Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when does WYV Choir rehearse?
WYV Choir runs rehearsals for two choirs after school every Monday, during term time. Rehearsals are at Queen Margaret College, 53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington.
A full rehearsal schedule can be found on the WYV website.
Korimako (un-auditioned singers aged 6-10): Mondays, 4:00pm – 5.30pm, in the Auditorium.
Kōkako (auditioned singers aged 10 and up): Mondays, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, in the Music room.
Do we need to register?
Yes, all new and returning singers need to register. The online registration form can be found on the WYV website.
Can we park in Queen Margaret College school grounds?
Sorry, but no. Parents please DO NOT drive in or park in the school grounds at all times. Once the after school buses have left (after 3:40pm), there is sufficient parking on Hobson Street to drop off and pick up your child.
Are parents able to stay during rehearsals?
Whanau are welcome to sit and wait for their child in the Atrium, or at the back of either rehearsal space. Our Choir Assistant can help you with onsite directions. There are also toilets in the building.
Which choir will my 10 year old child join?
Children 10 years old, who will be turning 11 by the middle of April, have the choice to audition in February for Kōkako or join Korimako.
Children 10 years old, who will be turning 11 by the end of September have the choice to audition in September for Kōkako or join the Korimako.
Children will also be guided by the Music Director and Associate Director as to which choir is the most suitable for them and families will be involved in that discussion.
When will I know if my child has been accepted into the auditioned Kōkako?
You will receive notification from the Administrator of the outcome of your child’s audition. Please allow up to five working days once auditions are complete. We understand that your child will be anxious to find out quickly. The Music Director will be working hard to deliver the results as soon as possible.
We like to give the children two weeks to settle in and feel comfortable, after which we will send you a fees invoice. Payment is due on receipt of the invoice.
Do we need to fill in a Code of Conduct form?
The Code of Conduct is an important document outlining the obligations which ensure that WYV runs smoothly, is a safe place for children, and so that families know what is expected when a child becomes a member. Every new or returning member and parent of WYV will be asked to fill in the Code of Conduct at the start of each year.
We really want our child to be a part of the WYV programme but the choir fees are out of our reach. What can we do?
Running a Children’s Choir is not cheap! Along with some paid staff, there are hundreds of volunteer hours which go into ensuring that the Choir stays on a viable financial footing.
However, we will never turn a young singer away if family circumstances mean that choir fees are out of reach. Please get in touch with the Administrator about financial support for choir fees through the WYV Sponsor a Singer Scheme (which exists because of donations from supporters within and outside of the Choir). All applications are treated in confidence.
