illumine Resources
Policies and Plans
Tuition Fees
One-Time Payment Plan:
Early Bird Tuition – $1,250 if enrolled before July 31, 2022
Regular Tuition – $1,500 if enrolled after July 31, 2022
Installment plan available:
Regular: $250 initial with equal installments
Monthly payments will be invoiced after your initial payment. Monthly tuition varies depending on which month you enroll. No enrollment after September 4, 2022.
Sibling Discount:
Full tuition for first sibling and any additional siblings enrolled will get a 10% discount.
Bring a Friend Program:
Know someone who would be interested in joining our company of young voices? Invite them to join and if they do, you receive a $25 gift card.
Just let them know to mention you sent them to us!
Regarding Fees
illumine is a special program designed to challenge, inspire and celebrate. We are a family of musicians that is both prestigious and open to all. We turn no one away due to pricing, so please contact us to discuss flexible enrollment fees. If your child wants to sing with us, we are here for you.
Safety and Social Distancing
We will continue to follow CDC and City of Austin guidelines regarding safety and social distancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not see the answer to your question among these FAQ, please feel free to send us an email.
When/Where are rehearsals?
We rehearse at First Presbyterian Church in Rissman Hall at 8001 Mesa Drive. We are divided into 3 choirs that rehearse Mondays anytime between 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Your specific rehearsal will depend on which choir your child is placed.
Which choir should I enroll my child in?
Your child’s placement depends on many factors including age, experience, and education. The first step is auditioning. You can find that information here. If you don’t see a time that works for you, reach out at info@illuminechoirs.org and we will find a time that works for us both.
If your child is 7-9 and sings in a school choir, you can opt out of auditioning with a Teachers Recommendation Form. Your child will be placed in Prelude.
How do I enroll my child?
If your child is a returning choir member, fill out the enrollment form here.
If your child is new to illumine Choirs – Welcome! The first step would be to audition for illumine Choirs. You can find that information here.
When/Where are auditions?
We hold auditions throughout the Summer for the full season, December for Spring season. If the season has started, please reach out to us at info@illuminechoirs.org to schedule an audition. Please note that auditions end September 30th.
Auditions are held at Armstrong Community Music School 404 Camp Craft Rd in West Lake Hills.
When does the season start?
August 22, 2022 – April 29 2023
How many events do illumine Choirs perform?
We have 2 concerts a year. One in December, and the other in April.
How much is tuition?
Our tuition is $1,500 for the season. You can choose to pay annually or monthly. Payments are received using PayPal, Venmo, or check.
Are there any additional fees?
We also require singers to purchase our uniforms. This cost is around $140 and is used for every performance. You will not have to purchase a new uniform year-to-year, just as your child grows!
What if I can’t afford tuition?
We have a wonderful scholarship program where students can receive partial or full tuition! For more information, email info@illuminechoirs.org. There is a short application process. We review all applications before the season begins. Please inquire before August 15th.
What is your refund policy?
Students withdrawing from the choir must submit a written request to the illumine Choirs Manager indicating the official date of withdrawal from the program.
Singers withdrawing from the choir on or before the 3rd scheduled rehearsal will receive a full refund, less a $75 administrative fee.
No tuition refunds will be given for withdrawals after the 3rd scheduled rehearsal. Parents are responsible for payment in full at this time, which should be made within 7 business days after withdrawing.
What is the audition like?
There is a $25 audition fee which can be paid via PayPal or Venmo (@illuminechoirs)
If auditioning for Kantorei (ages 7-13)*
The singer will then sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, vocalize (five-note scales using a variety of vowels), and play ear training games.
If auditioning for Allegro (ages 14-18)*
The singer will vocalize, sing ear training exercises and sight-sing a short musical passage. Additional skills assessed include a singer’s ability to independently hold onto their voice part either in harmony or in canon. Current Kantorei members auditioning for placement in Allegro will also have additional requirements which will be assigned during rehearsals.
After the vocal audition, there will be a brief parent interview. Following the interview, your audition will be complete and you will be free to leave. Auditions last 30 minutes.
*If you are unsure which choir your child is auditioning for, placement will be determined by the director.
What type of music do you sing in illumine?
We teach a classical vocal technique, and our repertoire is primarily classical in nature, spanning the Renaissance era through contemporary choral compositions. We enjoy singing music in a variety of foreign languages and styles. We are happy to provide program PDFs of past performances by request.
What are my responsibilities as an illumine parent?
As an illumine parent, your responsibilities include helping your student access rehearsals and performances, notifying the Director when your singer will be absent, monitoring the completion of homework, and reading and responding as required to weekly illumine email updates.
What is the attendance policy?
The quest for artistic excellence requires a high level of commitment; therefore, the illumine maintains high expectations for attendance. Attendance at all illumine rehearsals, performances, and other events are considered MANDATORY, unless specifically indicated by the illumine.
Whenever possible, please give a 2-week advance notice of your absence via singer web portal form.
Tardiness to rehearsals:
Rehearsals will always begin and end at the stated times. Choristers are expected to be in their seat, ready to rehearse 5 minutes prior to the rehearsal starting time. Choristers are marked tardy if they arrive more than 10 minutes late and/or if they leave more than 10 minutes early. Three tardies or leaving early three times will count as one absence.
Tardiness or Absence from Dress Rehearsals:
To ensure a professional performance and high artistic experience, all dress rehearsals for the illumine concerts are MANDATORY. Singers who are tardy or absent from dress rehearsals may be considered for removal from the performance at the discretion of the illumine director.
Excessive absences:
After three absences, the illumine staff will request a meeting with the singer and family. The illumine director will also request an individual vocal check with the singer to check on the singer’s musical preparation. At the discretion of the illumine director, the singer may be dismissed from the choir.
Any singer who incurs two consecutive absences will also be asked to have a vocal check.
Not seeing your question? Email us at info@illuminechoirs.org to speak to us directly.