KZN Midlands Youth Choir
Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions & Portal Access
Q: My child passed their audition! What happens next?
A: Congratulations! Once a chorister successfully passes their audition, they will automatically be added as a member to our secure Website Chorister Portal. You will receive an email invitation to log in, set up your profile, and access choir-specific resources and schedules.
Fees, Billing, & Sponsorship
Q: What are the total costs involved in joining the choir?
A: The non-optional expenses for the membership year include:
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Annual Membership Fee for 2026: R9,700 total. This is split into a R2,800 non-refundable deposit to secure their spot , followed by 6 monthly installments of R1,150.
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Annual Compulsory Camp: R2,700.
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Uniforms: Ordered through the website (costs vary by gender).
Q: How does billing and payment work?
A: To make life easier, billing will happen automatically directly from the website portal. Digital accounts are generated monthly , and payments are automatically processed/due by the 25th of each month.
Q: Are there any discounts available for early payment?
A: Yes! If you pay the full R9,700.00 annual membership fee upfront before December 31, 2025, you will receive a 5% discount.
* Based on 2025/2026 costs. Costs may increase with a maximum of 5% for the next season, depending on the sponsorship we receive.
Q: Can I get financial assistance or sponsorship?
A: Yes. Because KZNMYC is a registered NPO, we can provide your child with a personalized sponsorship letter to help you secure external funding. Additionally, discounts of up to 50% may be available for parents who can offer significant value through trade exchanges or fundraising.
Q: What happens if my child decides to leave the choir mid-year?
A: By signing the membership agreement, you agree to a full financial obligation for the year. If your child leaves for any reason, you are still obligated to pay all outstanding non-optional expenses (including the remaining balance of membership fees, camp, and uniform costs).
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Uniforms & Appearance
Q: How do we order the choir uniform?
A: All uniform orders are now processed directly through our website portal. This allows parents the flexibility to select and purchase uniform pieces over time according to their personal budget.
Q: When is the deadline to have the full uniform?
A: The full uniform must be entirely acquired by mid-March of the following year. This ensures all choristers are fully equipped and ready for the first official dress rehearsal. Please note that ordered items will not be handed over until payment is complete, and choristers cannot perform without a correct uniform.
Q: What are the specific uniform requirements?
A: The choir uniform is a mix of KZNMYC-supplied items and items parents must provide:
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Girls: KZNMYC supplies the formal dress, sash, beaded collar, headband, badge, golf shirt, and puffer jacket. Parents must provide a black school-type blazer, low-heeled black court shoes, a strapless bra, un-ripped blue jeans, and sports shoes/takkies.
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Boys: KZNMYC supplies the formal tie, badge, golf shirt, and puffer jacket. Parents must provide black formal pants, a white long-sleeved collared shirt, a black school-type blazer, black socks, black shoes, blue jeans, and sports shoes/takkies.
Q: Are there styling or grooming rules for performances?
A: Yes. For performances and travel, girls must wear only nude makeup (no colors or fake eyelashes) , and nails must be a French manicure/pedicure (no colors or designs). Boys are not permitted to wear makeup.
Rehearsals, Camp, & Attendance
Q: When and where are rehearsals held?
A: Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 17:30 to 21:00 during IEB school terms in Hilton. The exact venue will be confirmed prior to the start of the choir year. Choristers must arrive by 17:30 sharp; latecomers will not be allowed to rehearse without prior arrangement.
Q: Can parents stay and watch rehearsals?
A: To maintain focus, parents are not permitted inside the hall during rehearsals, but you are more than welcome to come in and watch the final 15 minutes.
Q: What is the policy on absenteeism?
A: Because we strive for musical excellence, choristers are allowed a maximum of three absences per year. Exceeding this limit will result in being asked to leave the choir. If there is an emergency, notify the Administrator in advance so it won't count toward the limit. Submitting mandatory voice notes and virtual recordings is also required to track preparation.
Q: Is the annual camp compulsory?
A: Yes, the annual camp is strictly mandatory. It is vital for performance preparation and building choir commitment. For safety, dorms are strictly split and monitored , no personal medication is allowed in dorms (it must be handed in on arrival) , and strict curfews are enforced.
Communication & Social Media
Q: How does the choir communicate updates to parents?
A: Our primary communication tool is WhatsApp. You must save our Choir Manager's
number in your contacts to receive our broadcast messages. We also highly recommend using a Gmail account to access our Google-based forms and data systems.
Q: What are the guidelines for choristers on social media?
A: Choristers represent KZNMYC at all times. They must never post content that is derogatory or brings the choir into disrepute. Strict Privacy Rule: No photos or videos of fellow choristers, staff, or private choir activities may be shared online without express written permission from management and the individuals involved.
Communication & Social Media
Q: How does the choir communicate updates to parents? A: Our primary communication tool is WhatsApp. You must save our Choir Manager Cecile Jansen’s number (073 293 0380) in your contacts to receive our broadcast messages. We also highly recommend using a Gmail account to access our Google-based forms and data systems.
Q: What are the guidelines for choristers on social media? A: Choristers represent KZNMYC at all times. They must never post content that is derogatory or brings the choir into disrepute. Strict Privacy Rule: No photos or videos of fellow choristers, staff, or private choir activities may be shared online without express written permission from management and the individuals involved.
Behavior & Safety
Q: What is the choir's stance on vaping and illegal substances?
A: We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal substances, and vaping devices/e-cigarettes. This applies to all rehearsals, camps, tours, performances, or any event where a chorister is representing KZNMYC.
Q: What happens if a chorister breaks the Code of Conduct?
A: Severe misconduct or violation of the substance policy results in immediate expulsion from the choir. Parents will be called to collect them immediately from the event (regardless of time or location) , their school administration may be notified , and all fees paid will be forfeited with outstanding balances still due in full.
Q: Is there a penalty for late pick-ups after rehearsals?
A: Yes. Late collections pose a serious safety risk to both children and staff. Parents are expected to arrive 15 minutes early and wait in a well-lit area. Consistent lateness without a communicated genuine emergency may result in a fine per hour, per staff member left waiting.
