Code of Conduct

The mission of Alleluia Children’s Choir is “Teaching children to sing to the glory of God.”  As such, our appearance, behaviour and attitudes should reflect that mission.  We will do well to remember that everything we do is “Coram Deo”—“Before the face of God.” Let us live (and sing!) in a way that honours and pleases Him!

Here are a few specific guidelines to encourage this attitude:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31) The choristers are to be respectful of others, considerate, kind and helpful. That includes to fellow choristers, to the director, teachers and helpers, and to the accompanist.

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)               If unkindness or disrespect occurs, proper apologies and extension of forgiveness will be encouraged.  Again, this applies to situations between choristers or between director/teacher/accompanist and chorister, and vice versa.  We want to practice extending grace to each other.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23)  Choristers will be expected to listen, pay attention, participate, and SING! We are singing to the glory of God—let’s do it with all our might (as David did!) .

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” (Psalm 33:3)  Did you know that your voice is an instrument and you are a musician? Be a good musician! This is done by being on time and prepared for rehearsals, listening to what others are singing and blending in, learning the right part, memorizing the songs quickly and watching the director for cues. We want to sing skillfully so that we can sing God’s praises well!

If any choristers show disrespect or disregard these guidelines repeatedly, it may result in a verbal warning, a small disciplinary action (being told to change seats with someone else), or a larger disciplinary action (being asked to sit at the back of the room).  If the behaviour persists, a meeting between director and parents may be arranged to discuss the child’s behaviour and decide whether Alleluia Children’s Choir is a good fit for them.

Though we want to have fun and enjoy choir practice, it is a time of learning and hard work! The more the children put into it, the more they will get out of it.  The rewards will be great!

Attendance Policy

Alleluia Children’s Choir is made up of many parts, and each part is important! Though it may seem like a child is “just one voice” it is important for every child to feel that they have an indipensible part to play in the choir.  As such, good attendance is not only encouraged, it is essential.  If a child is going to miss practice due to travel, illness or extenuating circumstances, please do your best to give the communications person or director an explanation for the absence as early as possible.  These explanations will be noted, as will unexplained absences.  After three unexplained absences, the parents will be contacted to discuss whether Alleluia Children’s Choir is still a good fit for their child.  If the child misses more than three practices, it is doubtful whether they will know the repertoire well enough to perform in the concerts.

Supervision & Child Safety

All regular staff and volunteers for Alleluia Children’s Choir are required to undergo criminal records checks at the beginning of the year. Choristers are not to leave the church during rehearsal time.  There are boys’ and girls’ washrooms available in the church building.  Rehearsals will end on time and parents are encouraged to pick up their children immediately after rehearsal is finished