NSCE Fee and Program Schedule 2023-2024

Please note we have increased our fees by ~ 7% this year.  This increase includes the 2.5% we pay to our online payment service. We did not increase our rates at all last year and are incurring higher venue rental, insurance and staffing costs. 

We remain committed to offering accessible and inclusive music programs. After distributing existing bursary funds this year, we're now rebuilding our bursary fund with donations. You may apply for a student bursary here.

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Apply for a student bursary by filling out this form.

Payment Options

Registration mid-season, space permitting, will have pro-rated fees upon arrangement. Otherwise, payment for the season has two options:

• One payment online upon registration
• Two payments - one for the first half upon registration, and a second on January 1, 2024.
• Mid-season pro-rated registration (after November 1)

PLEASE NOTE - Multiple Family Members:

If you have more than one member, you must register them one at a time. After posting the first member's registration, log in again and register the second member. A discount is available for the second and third members in Strings/Junior/Senior programs. Email admin@celticensemble.ca before payment to have this discount applied to your account.

Early Withdrawal and Refund Policy

No refunds will be given after October 31st or 30 days after registration for a given session, whichever is later.  Refunds will be charged an additional $50 admin fee.

Junior/Senior Ensemble: Please note that due to limited space, we require an annual commitment from all members. 

Please contact admin@celticensemble.ca for further questions and concerns regarding early withdrawal.

Additional Fees and Considerations

Additional Fees and Considerations:

In-lieu of Volunteering: The NSCE relies with gratitude on parent volunteers to support our programs and performances.  In addition to the basic expectation that each family helps to sell tickets to performances, everyone is asked to commit to at least ~10 hours over the course of the year.  Volunteering allows you to meet new people and get to know our organization. Exact roles and time commitments are described in the registration form.  If you are unable to volunteer your time, an additional $250 fee is assessed on top of your program fees during the registration process. Note this fee has been increased this year to account for increasing staff costs as more families opt out of volunteering.

NSCE Student Bursary: We are building a student bursary fund on a limited basis to offset tuition fees.  You will have the option of adding an amount to your registration to help us build the fund. 

Seniors Retreats: The Senior Ensemble has two retreats/season in September and January.  The September retreat at loon lake costs approximately $250 and the January retreat at Camp Capilano costs approximately $175. This fee covers food, venue rental and payment of professional musicians who participate in the retreat.  Registration and payment for retreats will occur separately from program registration. 

Seniors and Juniors Costumes: Participants in both ensembles may be assessed an additional costume fee in the order of $40-$100 / season. 

Junior and Senior Tours/Workshops/Trips: Additional fees are assessed, on a cost recovery basis. Senior Ensemble tours are planned on a 3-year cycle: 2024: no major tour / 2025: Canadian tour / 2026: International tour. Please note local tours may be planned in addition to these major tours. Junior & Senior ensembles should expect optional workshops in either Nanaimo or Harrison in Spring 2024 (fees tbd from host organization)

T-shirts: All S&T, Junior and Senior ensemble musicians require a colourful NSCE t-shirt ($25/each) for performances.  Please contact merch@celticensemble.ca to order one.