BNYC: Our Choirs

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The BNYC strives to create an atmosphere where students are inspired to follow their musical passions.  We aim to support those passions through fun and exciting activities that stretch them musically all while encouraging the development of healthy vocal technique and choral singing.

What will singers do/learn in BNYC?

  • Healthy Singing Technique for young singers
  • Exploration of music and the vocal instrument through group movement
  • Music Literacy – learning the musical language through rhythmic and melodic sight singing exercises, playing of instruments, body percussion, etc.
  • Preparing for 2-3 choral performances through the study and practice of a wide variety of choral music.

Performance Schedule 

The BNYC performance schedule consists of two main concerts (late January and late May) and a choral invitational (Spring) where we invite young area singers to spend the weekend making music with us!

Occasionally other performance opportunities will present themselves after our concert schedule has been set.  These events are important to consider as it gives our singers additional opportunities to perform, but they won’t always be the right fit at the right time.  The acceptance of these invitations will only be made after very careful consideration of additional preparation time, singer availability, etc.  Once an informed decision is made to participate in an extra performance, communication with BNYC families will be made right away.

Registration information can be found at Buffalo Niagara Youth Chorus Application or by contacting Andrea Shurtliffe at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Andrea Shurtliffe
BNYC Artistic Director

Our Three Choirs

*All rehearsals are tentatively scheduled to take place at Ellicott Elementary School in Orchard Park

Prelude

Grades K-2
Rehearses Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:30pm

Our youngest singers are introduced to group singing and will develop their budding musicianship skills through various movement activities, musical games, and reading simple musical patterns while playing instruments. Healthy singing technique will be emphasized as we prepare 2-3 pieces each semester for performance.

Bravo

Grades 3-5
Rehearses Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:30pm

The Bravo Singers will continue to develop their musicianship skills through the introduction of sight reading, solfege, and ear training activities in each rehearsal in addition to various movement activities. These singers will also explore proper vocal technique through the preparation of 3-5 pieces (unison, 2-part and rounds) each semester for performance.

Encore

Grades 6-12
Rehearses Thursdays 5:30 – 6:30pm

The Encore Singers will be challenged with the preparation of 4-5 pieces (3-part, acapella, and various languages) for each performance while continuing the study of proper vocal technique. Movement, sight reading, solfege, and ear training activities will be a part of each rehearsal.

Tuition

Tuition collected is used to cover the costs of music, folders, venues, insurance, staff salaries, guest musicians, recordings, etc. Tuition invoices will be sent to each family from our treasurer.

  • $395 for entire season/ $45 per month

    • Siblings of a currently registered singer receive a $50 discount

    • Refer a friend – receive a one-time $50 discount on the current year’s tuition – referee also receives a $50 discount on their tuition

  • Due Dates:

    • If paying tuition in full, your payment is due October 1st.

    • If paying monthly, your payment is due on the 1st of each month