Laudate Homeschool Choir Policies 

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful (Psalm 147:1). 

Choir Purpose: The Laudate Homeschool Choir is a Christian choir committed to honoring Jesus Christ and providing quality choral music education to homeschooling families. It provides a unique opportunity for children to develop essential musical skills, create lasting memories, and cultivate a lifelong love for music. Laudate, which means praise, is what our Creator desires from our hearts; and it is our hearts that should truly sing to Him, with our bodies serving as instruments of that expression. Our prayer is that through this choir, your child will grow closer to Christ as we study choral music, strive for musical excellence, and learn to praise the Lord. In order to participate in the choir, families must adhere to our Statement of Faith (see www.laudatehomeschoolchoir.com/our-beliefs) and homeschool (defined as being educated at home for at least 3 days a week). 

Location information: Rehearsals and primary concerts will be at Mandarin Presbyterian Church (2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223). There are two campuses for this church; we’ll be meeting at the campus on the corner of Mandarin and Loretto Roads. Once there, park in the lot parallel to Mandarin Road; the church doors nearest to that parking lot lead directly to the choir room. Please remember that we’re meeting in a church, so be respectful of your surroundings. Families are welcome to wait on the church lawn or go to the beautiful park across the street. Dress rehearsals will be held at local nursing homes. We may add additional performance events at alternate locations as the year goes on.

Choir divisions: There are two choir divisions; Alleluia Choir for children ages 7-11 and Gloria Choir or children ages 10-18. For children ages 10-11, a time when voices are developing and children are changing rapidly, parents can request the choir they think is a better fit for their child. After we meet with you, we will determine the final placement of each student. 

Rehearsal times: Alleluia Choir will meet each Tuesday of the semester from 2:00-2:45pm, while Gloria Choir will meet each Tuesday of the semester from 3:00-4:30pm. 

Tuition and fees: $30 registration and materials fee per chorister due as part of the registration process. Tuition is $225 per semester for Alleluia Choir and $300 for Gloria Choir, due before the first rehearsal. Payments may be made via credit card through our website (www.laudatehomeschoolchoir.com/store) or through the Step Up provider network (search provider: “Laudate Homeschool Choir,” then select the appropriate item). Please note: at the end of the semester, music must be returned to the choir. There will be an additional $30 fee for music that is not returned or tuition payments paid after the second rehearsal. If you have multiple children in choir and are not on any state-funded scholarships, we may be able to provide a scholarship discount. Please email us about your situation. If a student drops choir within the first month of a rehearsals, we will refund half the tuition.

Absence and sickness policy: Because choir is a team effort, it’s important that all choir members attend rehearsals and practice singing together. We ask that you take no more than two planned absences (not including sickness); please let us know ahead of time when you are unable to come. Dress rehearsals and concerts are mandatory! If you have a conflict (co-op, soccer practice, dance rehearsal etc.), please speak to that group ahead of time so you may still attend the mandatory Laudate events. If you have two mandatory events (such as a dance recital and choir concert), please talk to us at the beginning of the semester so we are aware of the situation. If students frequently miss or do not participate in dress rehearsals and concerts, their following semester’s registration may be waitlisted.

Regarding sickness, if your child has experienced fever, a sore throat, excessive congestion, or a recent rash/runny nose not due to allergies within the last 24 hours, please keep that child at home and let us know you’ll be missing rehearsals. If anyone in your household has experienced nausea, vomiting or diarrhea within the last 48 hours, please keep your entire family home and let us know you’ll be missing rehearsal. These do not count towards planned absences. 

Behavior expectations: A good theme verse for chorister behavior is Ephesians 4:3— "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Choir members need to commit to Christian unity and team effort, treating choir members with kindness and grace, showing respect and attention to the choir director. While we understand that every child has unique gifts and challenges that can affect how they learn and how quickly they learn, we strive to hold all children to the same expectations of respect, obedience, and kindness. If a child repeatedly struggles to focus or causes others to struggle to focus, we may need to have that child’s parent stay during rehearsals to help keep their child on track.

Fall 2026 Schedule 

Alleluia Choir rehearsals: Tuesdays, 2:00-2:45pm 

Gloria choir rehearsals: Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm 

  • September 8: First choir rehearsal of the fall semester 

  • November 10*: Fall Break

  • November 24*: Thanksgiving week, no rehearsals 

  • December 8: Last rehearsal of the fall semester 

  • December 14 (Monday): Mandatory dress rehearsal. Time and location (likely a nursing home)
    TBD 

  • December 15 (Tuesday evening): Christmas Concert

Tentative Spring 2027 Schedule 

Alleluia Choir rehearsals: Tuesdays, 2:00-2:45pm 

Gloria choir rehearsals: Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm

  • January 12: First choir rehearsal of the spring semester 

  • March 23*: Easter break, no rehearsals 

  • April 5: Last rehearsal of the spring semester 

  • April 8 (Thursday): Mandatory dress rehearsal. Time and location (likely a nursing home) TBD 

  • April 9 (Friday): Spring Concert 

  • Possible performance April 18 (Sunday afternoon) for Gloria Choir only

*If we need to reschedule a rehearsal due to weather, or if we just need a little more rehearsal time before the concert, we may use these “break” days for rehearsals.