New for 2025-2026
We have revisited our tuition structure at GYS to recognize that:
- Volunteers are needed to make our non-profit choir a success, but not everyone has time to volunteer.
- Rising costs can make participation challenging. Our goal is to provide more affordable options to help families continue their involvement in choral music.
- Lowering tuition means we can attract more voices to our choir.
Tuition Options ▾
Families may choose one of the following options to cover tuition:
- Option A: Tuition Payment (per child) + Volunteer Commitment (per family)
- Option B: Tuition Payment (per child) + Donation (per family)
| Choir | Tuition (per child) | Organizational Contribution (1x per family) |
|---|---|---|
| Choir I (Option A) | $475/Year | 20 Volunteer Points/Year |
| Choir I (Option B) | $475/Year | $400 Donation/Year (tax deductible) |
| Choir II (Option A) | $650/Year | 24 Volunteer Points/Year |
| Choir II (Option B) | $650/Year | $500 Donation/Year (tax deductible) |
| Chamber (Option A) | $650/Year | 24 Volunteer Points/Year |
| Chamber (Option B) | $650/Year | $500 Donation/Year (tax deductible) |
Volunteer Opportunities ▾
If choosing to go with Option A, below are the available opportunities to acquire volunteer points.
| Area | Volunteer Role | Description | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Board of Directors (Full Year) | Attend monthly meetings and support key decisions | 24 Points |
| Concerts & Events | |||
| Chaperone (Rehearsals/Events) | Supervise choristers at events | 1 Point per Hour | |
| Organize/Host Concert Refreshments | Plan and serve post-concert refreshments | 5 Points per Event | |
| Assist with Concert Set-up/Tear-down | Assist with logistics before/after concerts | 3 Points per Event | |
| Promotions | |||
| Represent GYS at Recruitment Events | Help at recruitment events (e.g., Multicultural Festival) | 1 Point per Hour | |
| Social Media Coordinator (Full Year) | Manage GYS social channels | 24 Points | |
| Fundraising | |||
| Coordinate Large Fundraiser ($1000+) | Plan major fundraising events (e.g., Silent Auction) | 24 Points | |
| Coordinate Small Fundraiser ($500+) | Plan smaller events (e.g., raffles) | 12 Points | |
| Help with a Fundraiser | Help with fundraising efforts | 1 Point per Hour | |
| Grant Writing | Assist with writing grant applications | 2 Points per Hour | |
| Operations | |||
| Music Librarian (Full Year) | Help organize and manage music materials | 24 Points | |
| Assist with Retreat/Workshop Planning | Assist with planning special events | 5 Points per Event | |
| Other Ideas | Have a skill or idea? Let’s chat! | Share your expertise to support GYS | To Be Determined |
FAQ ▾
A: Yes! With our new tuition structure, the sibling discount is built right in. Because the family contribution is paid only once per family, you’ll automatically save when registering multiple children. For example:
- Child 1 (Choir I): $475
- Child 2 (Choir II): $650
- Family Contribution: Either 24 volunteer points or a $500 donation (with tax receipt)
Q: Do I have to pay everything at once?
A: No. While the family contribution (either the volunteer commitment or donation) is due at registration, tuition payments can be made in 9 monthly installments (September to May) or 2 term installments (September and January) if needed.
Q: When will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
A: Tax receipts are issued immediately when payment is made through Choir Genius.
Q: Are financial subsidies available?
A: Yes! We want every child to have the opportunity to sing with us. Subsidies are available through the Children’s Foundation of Guelph. Please reach out to learn more.
Q: How do I earn volunteer points?
Volunteer opportunities are tracked through Choir Genius and include things like:
- Chaperoning rehearsals and events
- Assisting with concert setup or refreshments
- Helping with fundraisers
- Serving on the Board of Directors
Q: Can my older children help with volunteer hours?
A: Yes! Chamber Choir members are welcome to volunteer if it doesn’t conflict with their performances. Some opportunities may have age restrictions.
Q: Do I need a Vulnerable Sector Check to volunteer?
A: Only if your volunteer role involves working directly with children (e.g., as a chaperone). Roles like Board service or event setup don’t require a check. You can learn how to obtain one from the Guelph Police Service.
Q: What happens if I can’t complete my volunteer hours?
A: We understand that life is unpredictable. You can switch to the donation option at any time and pay a prorated amount based on the volunteer hours remaining.
