Shallaway Youth Choir
Code of Conduct
Statement of Purpose
Shallaway Youth Choir is a community of choristers, faculty, volunteers and staff involved in musicianship, teaching, learning, leadership and fun. The Choir seeks to provide an environment of free and creative artistic expression within which critical thinking, respectful values, and practical skills are cultivated and sustained. It is committed to a mission and to principles that will foster musical excellence and create an environment where its choristers, faculty, volunteers and staff can grow and flourish.
A) Standards of Behaviour
The Standards of Behaviour which follow apply to all members of the Shallaway Youth Choir community, including choristers, directors, conductors, accompanists, parents/guardians, staff, volunteers and visitors:
1. conduct that occurs on the premises of the Shallaway Youth Choir rehearsals.
2. conduct that occurs during or in connection with a Shallaway Youth Choir, Event, Rehearsal, Performance, Activity or Tour, including travel components.
3. off-rehearsal conduct
(i) when the individual is acting as a designated representative of Shallaway Youth Choir or when the individual holds out that he or she is a representative of the Shallaway Youth Choir; or
(ii) that has, or might reasonably be seen to have an adverse effect on, interfere with, or threaten the proper functioning of the Shallaway Youth Choir, its mission, the rights of fellow chorister or other member of the Shallaway Youth Choir community to use and enjoy the Shallaway Youth Choir’s learning and working environments, or that raises concerns for the health, safety or security of any individual who is participating in a Shallaway Youth Choir, Event, Rehearsal, Performance, Activity or on Tour.
4. any other on-line conduct where such conduct has, or might reasonably be seen to have an adverse effect on, interfere with, or threaten the proper functioning of Shallaway Youth Choir, its mission, the rights of fellow choristers or other member of the choir community to use and enjoy the Shallaway Youth Choir’s learning and working environments, or that raises concerns for the health, safety or security of any individual who is on campus or participating in a Shallaway Youth Choir, Event, Rehearsal, Performance, Activity or on Tour.
All members of the Shallaway Youth Choir community are expected to:
• Act and think safely.
• Treat others with kindness and respect at all times.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity and commitment to excellence. This includes:
1. demonstrate my best effort during all activities;
2. work hard, because we understand that what we are creating together is important;
3. always come to rehearsals prepared to learn and with the appropriate materials.
• Think carefully before I post online, including giving out my personal details and sharing without permission.
• Say “no” to anyone who asks me to do something that makes me feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Ask for help from an adult I trust if anyone makes me feel uncomfortable, worried or scared.
• Have fun!
B) Inappropriate Behaviours
To ensure the safety and well-being of the Shallaway Community, both on and offline:
• I will always respect the rights of others and treat people with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of economic status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, language group, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or ability.
• I will immediately report any concerns of abuse, bullying, harassment or other inappropriate conduct to a trusted adult.
• I will never use technology to interfere with the positive reputation of the choir or a community member.
• I will not create a condition that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of any person.
• I will never use illegal alcohol or drugs, including cigarettes or e-cigarettes/vaping.
• I will always abide by the federal, provincial or municipal laws, while in Canada and abroad.
• I will not engage in sexual behavior, including suggestive remarks.
• I will always wear appropriate attire, in keeping with recognized standards, in order to project a positive image.
• I will always use respectful language.
• I will always be respectful during choir activities;
- I will arrive on time;
- I will not be distracted or distract others with my behaviour or digital devices;
- I will be prepared with all required supplies including music, pencil, and water.
C) Proactive Strategies
Expected behaviours as identified in Shallaway Youth Choir Standards of Behaviour will be encouraged and supported through the choir practices listed below.
• Behavioural expectations are discussed with all members of the Shallaway Youth Choir community during regularly scheduled practices.
• Standards of Behaviour for members of Shallaway community are reviewed, practised and discussed on a regularly scheduled basis and as needed.
• Standards of Behaviour are applied consistently by all members of the Shallaway community.
• Choir members are presented with a choice of behaviours and related consequences to enable them to make an informed choice before acting.
• Appropriate behaviours are modelled by Shallaway faculty, staff and volunteers.
• Appropriate youth behaviours are acknowledged by Shallaway faculty, staff and volunteers.
• Faculty and staff contact parents/guardians to provide feedback on student behaviour and accomplishments.
D) Reactive Strategies (Consequences)
In response to inappropriate behaviour, Shallaway Youth Choir shall utilize a Reactive Strategy, depending on:
• the level of the behaviour;
• circumstances of the behaviour;
• the other people involved (youth/faculty/staff/etc.);
• the environment;
• precipitating factors;
• special circumstances;
• past reactive strategies utilized for the youth member and the frequency of the behaviour.
I understand and agree to follow this code of conduct. I understand that my violation of any part of it may result in suspension from the choir, including during tour, and discipline or termination from Shallaway Youth Choir.