Hello. It’s Deborah Cox-Hulgus again, and I’m back to share a little of what’s involved for parents when you son is a member of the choir. My son, AJ, sang with BCS for three years, so I have the inside scoop for you.
When your son auditions and is accepted as a new member of BCS, you begin a journey that may surprise you. The BCS-Parent journey includes new friends, new responsibilities, and new joys.
Yes, weekly practice means you bring your son to rehearsal every Tuesday night. Rain or shine. And it means holding your commitment to BCS even when your son’s enthusiasm is flagging. But parent payoff happens when you hear the group sing at a rehearsal or a concert. When you see their adorable faces up there, all focused, their attention razored to the director – and you hear their angelic voices, all synchronized, it gives a feeling of joy that I can barely describe.
So what else is involved? Although BCS is tuition-free, some costs come with membership. Uniform costs to you include the purchase of a white oxford shirt, black shoes and socks, and a black belt – if your son doesn’t already own these items. BCS furnishes additional wardrobe items. As a mom or dad, you make sure the whole uniform stays clean, pressed and polished, hanging on a hanger (this was a challenge for us), and ready to go for concert time.
Other monetary costs for parents include travel costs to and from competitions and other performances (e.g., St. Louis Cardinals games). Parents often ride-share and help each other out with the various functions. But as you may imagine, there are always extra expenses for these events – such as snacks, replacement socks, food for Sweet Sounds, etc.
One final thing. I know some of my dearest friends because of BCS. Parents run the fundraising efforts, including the Sweet Sounds Concert and Auction. Parents meet monthly and share information about events. Parents get to know each other as they plan and coordinate rides. And BCS parents, like no other group I’ve known, adore the music their boys make collectively. The music of BCS bonds families and creates lifetime friendships.
by Deborah Cox-Hulgus | Feb 16, 2015
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