FAQ's
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you still have questions, click the contact button, and we'll be happy to get back to you with an answer.
Does my child need to know how to sing to join?
No. The degreed, professional directors at HCCC will teach your child to match pitches as well as how to produce a proper vocal tone. Additionally, your child will learn music theory and sight singing to enable him to read and sing any music.
Do we need to live in Hancock County to participate?
No. HCCC is based in Hancock County, but we serve students all over east-central Indiana.
What is the time commitment?
The choir rehearses every Monday afternoon from August to April. Ensemble rehearsal times are as follows:
K-3:
55 min rehearsal
4th-6th grades:
55 min rehearsal plus 25 minute aural skills class
7th-12th grades:
15 min full group warm up
55 min Finale Choir rehearsal (all 7th-12th graders)
25 min aural skills class
55 min primary ensemble rehearsal
Cantanti Lirich Ensemble (high school mixed honor ensemble):
55 min rehearsal
Homework:
Choir members are asked to listen to their at-home rehearsal recordings to practice learning the lyrics and their parts four times during the week.
We have two primary performances, Christmas (early December) and spring (April).
We have one Saturday rehearsal, usually late January.
Occasionally, we have the opportunity to sing for events in the community.
Is there any financial assistance for those who want to participate but do not have the means?
Yes, we offer a financial assistance program. We have never turned a child away due to financial reasons, and we are committed to maintaining this policy. HCCC offers a "no questions asked" financial assistance program for up to 100% of fees to allow all to participate. There is an opportunity to express interest on the membership registration form that will be completed after assessments.
How does my child join the choir?
Each child must first be assessed to determine their current level of ability, then they are assigned to an ensemble. The assessment is short, easy, and given in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Sign up for an assessment HERE. After we receive your form, Davinna Beale, HCCC's Member Services Associate, will contact you to set up an appointment at our Fall Kickoff.
What is included in the assessment for membership?
The purpose of an assessment is multifaceted. For our younger students, we assess readiness to learn and participate in HCCC. For all students, we determine vocal ability and ensure your child is placed in the correct levels for music theory and sight singing. We also assess whether your child needs assistance with pitch-matching.
The following is a description of what happens in an assessment. All of these activities are completed in a supportive and encouraging environment.
A simple conversation with the director reveals readiness level for younger students.
Students are asked to sing the first verse of My Country Tis of Thee without accompaniment.
Click HERE for the audio.
Click HERE for the sheet music.
Note: If your child prefers, he/she may sing another song of choice such as Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
If students have had musical experience, they will complete a sight-singing assessment and a music theory assessment.
We assess the child's current musical abilities by conducting a pitch-matching exercise.
Besides practicing My Country Tis of Thee, there is no preparation necessary. Simply encourage your child to smile and enjoy the fun assessment with our directors.
What is the cost of membership for a student?
Registration fee:
$10 for K-3rd grades
$50 for 4th-12th grades
Annual tuition fee:
$200 for K-3rd grades ($100/semester)
$320 for 4th-12th grades ($160/semester)
Uniform fee:
Varies per ensemble and size, but we try very hard to keep costs reasonable. We also keep an inventory of used uniforms we offer at a discounted price, while available.
Alteration fee:
Varies per uniform and what needs altering, but we try very hard to keep costs reasonable.
Concert meals (optional):
Boxed meal and pizza, but you are welcome to bring your own meals
What volunteer responsibilities do I have as a parent?
Not just a drop-off activity, HCCC encourages parents/guardians to get involved! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to explore that will fit your interests and availability.
Can I see some examples of the choir performing?
Below are links to past performances so you can see our "end product":
That's Christmas to Me, photographer Ashley Wittmer
Special military reunion during That's Christmas to Me, video by RTV6:(Note: this video has over 26 million views to date making it the most popular video on RTV6's YouTube Channel.)
Let Freedom Ring!, photographer Ashley Wittmer
All is Well 10th Anniversary Christmas Production, filmed at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
When You Believe 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert - features Jim Papoulis, world-renowned children's music composer, as guest conductor
From Darkness to Light - features guest violinist Oliwia Walczak from Poland (1:18)
Can you give me an idea of some key dates I'll need to mark on my calendar for this season?
Important Dates for 2025-2026
AUGUST
Monday, August 18, Fall Kick Off - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Assessment appointments available on this day)
Monday, August 26, Rehearsals begin
OCTOBER
Monday, October 13, Month of Giving begins
DECEMBER
Christmas Concert dress rehearsal - Friday December 5 or Friday December 12, 4:00pm-9:00pm (students in K-6 do not stay for the entire rehearsal).
Christmas Concert - Saturday, December 6 or Saturday, December 13, 2:30pm and 7:00pm.
* Concert Dates - Booking requests have been submitted to the venue, but we have not received confirmation; therefore, we are listing 2 concert dates for the Christmas concert, asking members to pencil them in their calendars while we wait for confirmation.
Cumberland Christmas Festival (likely performance at 5:30pm on December 13 if we do not have a concert that day)
JANUARY
Rehearsals resume Monday, January 5
Saturday rehearsal, January 24, rehearsal will conclude by noon
FEBRUARY
Etiquette Luncheon, Saturday, February 28
APRIL
Spring Concert dress rehearsal - Friday April 10, 4:00pm-9:00pm (students in K-6 do not stay for the entire rehearsal).
Spring Concert - Saturday, April 11, 2:30pm and 7:00pm.
* Concert Dates - Booking requests have been submitted to the venue, but we have not received confirmation; therefore, we are asking members to pencil them in their calendars while we wait for confirmation.
Spring Banquet, Monday April 27
JUNE
Summer Camp , Monday, June 1 - tentative date based on venue approval.
Still have a question?
Click the contact button, and we’ll get back to you with the answers you need