HOW TO JOIN

Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ensembles Launching January 13, 2026

Register Here

Have more Questions?
Get in touch with us!

VEST Tuition Payment Policy

Spring 2026  tuition may be divided into up to three equal payments. Based on the agreed upon sliding scale tuition, if broken into three payments, the schedule is as follows:

• Initial deposit due February 1 (non-refundable)
• Second payment due March 1
• Final payment due April 1

VEST is committed to making music accessible for all families. Tuition is based on the provided sliding scale factoring household income and family size.  For families with multiple ensemble members within the children and youth programs, there is a 50% discount for each additional ensemble member. 

If a member withdraws from the ensemble prior to March 1, they may request a refund for the February 1 payment. These refunds must be requested in writing and approved by the Board of Directors. Withdrawals on or after March 1 are not eligible for any refund.

This tuition structure is based on an honor system. All information is kept confidential and used solely to determine tuition amount.

Rehearsal Info

The Park Church, 
208 W Gray St.
Elmira, NY 14901

Tuesdays

SongVest Collective (14-18): 7:00-8:30pm: Sanctuary

Wednesdays
Investigators (8-11): 5:00-5:45pm: Sanctuary
Vested Voices (12-15): 6:00-7:00pm: Sanctuary
Vestige YPC (16-22): 7:00-8:00pm: Sanctuary

 

Tuition Information

 January - May 2025

Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ensemble Tuition

Sliding Scale Tuition Model

VEST is committed to making music accessible for all families. Tuition is based on household income and family size. Below is our sliding scale for half-year participation (1 semester) in core children and youth programs. For families with multiple ensemble members within the children and youth programs, there is a 50% discount for each additional ensemble member. This tuition structure is based on an honor system.

There is a One-Time VEST Registration Fee:

$25 (non-refundable)

*VEST provides barrier-free access to ensemble singing as part of it’s mission. The registration fee is a sliding fee. Pay what you can.

Upcoming Info and Registration Nights

2 Sites:

Corning YMCA: 127 Center Way, Corning, NY 14830

The Park Church, Elmira: 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, NY 14901

  • Tuesday, October 7, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

  • Thursday, October 30, 5-7pm, YMCA, Corning

  • Wednesday, November 5, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

  • Thursday, November 13, 5-7pm, YMCA, Corning

  • Thursday, November 20, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

  • Sunday, November 30, 2-4pm, YMCA, Corning

  • Thursday, December 11, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

  • Tuesday, December 16, 5-7pm, YMCA, Corning

  • Tuesday, January 6, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

  • Thursday, January 8, 5-7pm, YMCA, Corning

  • Saturday, January 11, 5-7pm, The Park Church, Elmira

FIND THE RIGHT ENSEMBLE FOR YOU

VEST Community Sings

Intergenerational Community Sing

HarVEST Sing:
October 24-25, 2025

VESTige Young Person’s Chorus

Launching January 14, 2026
AGES 16-22

InVESTigator Children’s Ensemble

Launching January 14, 2026
AGES 8-11

SongVEST Collective

Singer/Songwriter Ensemble

Launching January 14, 2026
AGES 14-18

VESTed Voices Youth Ensemble


Launching January 14, 2026
AGES 12-15

Empire State VESTival Voices

Launching January 14, 2026
AGES 22 + UP

FAQs

  • Everyone has a voice—and at VEST, every voice is welcome. Whether you’re a child just discovering music, a teen looking for creative expression, an adult returning to singing after years away, or someone who's never sung a note in public, you belong here.

    You don’t need to read music. You don’t need formal training. All you need is the desire to sing.

    We offer a wide range of ensembles for all ages and skill levels—including choirs for children, teenagers, and adults. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you grow musically and personally in a supportive, joy-filled community.

  • Music is a human right—not a privilege.

    At VEST, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to sing, grow, and connect through music, regardless of age, income, identity, or ability. Far too often, opportunities to participate in high-quality music are limited to the few who can afford private lessons or meet rigid audition standards.

    We’re changing that.

    We remove barriers—offering financial assistance, inclusive programs, and a welcoming space for all. When voices from different walks of life come together, the result is more than beautiful music. It’s a community where empathy, cooperation, and belonging thrive.

  • VEST isn’t just a choir—it’s a community.

    We don’t focus only on performance; we focus on people. We don’t just teach music; we cultivate growth, joy, and connection. We celebrate diversity in every sense—musical genres, cultural traditions, personal identities, and life experiences.

    Our programs are designed to uplift and empower, whether you’re singing pop, gospel, classical, or musical theatre. Our ensembles don’t just perform—they become family.

    With VEST, excellence and inclusion go hand-in-hand. We believe the most powerful performances come not from perfection, but from authenticity, shared experience, and the courage to be heard.

  • When you donate to VEST, you’re not just supporting a nonprofit—you’re opening a door. You’re helping a child find their confidence, a teen discover their voice, an adult rediscover joy, or a singer feel truly included for the first time.

    Your support funds scholarships, pays for inclusive programming, buys sheet music, provides musical opportunities across genres, and ensures our doors are open to all—regardless of means or ability.

    Every dollar helps someone be seen, be heard, and belong.

    Because when voices rise together, communities heal. And you make that possible.