| How can we join? | Submit an Interest Form! |
| Where are rehearsals? | Cedar Heights Middle School in Covington |
| How do we apply for a scholarship? | Fill out our easy Financial Assistance Application. |
| Does RYC work with homeschool programs? | RYC is an approved CBI for the PEARL program through Quilcene School District. |
| Primo Voce Grades 2 – 4 Monday, 5:30-6:45 pm | Entry-level choir for treble singers, no prior music training necessary. Tuition: $1000 annual or $100 monthly payment |
| Bella Voce Grades 5 – 6 Monday, 5:30-6:45 pm | Beginning-level choir for treble singers, no prior music training necessary. Tuition: $1250 annual or $125 monthly payment |
| Consonare Grades 7 and up Monday, 6:30-8:00 pm | Intermediate mixed choir requiring basic music reading skills and choral singing experience. Rehearsals include combined and separate Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass training. Tuition: $1500 annual or $150 monthly payment |
| Consonare Encore Grades 9 – 12 Auditioned Monday, 8:00-8:30 pm Members must also enroll in Consonare. | Advanced mixed choir. Strong music reading, focus, and vocal skills are required. Encore adds extended rehearsal time for more challenging repertoire. Tuition: $150 annual, added to Consonare tuition |
| 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 helps build confidence, teamwork, and life skills. |
| 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 responsible only for the nonrefundable tuition deposit. After two weeks, tuition is prorated based on the withdrawal notice date. |
| When does the season begin/end? | RYC’s season runs September through mid-June, with breaks following the Kent School District calendar. New singers may join in September or January. |
| What can I do while my child is in rehearsal? | Some parents choose to wait in the lobby or help as volunteers. Others run errands at Costco, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Walmart, grocery stores, or other shops nearby. (Note: High school singers may sign themselves in and out.) |
| Is there a late pick-up policy? | Yes. Please pick up your singer promptly when rehearsal ends. A $25 fee applies if pick-up is more than 5 minutes late. |
| When and where are concerts held? | Mainstage ticketed performances are held in December, March, and May. Concerts take place on Sundays at 3:00 pm, with pre-concert staging and a dress rehearsal the Thursday before. Concert participation is required. The venue for concerts and dress rehearsals is New Hope Presbyterian Church in Kent. 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. Ticket sales help offset concert costs, which average about $3,000 per event for venue rental, musician fees, technical services, and other expenses. |
| Are concerts the only performances? | RYC offers a variety of informal community performance opportunities, such as sporting events, outdoor markets, tree lightings, senior residences, collaborations with other groups, and fundraisers. |
| Are there uniforms? | Casual uniforms, all groups: Black RYC t-shirt (first one free) worn with black pants or black skirt and leggings, and solid black shoes, supplied by the family. Formal uniforms: Bella Voce and Consonare have formal uniforms in styles that vary by group and gender, $70-$110. Pre-owned uniforms may be available at no cost, depending on donated inventory. |
| Are there additional costs? | Fees for tours, festivals, and optional activities 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 support RYC through volunteering or donations. |
| Why/how does RYC raise money? | RYC strives to keep tuition affordable, and current rates cover about half of the annual program costs. Grants, donations, fundraising, and ticket sales cover the rest and support scholarships. Fundraising participation 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. Email is used for additional communication, including an eUpdate newsletter sent twice monthly. |