Welcome to the Schaumburg Choral Program!

This reference guide will provide members and their families a comprehensive resource for the Schaumburg Choral Program. Included rules and regulations, general guidelines and other pertinent information. Should you have questions or issues that are not addressed in this book, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our front office not only operates with an open door policy, but, knowing that an organization’s success relies on member and family support, we truly enjoy becoming acquainted with everyone affiliated with the program.

We’re thrilled to have you as a valued member of the organization and look forward to a rewarding comeback season!

2025-26 Tuition Fees:

Prelude - $300
Cantabile - $300
SCA2- $300

Payment Options

• Check, payable to Village of Schaumburg. Checks can be dropped off at the Prairie Center or mailed to Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, IL 60193
• Cash
• Online with credit card (2.25% / $1.00 minimum service fee applies to all credit card payments.)

  • Pay Full Tuition
    

  • Pay Custom Amount

Installment Plans & Tuition Assistance
Contact the orchestra office to set up a payment plan or inquire about tuition assistance through the Young Artists Assistance Program. 

Payment Due Dates
All tuitions must be paid in full prior to the first rehearsal date (with the exception of installment plans).

Balance due statements will be sent September 29, November 3, and December 1. Members with unpaid balances after December 14 are subject to dismissal from the program.

The 2025-26 season calendar can be viewed HERE.

It can be customized and synched to smartphones and home computer calendars.

To view a simple schedule for your group

1. Go to the Calendar page.
2. Click on the arrow next to the word 'Agenda' in the upper right-hand corner of the calendar.
3. Select the ensemble(s) you want to view.
4. Click on the word Agenda.

Please note that all members of the Schaumburg Choral Program must abide by the participation policy of the program: 

The Schaumburg Choral Program member agrees to participate in his or her  school music/choir program where available (does not apply to college students). 

Alternatively, a choir member may ask their school music or vocal teacher to submit documentation in support of a waiver from this requirement. Waivers are granted by the Schaumburg Choral Program only in rare and exceptional circumstances.

This policy is designed to support your daily development as a musician in school and opens many valuable opportunities within school programs, such as tours, festivals, and musicals.

The Schaumburg Choral Program has also built strong relationships with many local school music educators who have helped recruit current members. While private lessons are not required to participate in Schaumburg Choral Program, they are highly encouraged, as they further support your vocal growth.

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays You can check a rehearsal schedule a variety of ways:
Check the website (schaumburgsings.com)
Sync the schedule up to your smartphone (see calendar)

Emails will also be sent regarding any last-minute changes to the schedule.

An attendance sign-in sheet will be located outside the door of the rehearsal room.  BE SURE TO CHECK OFF YOUR NAME or you will be marked absent.  Tardiness is disruptive to rehearsal -- please arrive 10 minutes early to prepared at the start of rehearsal.    If a rehearsal  or performance is canceled due to inclement weather, you may go to our website and the information will be posted no less than three hours before the rehearsal/event.

Rehearsal Reminders:

• Come musically prepared.
• Bring your music folder. Any lost music will be replaced at the cost of the member.
• Bring a pencil to each rehearsal for note-taking.
• If you are absent or tardy for rehearsal, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. 
• No food, gum, or drinks (except water) are allowed in the rehearsal room.

Rehearsal or performance cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced no less than 3 hours prior to the scheduled event. Announcements will be made on the Schaumburg Choral Program Members site and via email.

All students will receive a folder with music at the first rehearsal.  This folder will have your name on it and you are responsible for this folder at all times.  If your folder is lost, there will be a $5 charge to replace it and the music.  

The productivity of a choir’s rehearsal depends on the attendance of its members.  Being a responsible member requires your total commitment, starting with your presence at all rehearsals and concerts.  Absences - only two absences will be allowed per semester.  A third absence may result in a conference with the appropriate director, student and parents and possible dismissal from the group. 

To report an absence, contact Choir Assistant Donna Robertelli or 847-923-3630 or email sing@schaumburg.com.

Except in the case of illness or family emergencies, pre-excused absences must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the rehearsal date to be missed. There is absolutely no excuse for not providing timely notice to the choir assistant prior to an absence. Unexcused absences include (but are not limited to) birthday or family parties, homework, and forgetting to attend rehearsal (please refer to the schedule often!).

Tardiness - It is very important for students to arrive 10 minutes early to rehearsal and be seated at the start of rehearsal. Your tardiness can be very disruptive to the rehearsal. If you are late, please check in at the office so you are not marked absent. Two tardies will count as one absence. 

School conflicts - we realize that many of our students have other activities at school, and measures have been taken to avoid schedule conflicts. If you become aware of a conflict with the rehearsal schedule, please inform the staff immediately so that the issue can be addressed.

All members must be present for dress rehearsals and concerts.  Dress rehearsals usually take place one regular rehearsal before the concert and involve a run-through of the choir program.  You will find these dates listed on your rehearsal schedule.

You do not need to wear performance attire to the dress rehearsal.  

IMPORTANT: Other dates may be added and will be announced upon confirmation.

Friday, November 28, 2025 -5:30 pm
Schaumburg Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 1 pm & 5 pm 
Presto! Holiday Concert with Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, April 26, 2025 - 7 pm
Spring Concert

Concert/Performance Attire: 
Members are responsible for providing their own concert/performance attire.  All attire should be respectable. 

Prelude:
Black shirt/blouse. Black pants or skirt.

Cantabile:
Black shirt/blouse. Colorful scarf with blouse. Shirts should have sleeves.
Black pants or skirt. Skirts should be at knee length. Clothing should not be tight-fitting. 

Concert/Performance Tickets:
Tickets for the Presto! Holiday Concert on Dec. 21, $30-$35 adults & $25-$30 for students and seniors, can be ordered in advance online.

Tickets in advance Spring Concert prices are TBD-- we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance to save money and reduce time at the box office.

The most convenient and safest way to order tickets is online at www.prairiecenter.org. All ticket orders (whether from a home computer or the Prairie Center box office) are processed through a secure and reliable ticketing service.  No service charges are applied by ordering online.  Tickets can also be ordered by calling 847.895.3600 weekdays 10am - 2pm. 

Families who wish to take video/audio recordings of regular season concerts may do so from their seats and must sit in rows L - P (Q in the center). 

Recordings of special programs (e.g. Presto! Holiday Concert) on cameras or recording devices (cell phones et. al.) are not permitted. 

Parents are an integral part of the Schaumburg Choral Program, whether it be to volunteer for fundraisers, chaperone for rehearsals and outside performances, or usher at concerts.  The Schaumburg Choral Program also relies on parental support and encouragement when it comes to student involvement with the program. 

While it is the student’s obligation to be at rehearsal and practice, we also consider the parents responsible for making sure their child follows through with his or her commitment.  We encourage families to go over the rehearsal schedule together so that all details are clearly communicated.  

Volunteer to be a Prelude choir helper!
Choir helpers are responsible for staying in the room during rehearsal, escorting students to the rest room, waiting in the hall and escorting back to rehearsal.
Sign Up to Help

Fundraising is integral to the success of the program.  Funds earned through Schaumburg Choral Program activities such as concession sales, raffles, and outside performance contributions help support sectional coaching, music purchases, and many other expenses.  Participation in fundraising events is strongly encouraged for all members and, where possible, their families.

Please bear in mind that the Prairie Center, in addition to hosting the Schaumburg Choral Program, also holds government meetings, business seminars, and other functions, often during rehearsal hours.  Parents are welcome to remain at the Prairie Center while their children are in rehearsal.  However, children not in the choir program who are at rehearsal (e.g. members’ siblings) must be supervised by an adult at all times while at the Prairie Center.  

The Village of Schaumburg reserves the right to take photographs and audio or video recordings of members during rehearsals and performances.  Images and recordings may be used for (but not limited to) distribution to press, advertising, direct marketing, and the general promotion of the Schaumburg Choral Program, programs at the Prairie Center, and the Village of Schaumburg.