CONCERT ENSEMBLE ATTENDANCE POLICY
(Updated 1/16/26)

Although chorus is a group activity, successful concerts and individual progress depend on each chorister’s consistent participation and best effort at every rehearsal. Choristers are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and special events for their division throughout the program year.

Brooklyn Youth Chorus recognizes that some absences are unavoidable. The absence policy is designed to balance flexibility for individual needs with the responsibility to maintain the artistic integrity, preparedness, and morale of the ensemble.

1. Discretionary Rehearsal Absences

(Within Absence Point Allowance)

Each concert cycle (Fall/Spring), choristers are allotted a limited number of discretionary rehearsal absence points to manage absences without requesting approval.

Key details

  • Discretionary absences apply only to regular weekly rehearsals

  • Absences are tracked using a point system:

    • Fall allowance: 6 points

    • Spring allowance: 8 points

    • Full absence: 1 point

    • Late arrival / early dismissal (15–29 min): 0.25 points

    • Late arrival / early dismissal (30+ min): 0.5 points

Examples of covered reasons
Illness, mandatory school events, family commitments, transportation issues, mental health needs, or other personal circumstances.

Approval required = No
Advance notice should be provided to the Chorus Manager whenever possible. While not required, families are encouraged to share the reason for the absence for record-keeping purposes.

Impact
Discretionary absences do not affect a chorister’s standing. However, consecutive absences leading up to a performance may result in a chorister being removed from that event.

2. Rehearsal Exception Requests

(Absences Beyond the Discretionary Allowance)

When a chorister anticipates exceeding their discretionary absence points, continued participation in Concert Ensemble requires approval through a Rehearsal Exception Request.

A Rehearsal Exception is a request for permission to remain in good standing with an approved modification to attendance expectations. Approval is not automatic and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of circumstances considered

  • Significant physical or mental health concerns

  • Family emergencies

  • Academic jeopardy

  • Religious observances

  • College-related activities (12th-grade seniors do not accrue absence points for college visits)

Extended School Productions and Similar Commitments

Brooklyn Youth Chorus recognizes the value of school-based arts experiences and is proud that the training singers receive at BYC often contributes to their success in these settings.

Short, clearly defined absences of limited duration may be more feasible to accommodate, particularly when they do not disrupt core rehearsal periods or require significant redistribution of voice parts.

At the same time, extended rehearsal and performance commitments for non-BYC productions are generally incompatible with full participation in Concert Ensemble. Absences of this duration compromise musical preparedness, require reassignment of voice parts, and place additional burden on other singers in the ensemble.

Requests for Rehearsal Exceptions related to non-BYC productions are therefore rarely approved and are evaluated with particular care, with primary consideration given to the length and timing of the absence, seniority, and the overall impact on ensemble continuity.

In some cases, participation in a non-BYC production may require a Leave of Absence or a decision to step away from Concert Ensemble for that semester or program year.

Approval required = Yes
 Requests are reviewed by the Artistic Director and Chorus Manager, taking into account:

  • The chorister’s overall attendance record

  • Musical preparedness

  • The needs and morale of the ensemble

Reporting an absence beyond the allowance does not constitute approval.

Possible Outcomes

  • Approval with modified expectations

  • Suspension from select performances

  • Suspension from the ensemble for the remainder of the semester or program year

Modified Participation Schedule (Clarification)
 As part of an approved Rehearsal Exception, BYC may approve a temporary modified participation schedule that prioritizes consistent attendance over full attendance. In these cases, a chorister may be permitted to attend a reduced number of weekly rehearsals for a limited period, rather than be absent entirely.

Modified schedules are time-bound, structured in advance, and intended to support continued musical engagement and ensemble continuity during periods of increased academic or personal demand. Approval of a modified schedule does not guarantee full performance participation and lowers a singer’s priority for select roster casting.

3. Leave of Absence

(Extended Absence with Intent to Return)

If a chorister must be absent for an extended period—typically approaching or exceeding one month—they may request a Leave of Absence.

A Leave of Absence is reserved for extenuating circumstances and is not intended to accommodate ongoing extracurricular activities.

Examples of circumstances considered
 Required academic commitments, academic probation, major health issues, preparation for religious milestones, or other significant, time-limited circumstances.

Extended participation in non-BYC productions is not typically an appropriate basis for a Leave of Absence, as these commitments often prevent meaningful reintegration into the ensemble within the same semester.

Approval required = Yes
 Leaves are approved by the Artistic Director. Requesting a leave does not guarantee approval.

Leaves are granted only when a chorister is expected to return within the same semester and is able to participate fully in time to prepare for upcoming events.

Impact

  • Choristers on leave do not participate in rehearsals or performances during the leave period

  • Choristers on leave are not eligible for performance rosters or touring casts
    Failure to return as planned may result in dismissal from the ensemble for the remainder of the program year

Reentry After Leave

Choristers returning from a Leave of Absence later in the semester may be required to resume participation as a non-performing member for the remainder of the term. In such cases, participation is intended to support continued vocal training and advance preparation for the following term or year, and does not guarantee inclusion in remaining semester performances or touring rosters. Performance eligibility upon return is determined by musical preparedness, rehearsal continuity, and the needs of the ensemble.