avoid being captured.

• It is not possible to avoid being included in photo and video during our performances, as there may be professional photographers, videographers, and or audience members recording the show.
  

9. Privacy Policy

• Personal information collected is used to identify members, determine services and instruction required, and protect the safety and security of members.

• All personal information shared during rehearsals and/or in private, whether verbal or written, shall remain confidential. Contact information provided may be shared amongst Rain Coast Choir volunteers, section leaders, and other members for the purposes of communicating choir-related updates, scheduling extra rehearsals, etc.

• No personal information shall be passed on to any institutions or individuals outside the Rain Coast Choir organization without your expressed consent.

• You may receive email or phone correspondence from authorized individuals, either from official Rain Coast Choir email addresses, or the individual’s personal email address. All Rain Coast Choir members and representatives agree to respect your privacy, and no personal information shall be shared with parties outside the Rain Coast Choir organization.
  

10. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Policy

• All Rain Coast Choir practice materials (practice tracks, lyrics, scores, instructional audio and/or video, etc.) are provided for private use of current registered choir members, for educational and support purposes only.

• Confidential materials and recordings shall not be shared with outside parties, redistributed, presented or posted publicly in any form, either physically or online.
  

11. Liability Disclaimer

Choral Singing and Somatic VoiceworkTM

• In choral singing, and vocal coaching using Somatic VoiceworkTM, the focus is on healthy vocal function, and our practice rests on a great respect for and sensitivity to the responses of the body, while we explore singing and developing the voice. Emphasis is on free and easy use of the voice, and we do not seek to strain, contort or push the voice beyond what is comfortable. Every effort will be made to ensure that our work together does not create undue stress on, or injury to, the voice.

• Rain Coast Choir members assume full responsibility for any risks involved in participation. If you are concerned about the impact of singing on your voice, you may wish to consult a medical professional or specialist prior to registering for the season.

COVID-19, Communicable Disease, Health and Safety

• While Rain Coast Choir makes every effort to create a safe environment in regard to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, members agree to self-monitor, prioritize the health and safety of fellow participants, and assume full responsibility for any risks involved in group singing and performing.

• Rain Coast Choir, 411 Seniors Centre Society, and Joline Baylis assume no liability for any illness, injury or damages that occur as a result of participation in choir rehearsals and/or performances.

If you have questions or concerns regarding any of the above Terms and Conditions, please visit our FAQ page. Alternatively, feel free to contact us or email info@raincoastchoir.com.