IEC Terms and Conditions
Updated 05.08.2025
IEC Group Philosophy
The core principle of IEC groups is that they are community-centered rather than performance-driven. This prioritizes the members’ experiences over the perfection of the music. Our approach emphasizes a more relaxed timeline for learning and places greater importance on the social aspects of the group compared to traditional performance-driven ensembles.
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, a private assessment 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 lasts two hours and includes:
Warm-up (30 mins)
Rehearse Music (40 mins)
Break (10 mins)
Rehearse Music (40 mins)
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. Digital copies are allowed on a tablet or mobile phone during rehearsals. However, mobile phones are not permitted during performances, while tablets are acceptable.
IEC Performances
Each year, every choir takes part in several standard performances. These are simple concerts with piano and choir. They are free for choir members to perform in and usually free for the audience to attend. Some are organized by IEC, while others are organized by the city. Please note that if a concert is run by the city or by a venue, we cannot always control the cost of entry. The number of standard performances varies by city, depending on local opportunities and availability.
Once a year, there is also a regional concert, where all choirs in the region come together for one large-scale event. This special concert includes a live band, professional lighting, and multimedia elements. Participation is voluntary, and there is a fee of €40 to cover the additional costs.
IEC strictly adheres to GEMA licensing protocols and only performs at events organized by IEC or officially sanctioned by the city to ensure compliance. Spontaneous performances or events at unauthorized locations are not permitted under GEMA regulations.
Participation in choir performances is voluntary; however, if you choose to perform, please be aware that you will be filmed or photographed during the event. By participating, you consent to being recorded for promotional or archival purposes. Each IEC performance has a dress code, which will be communicated to you in advance.
IEC choir member standards
Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome to join our choirs without an audition. No previous experience is required.
However, we do have a minimum standard for participation. Because we are a community-focused group (not performance-driven), this standard is not about singing perfectly, reading music, or having a certain quality of voice.
Our standard is based on ensuring that each member’s participation allows others to enjoy and take part fully. To meet this, all singers must make a recognizable attempt to sing the correct music for their section.
If this standard is not met, an IEC instructor will arrange a private meeting with the member to review their singing and create a plan for improvement. Rejoining the choir will be possible once the minimum standard is met.
Digital Member Section
Each choir has their own member section where they can access the rehearsal plan, practice tracks, sheet music, webinars, 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
Choosing music involves balancing several factors, including finding arrangements that have a widespread, universal appeal with both choir members and audiences, while also navigating publication costs, licensing fees, and funding requirements. As a community-driven choir, we prioritize strengthening connection and inclusivity over striving for perfection. Our song choices are intentionally inclusive in terms of both style and difficulty in order to be within reach for as many choir members as possible. All IEC choirs perform the same repertoire, ensuring compliance with publishing requirements and providing opportunities to combine choirs, thereby expanding the social network for our members.
Choir Leadership and Representation
IEC has a choir committee within each group to ensure member representation. IEC members can organize discussions to share ideas or address concerns with the choir committee. For more information about your group’s representatives, please visit the digital member section. Every year, IEC conducts an anonymous survey, giving members the opportunity to openly share feedback on their experience.
Membership Fee
The IEC membership fee is €33 per month. Invoices are automatically generated each month and are available upon request. All new membership fees must be paid by SEPA mandate. Existing members who already pay by direct deposit do not need to change their payment method. This fee helps cover the essential costs of operating each IEC group.
The membership fee secures one of the limited 60 spaces in a group. Because fees are set at the lowest possible level to sustain the choir’s operations, we normally cannot pause membership payments for vacations or other short absences.
In cases of medical emergency or sudden financial hardship, we may hold a member’s place without payment. Members are free to cancel their membership at any time and may rejoin later if space is available.
In addition to the monthly fee, members must purchase their music at the beginning of each year. The exact cost depends on the price of the arrangements chosen, but it is usually between €30 and €40. Under German law, every choir member must own a purchased copy of their music.
Membership Attendance Policy
Members are welcome to attend as frequently or infrequently as they prefer. We understand that work and life commitments often take priority, so members may also arrive late or leave early as needed.
However, in the case of a performance, if a member's lack of attendance impacts their ability to meet the minimum performance standards, this will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Rehearsal Cancellation Policy
On rare occasions, an IEC rehearsal may need to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as issues with the rehearsal space, staff illness, or other external factors. Whenever possible, we will make every effort to provide substitute staff or arrange a temporary change in rehearsal location before resorting to cancellation.
IEC is allowed up to two cancellations per quarter. If more than two rehearsals are cancelled within a quarter, members will receive a refund for each additional cancelled session. Public holidays are not considered an IEC cancellation.
IEC Scheduled Breaks
IEC groups take a scheduled one-week break after our yearly large-scale regional concert, as well as a break between Christmas and New Year's. These breaks are not cancelled rehearsals, but rather essential pauses that allow the group to reset, address any issues, and ensure the best possible experience for our members moving forward.
Membership Cancellation Policy
To cancel your membership, please email us at info@internationalenglishchoirs.com with your cancellation request. Once we receive your email, we will cancel any future payments and remove your personal data from our system in accordance with our privacy policy.
Please note that cancellations made during an active billing cycle will not be eligible for a refund. Your membership will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
If you are still paying by Dauerauftrag, simply cancel your Dauerauftrag and inform us that you are leaving.
IEC reserves the right to cancel memberships at any time. If a member fails to adhere to our code of conduct or is unable to meet the minimum participation standards, a discussion will be held to explore potential adjustments. In extreme cases, IEC may terminate a membership immediately.
IEC 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 Events
IEC and your choral representatives occasionally organize social events to enhance the choir experience. While IEC members are always welcome to spend time together informally outside of rehearsals, the IEC typically offers three types of social activities, all of which are completely optional: “Social Rehearsals,” “Outings,” and “Excursions.” Social Rehearsals involve incorporating a fun activity into a rehearsal, such as an international food night or a Christmas party. Outings, the most common type of IEC social event, typically involve gathering for food or drinks after rehearsal at a predetermined location. Excursions are larger events where members pool resources to enjoy activities that take advantage of the group’s size, such as renting a room for karaoke, booking a bowling lane, or organizing a group trip. These events provide great opportunities to connect with fellow members and build lasting memories.
Updates to IEC Terms and Conditions
To ensure we provide our members with the most up-to-date and effective strategies for building community, we periodically update our terms and conditions. You can see the date of the last update at the top of this page.
Contact
Contact the IEC administration directly with any questions, concerns, or ideas.
info@internationalenglishchoirs.com
+49 0173 7636732
www.internationalenglishchoirs.com