| How can we join? | Submit your application! |
| How do we apply for a scholarship? | Fill out our easy Financial Assistance Application. |
| Where are rehearsals? | Cedar Heights Middle School in Covington |
| Primo Voce, grades 2 – 4: Monday, 5:30-6:45 pm | Entry Level for boys and girls, no prior music training necessary. Tuition: $100/month in ten payments ($1,000) |
| Bella Voce, grades 4 – 7: Monday, 5:30-6:45 pm | Beginning Level for boys and girls, no music training needed. Tuition: $125/month in ten payments ($1,250) |
| Consonare, grades 7 and up : Monday, 6:30-8:00 pm | Intermediate Level, grades 7-12, with basic music reading skills and choral singing experience. Rehearsals include combined and separate Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass rehearsals. Tuition: $150/month in ten payments ($1,500) |
| Consonare Select Ensemble: Monday, 6:30-8:30 pm | Advanced auditioned choir, grades 9–12. Strong music reading, focus, and vocal skills are required. Members are part of Consonare with extended rehearsal time for more challenging repertoire. Tuition: (add $15/mo.) $165/month in ten payments ($1,650) |
| What is Rainier Youth Choirs? | RYC is a nonprofit youth choir program in its 20th season, serving singers across South King County. We provide quality instruction in a joyful, inclusive community that builds character, confidence, and stage presence. |
| What is the commitment? | RYC is a full-season program, not a drop-in or month-to-month class. If a new singer withdraws within the first two weeks of rehearsal, the family is liable for only the nonrefundable tuition deposit. After that, tuition will be prorated based on the date of notice of withdrawal. |
| When does the season begin/end? | RYC’s season runs from mid-September through mid-June with breaks following the Kent SD calendar. New singers may also join in January. |
| What can I do while my child is in rehearsal? | Most parents leave after sign-in, though some stay and socialize. Shopping is nearby. Please pick up your singer promptly at the end of rehearsal. (Note: high school singers may sign themselves in and out.) |
| Is there a late pick-up policy? | Yes. A $25 fee applies if pick-up is more than 5 minutes late. |
| When and where are concerts held? | Mainstage ticketed performances are held at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Kent in December, March, and May. Concerts take place on Sundays at 3 p.m., with pre-concert staging and a dress rehearsal the Thursday before. Concert participation is required. RYC has no church affiliation. |
| How do I get concert tickets? | Purchase tickets online or at the door. Prices are $5-$20 or pay-as-you-can. Tuition does not cover concert expenses, typically about $3,000 each. |
| Are concerts the only performances? | RYC also gives occasional informal community performances at sporting events, outdoor markets, tree lightings, retirement homes, collaborative events, and fundraisers. |
| Are there uniforms? | Casual uniforms, all groups: Black RYC t-shirt (first one free, replacement cost $15) worn with black pants or black skirt and leggings, and solid black shoes, supplied by the family. Formal uniforms: Primo Voce does not have a formal uniform. Older choirs’ styles vary by group and gender, $70-$110. Some pre-owned uniforms may be available at no cost. |
| Are there other additional costs? | Tours/festivals fees, if scheduled, are not included in tuition. |
| Are additional obligations expected for singers and families? | Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is essential. Singers should practice at home. Families are asked to volunteer or donate. |
| Why/how does RYC raise money? | RYC keeps tuition affordable and below similar local programs. Tuition covers about half of expenses; grants, donations, fundraising, and ticket sales cover the rest and support scholarships. Fundraising is optional. |
| How does RYC communicate with member families? | Chorus Connection is RYC’s online hub for announcements, calendars, music files, forms, the member directory, payments, and other resources. Otherwise, email is the preferred communication tool, including an eUpdate newsletter sent twice monthly. |