IEC Terms and Conditions
2026
IEC Group Philosophy
The core principle of IEC groups is that they are community-based rather than performance-driven. We prioritise members’ enjoyment and experience over musical perfection. This means learning at a relaxed pace and placing strong value on the social and supportive aspects of the group. Our repertoire is chosen for inclusiveness and accessibility, not for performance standards.
IEC encourages collaboration over competition and membership is open to all without auditions, resulting in a range of skill levels, from beginners to semi-professionals. However, a minimum standard of proficiency is required. In the rare event that a member’s skill level significantly disrupt others’ ability to participate, an adjudication process will identify areas for improvement, and the member will receive a clear plan for skill development before rejoining. Similarly, any behavior that interferes with others' enjoyment or engagement will be addressed constructively and promptly. Each choir is limited to 60 members to encourage a strong sense of community.
Requirements for Membership
Anyone can join our choirs as long as they are at least 16 years old, can rehearse in an English-speaking environment, and are able to handle payment and planning correspondence in English.
Division of Rehearsal Time
An IEC rehearsal is two hours long and includes:
Warm-up (30 mins)
An IEC warm-up is designed to prepare the voice for singing, strengthen fundamental music and vocal techniques, and build a sense of community within the group.
Rehearse Music (30 mins)
Take a Break (20 mins)
IEC groups are designed to build a sense of community through music. Each rehearsal includes dedicated time for members to connect and get to know one another.
Rehearse Music (40 mins)
IEC Network Structure
International English Choirs (IEC) is a network of community choirs based in Germany. Each choir operates as an independent local community while forming part of the wider IEC organisation and making use of its shared resources, governance, and support structures.
All IEC choirs follow the same organisational model, rehearsal standards, practices, and code of conduct. Each choir’s rehearsals are led by an IEC instructor, and each choir has its own choir committee made up of volunteer members. Choir committees support community quality and inclusiveness, help maintain rehearsal and behavioural standards, and act as a link between members and the wider IEC administration.
Each choir belongs to a regional group of approximately four to five choirs. Regional organisation and coordination are overseen by a regional administrator, who supports collaboration between choirs, coordinates shared resources such as instructors or accompanists where applicable, and acts as a point of contact between the region and the IEC administration.
Members belong to a single designated home choir. To support a consistent rehearsal experience and a strong sense of community, attendance at rehearsals of other choirs is only possible with prior approval. Each choir has a maximum capacity of 60 members to maintain individual connection and community quality.
Sheet Music and Digital Downloads
Members are required to print or download their music at home and bring it to rehearsals. Sheet music is available online in your member section. If you choose to use paper copies, they must be stored in a black binder for performances. Digital copies are allowed on a tablet or mobile phone during rehearsals. However, mobile phones are not permitted during performances, while tablets are acceptable.
Choir Committees
Each choir has a dedicated choir committee appointed by IEC. Committees are made up of current choir members who volunteer for the role.
Choir committees support the smooth running of the choir and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful community. Their responsibilities include:
Supporting rehearsal standards and community guidelines
Encouraging community growth and inclusiveness
Moderating choir communication channels, including WhatsApp groups and member spaces
Responding to general member questions and gathering feedback
Assisting with the resolution of minor disagreements or concerns
Planning and supporting social activities for choir members
Each choir committee is led by a representative of the IEC Board of Management, who acts as the primary link between the choir and the IEC administration and reports directly to IEC.
Performances
Each year, each individual choir within the IEC network presents one Spring Concert and one Autumn Concert, accompanied by piano only. These Standard Concerts are performed by individual choirs and are not combined with other IEC choirs. These concerts are simple in format and do not include marketing, amplified sound, lighting, recordings, or ticket sales. Participation is free of charge for members, and there is no cost for friends and family to attend. Concert dates are communicated at the beginning of each calendar year.
IEC may also offer Regional Concerts, referred to as “Enhanced Performance Experiences.” These concerts combine multiple IEC choirs into a large ensemble and include a live band, professional lighting, marketing, ticket sales, and video recording. Due to their scale and cost, Enhanced Performance Experiences require significant planning and depend on successful fundraising. They are not guaranteed to take place every year, and notice is generally given after the Spring Concert. Participation is free of charge for members, and participation is entirely voluntary.
A third category of performance is Sponsored Concerts. These are events organised by external parties, such as cities, festivals, or other organisations, where all organisational and licensing costs are covered by the organiser. Sponsored Concerts involve no cost to members and no cost to IEC. Because planning is handled externally, notice for Sponsored Concerts is often shorter than for other performance types.
IEC strictly complies with all GEMA licensing requirements and only performs at events organised by IEC or formally authorised and licensed by the relevant organiser. Performances at unauthorised venues or informal, unsanctioned events are not permitted. IEC does not perform at religious ceremonies or politically polarised or partisan events.
Participation in all performances is voluntary and does not require any financial contribution from members. Performances may be photographed or recorded, and by participating, members consent to the use of such recordings for promotional and archival purposes. Any applicable dress code will be communicated in advance.
Trial Membership, Guests, and Rehearsal Attendance
To support rehearsal efficiency, a positive trial member experience, and concert readiness, new members and trial participants are generally not permitted to join or trial the choir within two (2) months of a scheduled concert or performance, including informal or short-term participation. This timeframe is intended as a guideline, and the instructor may approve exceptions where appropriate.
Choir rehearsals are private events. Spontaneous or unregistered guests, observers, or visitors are not permitted to attend rehearsals. Current members may invite a friend or family member to attend a rehearsal only if that person registers in advance as a trial member and agrees to comply with all choir policies. Trial attendance is subject to instructor approval and normally follows the same timing guidelines that apply to new members, unless otherwise approved.
Rehearsals are working sessions and are not open for casual observation, drop-ins, or random attendance without prior arrangement. The instructor reserves the right to make exceptions to any of these conditions when deemed necessary or appropriate, at their discretion.
WhatsApp Group
To support our sense of community, IEC offers an optional WhatsApp group for each choir. All essential information for choir members will always be communicated via email, and participation in WhatsApp groups is not required.
Each WhatsApp group is moderated by a member of the choir committee, who has the authority to uphold community standards and ensure respectful communication within the group. Participation in WhatsApp groups is entirely voluntary.
Rehearsal Recording Policy
IEC rehearsals are closed, private events. Photography and unauthorised audio or video recording are not permitted during standard rehearsals. This includes the covert recording of songs, run-throughs, other choir members, or IEC staff.
If a choir wishes to record audio or video, or to take photographs during a rehearsal, this is permitted only where the intention is clearly communicated to the entire group in advance.
Social gatherings, non-standard rehearsals (such as birthday celebrations), and performances are subject to a more relaxed recording policy.
IEC Adjudication
When a soloist needs to be chosen, or when skill levels need to be checked, we will aim to hold a formal audition or adjudication whenever possible. This usually involves an IEC instructor meeting privately with a member and using the IEC adjudication form.
However, there may be times when a formal audition isn’t practical. In these situations, the instructor may select a soloist without a formal audition, based on rehearsal work, experience, suitability for the solo, or other relevant factors.
When an adjudication does take place, members will receive personalised feedback and, where appropriate, guidance or suggestions for further development. All adjudications are carried out in a fair, supportive, and respectful way.
Digital Member Section
Each choir has their own member section where they can access the rehearsal plan, practice tracks, sheet music, WhatsApp discussions, and more. To access your member section, you need to know your choir number and the city in which it takes place. Your password is your city plus your choir number (all lowercase) e.g. paris05. If you have issues logging in, ask your IEC instructor, or contact us directly.
Repertoire Selection
The repertoire for the 2026 season has already been selected. During 2026, members will be invited to take part in the selection of repertoire for the 2027 season through a structured voting process.
Within the IEC network, choirs in the same region vote together and perform a shared repertoire for each season. This approach allows for flexibility when choirs combine for events and supports efficient use of instructors and accompanists who may work across multiple choirs. Member voting applies to repertoire for standard choir concerts. Repertoire for elevated performance experiences, such as regional concerts, is selected by IEC.
From 2027 onwards, each region’s annual repertoire will be selected through a balanced process: 50% will be chosen by IEC, and 50% will be selected by member vote. This model is intended to encourage member involvement while ensuring musical continuity, funding stability, and effective concert planning.
Members may suggest songs for consideration via the IEC song suggestion portal, which is accessible through the member section.
Membership Fee
The IEC membership fee for 2026 is €33 per month. Members retain the membership fee rate that was in effect at the time they joined.
Membership fees are collected via SEPA direct debit, and an invoice is issued automatically on a monthly basis. While costs within the music and cultural sector may change over time and may require adjustments to membership fees for new members, IEC’s policy is that existing members continue to pay the rate at which they originally joined.
The membership fee secures one of the limited 60 places in a choir. Fees are calculated to sustain the ongoing operation of each choir at the lowest possible cost. For this reason, the pausing or temporary suspension of membership payments is not available.
Members may cancel their membership at any time. If they wish to rejoin at a later date, they may place their name on the waiting list and rejoin when a space becomes available. To cancel your membership send an email to info@internationalenglishchoirs.com
Sheet Music Contribution (2026)
To enable the choir to legally rehearse and perform its repertoire, members contribute toward the purchase of sheet music used during the season. For the 2026 season, this is a one-time contribution of €35 per member, in addition to the monthly membership fee.
Each season, the choir typically sings around 15 songs. The standard cost of licensed sheet music is approximately €3–€4 per song per singer, which would normally total around €60 per member per season. Through IEC’s music-sharing system, these costs are reduced by approximately 40–50%, allowing members to contribute at a significantly lower rate.
The sheet music contribution is calculated based on the actual repertoire costs for each season. As song selection and licensing fees vary from year to year, the amount is reviewed annually and may be adjusted accordingly.
This contribution will be collected during the first quarter of the calendar year.
Membership Attendance Policy
Members are welcome to attend rehearsals as frequently or infrequently as their personal circumstances allow. We recognise that work, family, and other life commitments may sometimes take priority, and members may arrive late or leave early when needed.
Where a member chooses to participate in a performance, a basic level of preparation is required. If limited attendance affects a member’s ability to meet the minimum requirements for a specific performance, this will be discussed and considered on a case-by-case basis in a supportive and respectful manner.
Rehearsal Cancellation Policy
On rare occasions, an IEC rehearsal may need to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to venue issues, staff illness, or other external factors. Where possible, IEC will first attempt to provide a substitute instructor or arrange a temporary change of rehearsal location before cancelling a rehearsal.
IEC may cancel up to two rehearsals per calendar quarter without compensation. If more than two rehearsals are cancelled within the same quarter, members will receive a refund for each additional cancelled rehearsal.
Scheduled breaks and holidays are not considered cancelled rehearsals. IEC includes a planned one-week break following a Regional Concert, as well as a two-week break at the end of December, during which member feedback is gathered and preparations are made for the upcoming year. These breaks form part of the regular annual schedule and are not eligible for refunds.
Membership Cancellation Policy
Members may cancel their IEC membership at any time by providing written notice to info@internationalenglishchoirs.com.
IEC also reserves the right to end a membership where necessary. If a member does not adhere to the IEC code of conduct or consistently falls below minimum participation requirements, IEC will first seek to address the situation through discussion and, where possible, explore reasonable adjustments or solutions. In exceptional circumstances, and where immediate action is required to protect the community or organisation, IEC may terminate a membership with immediate effect.
Code of Conduct
As a member of our community choir, you are part of a social and supportive group where mutual respect and inclusivity are key. We encourage active participation in both rehearsals and social activities, such as outings and WhatsApp chats, while respecting each individual’s boundaries and preferences. Be mindful of how you communicate, always aiming to be kind, civil, and considerate. Any concerns or disagreements should be addressed respectfully, either directly or with the help of the administration if needed. By joining the choir, you agree to uphold these principles to maintain a positive, welcoming environment for all.
IEC Social Activities
IEC and individual choir committees may occasionally organise social activities to enhance the overall choir experience. While members are always welcome to connect informally outside of rehearsals on their own initiative, IEC typically offers three types of organised social activities. Participation in all social activities is entirely voluntary.
Social Rehearsals incorporate a light-hearted or social element into a regular rehearsal, such as an international food evening, karaoke, or a seasonal celebration.
Outings are the most common type of social activity and usually involve gathering for food or drinks after a rehearsal at a pre-arranged location.
Excursions are larger social events that make use of the group’s size, such as renting a karaoke room, booking bowling lanes, or organising group trips or special activities.
These activities are intended to provide opportunities for members to socialise, strengthen connections, and enjoy the wider community aspect of the choir.
Any costs related to these social activities are agreed directly between members and the choir committee and fall outside the scope of IEC membership and fees
Data Protection
In order to meet legal and administrative requirements under German law, IEC requires members to provide their legal name and home address for invoicing purposes. Providing this information is a necessary condition of membership.
Members are also required to provide an email address, which serves as IEC’s primary means of communication. Email addresses are used for essential choir-related information and administrative communication. Email addresses are not shared publicly with the choir and are accessible only to IEC staff and the relevant choir committee.
Providing a phone number is entirely optional. A phone number is only required if a member chooses to participate in their choir’s optional WhatsApp group, as this platform requires a phone number for access.
IEC handles all personal data responsibly and uses it solely for the purposes outlined above.