Auditions

​When can I/my child audition?
MECCA holds auditions for ETCC, and EVCC in August, January, and May. Highlands Youth Ensemble auditions are held each May. To learn more, please click here. Explorers do not have auditions, but are asked to attend registration on the same day as auditions for the other choirs.
​Once I am a member, do I need to re-audition each year?
If you have been accepted to a MECCA choir, congratulations! We are excited to have you singing with us! You do not need to audition again unless: a) you are auditioning for a different MECCA choir, or b) you are a member of the Highlands Youth Ensemble. Highlands Youth Ensemble members audition every summer for the following concert season.

Concerts

Is there a charge to attend a concert?
​When MECCA choirs sing in their own concerts, there is no official admission charge, but a suggested donation of $5 per person or a cap of $15 per family is posted at the door. When singing in other venues, such as performances with the Symphony of the Mountains, those venues may include an admission charge. Those desiring to attend are responsible for their own admission.

Rehearsals

​What if my singer is going to be absent or late to rehearsal?
In case of sudden illness, ETCC, EVCC and Explorers should email or text their Parent Coordinator. HYE singers should contact the director – email before 2pm and text after 2pm. In order to be excused because of an irreconcilable schedule conflict, the Request for Excused Absence Form must be submitted as soon as you are aware of the conflict, and no less than two weeks in advance of a rehearsal and one month in advance of a performance. Please refer to the Attendance policy on page 8 of the Member Handbook.
​What is MECCA's weather policy?
​In the case of inclement weather, ETCC, EVCC, and Explorers rehearsals are cancelled when the school system in the city (ETCC – Johnson City) or college (EVCC – Emory and Henry) where the rehearsal takes place has cancelled school for the day. HYE weather decisions are NOT tied to any school district but are made on an individual basis by the Artistic Director and communicated via email.
Does MECCA have rehearsals on holidays?
​Choirs m​eet during spring and fall breaks and on Monday holidays, such as President’s Day and Martin Luther King Day. The ONLY holidays we observe during the semesters are Labor Day Monday and Thanksgiving Day.

Tuition

How much is tuition?
​​MECCA choirs' yearly tuition
~ Explorers:  $190.00
~ East Tennessee Children's Choir/Emory Virginia Children's Choir:  $280.00
~ Highlands Youth Ensemble:  $380.00
Does MECCA offer tuition assistance?
MECCA believes that all children who want to be in choir should be in choir. MECCA will help qualified families on a sliding scale, and assistance may be based on available resources. If your child needs tuition assistance, please fill out this 2025 Tuition Assistance Form (valid for one year) for application review.

​For more information, see page 4 of the Member Handbook.
Is there a payment installment plan
Yes! For more information about our installment plan, see page 4 of the Member Handbook.
Where do I Pay my tuition payments?
​MECCA Administrator Beth DeLong will email each family an invoice. At that time, tuition can either be paid via PayPal or a check can be mailed to the P.O. Box:
MECCA
P.O. Box 3021
Bristol, TN 37625
Besides tuition, are there any additional fees?
Singers are responsible for purchasing their own uniform items (see Uniform Information). Singers will also purchase a MECCA t-shirt, which is part of our casual uniform

Uniforms

Do I need to buy a uniform?
Singers are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their uniforms. See Uniform Information to order your uniform.
Where do i order my singer's uniform?

Other FAQ

​How much do singers need to practice outside of rehearsal?
ETCC, and EVCC singers will need to practice on occasion, especially to make sure their music is memorized. HYE singers are expected to learn all music at home outside of the rehearsal, which means that singers need to schedule regular practice times at home.