Welcome Parents and Supporters of the Bel Canto Choir!  Below you will be able to find information that will answer many of your logistical and planning needs.

If there are any questions or comments regarding the information below, please contact belcanto@bach.org.

Contact information

The administration office is located in the Bach Choir of Bethlehem office
440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem, PA 18018 MAP

 

Founder & Artistic Director, Dr. Joy Hirokawa
joyhirokawa@comcast.net

 

Director of the Preparatory Choir, Elizabeth Kane
hammond4@gmail.com
Mobile:  (609) 610-4364

 

Administrative Manager, Connie Behringer
connie@bach.org
Office:  (610) 866-4382 x116

Concert Choir Parent Coordinator, Janice Lee
janlee@ptd.net
mobile:  (570) 977-4602

Parent Auxiliary Chair, Elizabeth Campbell
songbirdelizabeth@yahoo.com
mobile:  (480) 619-0839

SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Bel Canto has a personal profile. “Friend the Fish
Main Page:  The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem
Bel Canto Family Group:  Bel Canto Families
YouTube: link here 
Twitter @belcantoPA
Instagram @bcycofbach

REHEARSALS
Concert Choir Rehearsals are Thursdays from 6:45PM – 8:45PM
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem,
2344 Center St.
Bethlehem, PA 18017

Preparatory Choir Rehearsals are Mondays from 6:30PM – 8:00PM
The Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church
514 Third Avenue
Bethlehem, PA  18018

If your child is sick or there is a scheduling conflict, please notify the appropriate parent coordinator, the director, and Silagh White as soon as possible.

Cancellation Policy

Winter Weather Closure Policy and Procedures
You will be informed via E-MAIL and TEXT if a rehearsal is canceled. Please keep a lookout for communication from Bel Canto on your rehearsal day during the snowy season. Cancellation announcements will be made by 1:00 in most cases.

We recognize that our families come from a distance and that conditions vary widely across the region. While we urge everyone to make an effort to be at the rehearsal, your safety is most important. Please report any weather-related lateness or absence to your parent choir coordinator or Silagh White. Considerations for cancellation are as follows:

  • Bel Canto will determine if a rehearsal will be canceled. Local conditions, as well as the evening outlook,  will be considered.
  • We will notify all parents by 3pm if rehearsal is canceled.
  • Decisions about rehearsals w/ host ensembles (Bach Choir) will be made by the host.

Concert Uniform Information

General Appearance for all choristers

PictureBurgundy Polo:  All choristers must purchase a burgundy polo shirt. Short sleeve, buttons, new Bel Canto Youth Chorus Logo. $18.00 ​Ordered through Bel Canto Administrator.
Hair:  must be off the face. Girls should try to incorporate some sort of braid
Prep Choir:  No make-up, No jewelry, No nail polish
Concert Choir:  Neutral make-up, no jewelry except small stud earrings, neutral nail polish

Prep & Intermediate Choir

Black dress pants (no leggings):  Recommended – Lands’ End Boys Iron Knee Elastic Waist Blend Chinos.  *Be sure to select BLACK as the color.
Black Belt:  simple buckle.
Black Shoes:  any all-black, soft-soled, flat dress shoes; can be tied or MaryJanes – as plain as possible.
Black Socks – black trouser socks that cover all skin that might show below pants.

Concert Choir

Concert Black Uniform/Dress Code will offer a choice for choristers. A number of options are provided. Each link is to Amazon, but the items can also be found at other stores. 

Black Pants Options:
Dickies Boys’ Slim Straight Pant
Dickies Boys’ Skinny Straight Pant
Yogipace, Belt Loops, Straight Leg Yoga Dress Pants

Black Top Options:
Zattcas Womens Black Tunic Shirts 3/4 Roll Sleeve Notch Neck Tunic Top
DIIG Dress Shirt for Men – Slim Regular Fit Work Shirt
ZEROYAA Men’s Long Sleeve Dress Shirt Solid Slim Fit Button Up Shirts with Pocket

Touring Uniform
A list of any required uniform purchases for Concert Choir’s 2022 summer trip will be distributed well in advance of any trips. Any questions regarding uniforms should be directed to the Chorus Administrator.

Summer Travel Information

2022 Harriet Tubman tour includes multiple destinations in New York. Collaborative performance with the two youth choirs from Maryland and Delaware.

More information to follow!

 

The 2021-22 Handbook may be accessed by clicking on the Title Page below: