Bay Area Youth Singers is an independent, non-profit, 501©3 choral music education organization established in January, 2008.  Open to boys and girls completing grades 2 through 8, the program consists of weekly rehearsals and classes, six to ten performances per year, and several Saturday workshops.  The goal of the Bay Area Youth Singers is to provide musical training and performance opportunities of the highest caliber for youth of the Southeast Houston and Galveston Bay communities. 

Brenda Varvoutis is Artistic Director and leads the Concert Choir.  Mike Tuneberg is the Apprentice Choir Director. 

Auditions and Interviews are scheduled in the summer.  Singers are asked to perform the familiar “Happy Birthday” song, to vocalize, to echo short melody and rhythm patterns, and to demonstrate their sight-reading skill. 

Rehearsals and classes begin September 14th and continue on a regular basis on Tuesday evenings.  The chiors meet from 6:00 to 7:15 pm. Singers are placed in the appropriate choir for their age and level of musical development. Included in these sessions are vocal training, instruction in music reading, ear training, learning choral repertoire, and development of good choral singing techniques.  Regular rehearsal attendance is required for participation in the choir performances. 

Tuition :  

Apprentice Choir - $480 for the 9 month season September-May if paid in 3 installments of $160

Concert Choir - $570 for the 9 month season September-May if paid in 3 installments of $190

Scholarships are available to musically talented and enthusiastic singers if there is a financial need.  Generally, students should be on the free or reduced lunch program at their school in order to qualify for a scholarship based on financial need.  A letter of recommendation from the school music teacher is required and students and parents are expected to help in the fund raising efforts of the organization.

Uniforms:  All singers will receive a BAYS polo shirt to be worn with khaki slacks, a brown belt, and white athletic shoes (provided by the singers).  This is the uniform for the Apprentice Choir and serves as the informal uniform for the Concert Choir.  Concert members must also purchase their own formal dress uniform at a cost of about $65. 

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