What Do You Need To Know About ETC
Q : What Is ETC?
A : ETC, School Of Musical Arts Is A Non-Profit Organization Providing Musical Instruction In Ensemble Singing And Dancing. We Have Five Performing Ensembles, The All Americans (Grades 9-12, Mixed), Rouge (Grades 9-12, All Treble Voices), The Main Street Singers (Grades 5-8), The New Generation (Grades 2-5), and vintage (adult).
Q : What Do These Groups Do?
A: All Of Our Groups Have Weekly Rehearsals And A Summer Workshop/Camp. During These Sessions, They Learn And Rehearse A Program Of Advanced Choral Music, Coupled With Choreography. They Work With Our Professional Staff And At Times Featured Instructors Are Brought In From Around The Country. All Our
Groups Perform In ETC Sponsored Concerts (Fall And Spring), Various Community Performances, And Selected Competitions, Locally And Regionally.
Q : What Are The Costs Associated With Membership In ETC?
A: Students In either the all americans or rouge pay $2,000 for the year. Students in the main street singers $1,800. This cost includes tuition, costumes, and travel for the year. if you are in both all americans and rouge then there is a supplemental charge of $1,000. This is in addition to your cost for being in just one of the groups. students in the garage band pay $400 for the year. These payments can be broken down as either a lump sum, 4 chunk payments or 10 monthly payments ($200 a month for the high school, $180 a month for Middle school, $40 a month for band).
Q : That Is A Large Cost, Are There Fundraisers Or Payment Plans?
A: Yes. We have various fundraisers in the summer/fall that can help offset the costs for ETC. There are a very limited number of scholarships available. In addition payment plans can be made to accommodate your financial needs to get fees paid.
Q : Does My Child Need To Attend Everything?
A: Yes. However, We Realize There Will Be Conflicts (Family, School, Church, Etc) And Some Absences May Be Necessary. We Do Ask That You Provide Reasonable Notice Ahead Of Time And That You Consider The Time Requirement When Becoming Involved In Other Non-School Activities. The Level Of Excellence Expected Of ETC Ensembles Requires A Certain Amount Of Commitment And Hopefully We Can Make This A Fulfilling Experience.
Q: Who Can Audition For ETC?
A: Anyone who is in the appropriate grade for the group for which he or she is auditioning is welcome to audition. There are no geographic boundaries for participating in the group as long as one is able to attend to rehearsals and events.
Q: When Are Auditions For ETC?
A: Auditions for Rouge and the All Americans are generally held in mid to late May. Main Street Singers auditions start in May and go throughout the summer/fall.
Q: Do you have to have taken voice and/or dance lessons to be in ETC?
A: ETC members are not required to take dance and/or voice lessons.
Q: How do you decide how many members will be in each group?
A: The maximum is determined by vocal balance, choreography, and space on stage.
Q: How often do we rehearse, and for how long?
A: Main Street and New Generation rehearse on Saturdays throughout the year. Sunday afternoons are reserved for the All Americans. Rouge rehearses on Tuesday evenings. Additional rehearsals are held early in the season and before competitions as the Musical Director deems necessary.
Main Street rehearsals are from 12:00pm -3:00 pm on Saturdays.
Rouge rehearsals are from 5:30pm and 9:00pm on Tuesdays.
All-Americans rehearsals are 1:30pm -5:30pm on Sundays.
New Generation rehearsals are from 9:00am – 12:00pm on Saturdays.
Vintage rehearsals are 6:30pm – 8:30pm on Mondays.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: ETC has a limited number of partial scholarships provided through the support of the GAR Foundation and the ETC Foundation and generous local donors. Applications can be submitted following acceptance into the performing groups. For more information regarding scholarships, email [email protected].
Q: How do fundraisers work?
A: ETC sponsors many fundraising events, These include working concession stands at Blossom Music Center, and seeking sponsors and donors as a part of our donor/ad program. ETC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and can provide tax deductions to those who support us. ETC also sponsors two performance events, a fall fundraiser, and a Night of Music Fundraiser.
Q: What is the ETC Season?
A:
- Following auditions at the end of May we have our summer camps. Those are week long camps in which they learn the vocals and choreography to their show. This may extend beyond a week.
- Once that is finished we follow a regular routine of scheduled rehearsals.
- The performance season begins with outdoor summer/early fall concerts and public performances.
- Performances then move indoors for non-competitive high school show choir festivals, a formal Fall Show, indoor community shows.
- There is then a holiday concert in December at the Akron Civic Theatre.
- The competition season begins in late January and continues through the end of March. Typically the high school groups attend 5 competitions, with the middle school attending 3-4.
- Our annual Spring Gala brings the season to a grand finale in early May, honoring both current members and alumni of the organization.
Q: Where is ETC located?
A: We are located at 1932 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron OH 44313.
Q: How do I get in contact with someone regarding ETC?
A: You can e-mail [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding ETC.