Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where are your rehearsals? When and where are your performances?
A. We currently hold our Monday rehearsals in the beautiful St. James Center, on the campus of St. James Episcopal Church on James Island, in Charleston, SC. The address is 1872 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412. It's the leftmost building on the campus. Rehearsal times are staggered by age group, as detailed on the Youth and Adult pages. Our performances, special events and retreats take place there, and also at various venues throughout the Charleston area.
Q. Do I need to read music to join? What if I'm not a very good singer?
A. No worries! Music literacy is not a requirement, and our curriculum includes instruction in reading music. We patiently teach our repertoire using a variety of methods and teaching tools to help everyone learn their parts. Our choirs include singers from all levels of experience and ability. Every voice is welcomed and appreciated. (And remember, the more you sing, the better you get!)
Q. What kind of music do you perform?
A. We are an independent, secular community choir collective, unaffiliated with any school our church. Our repertoire includes an eclectic range of music, such as folk, jazz, World, Broadway, pop and traditional choral pieces. Our goal is to primarily choose music that shares deeper messages of peace, hope, love and justice.
Q. Are there any additional costs besides the monthly tuition and the registration fee?
A. Members will be asked to purchase a logo t-shirt, and also to acquire performance attire based on our guidelines, but it need not be expensive. It's most often just "concert black." But let us know if either of these present a financial hardship. Admission to our ticketed concerts must be purchased by all in attendance; This is how we help offset the high cost of renting a performance venue and paying guest musicians. Other opportunities may occasionally be offered, such as merchandise, workshops, special events or recordings, etc. but these are optional.
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Yes! We strive to be an inclusive community for all, regardless of socioeconomic situation. Scholarships are available to members who have the financial need, which is loosely defined as having a household income of no more than 125% of the SC Poverty Guidelines, as outlined HERE, and is also considered for extenuating circumstances. See our Registration page to apply.
Q. Can someone with special needs participate?
A. We warmly welcome anyone who wants to sing. Together we can assess a person's readiness to join the choir, if there is a question about it being a good fit. If a member needs constant individual assistance we ask that a parent/caregiver is present during rehearsals and performances, as we have a limited staff at this time.
Q. Are there any volunteering requirements for members or parents?
A. Yes, we need volunteers for choral retreats, dress rehearsals, fundraisers and performances. We enthusiastically welcome your assistance and leadership! Once registered, you will receive more information about volunteer opportunities.
Q. Can I make a donation or sponsor a singer or event?
A. Yes! We need your support to help bring choral music opportunities to all! We are a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax-deductible. Click HERE for giving options.
Q. Can I book a choir for a performance?
A. Absolutely! We have provided ensembles of all sizes for multiple events. Simply reach out to let us know your needs.
Q. Weren't you called something else before? When did you start the choirs?
A. Our 2022-2023 inaugural season was under the name of Palmetto Youth Choir. A year later we launched our adult choir, Palmetto Peace Choir. Our rehearsals previously took place at the James Island Arts & Cultural Center/James Island Town Hall. As of the 2025-2026 season we rebranded under non-profit status as Palmetto Choral Collective! To accommodate our growth, we now rehearse at St. James Center, on the campus of St. James Episcopal on James Island.
Q. What health policies and safety measures are in place?
We take seriously the health and safety of our choir family and our community. We will follow recommended safety protocols to strive for physical and emotional safety for everyone. We don't currently require masks (although they are welcome if that is your choice.) Members should not come to rehearsal if they are sick, or have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or another contagious illness. Members who develop a persistent cough, fever or nausea during rehearsal will be sent home. All members will receive our Member Handbook, which provides more details about our policies on conduct, attendance, dress code, etc. as well as our operating procedures.
A. We currently hold our Monday rehearsals in the beautiful St. James Center, on the campus of St. James Episcopal Church on James Island, in Charleston, SC. The address is 1872 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412. It's the leftmost building on the campus. Rehearsal times are staggered by age group, as detailed on the Youth and Adult pages. Our performances, special events and retreats take place there, and also at various venues throughout the Charleston area.
Q. Do I need to read music to join? What if I'm not a very good singer?
A. No worries! Music literacy is not a requirement, and our curriculum includes instruction in reading music. We patiently teach our repertoire using a variety of methods and teaching tools to help everyone learn their parts. Our choirs include singers from all levels of experience and ability. Every voice is welcomed and appreciated. (And remember, the more you sing, the better you get!)
Q. What kind of music do you perform?
A. We are an independent, secular community choir collective, unaffiliated with any school our church. Our repertoire includes an eclectic range of music, such as folk, jazz, World, Broadway, pop and traditional choral pieces. Our goal is to primarily choose music that shares deeper messages of peace, hope, love and justice.
Q. Are there any additional costs besides the monthly tuition and the registration fee?
A. Members will be asked to purchase a logo t-shirt, and also to acquire performance attire based on our guidelines, but it need not be expensive. It's most often just "concert black." But let us know if either of these present a financial hardship. Admission to our ticketed concerts must be purchased by all in attendance; This is how we help offset the high cost of renting a performance venue and paying guest musicians. Other opportunities may occasionally be offered, such as merchandise, workshops, special events or recordings, etc. but these are optional.
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Yes! We strive to be an inclusive community for all, regardless of socioeconomic situation. Scholarships are available to members who have the financial need, which is loosely defined as having a household income of no more than 125% of the SC Poverty Guidelines, as outlined HERE, and is also considered for extenuating circumstances. See our Registration page to apply.
Q. Can someone with special needs participate?
A. We warmly welcome anyone who wants to sing. Together we can assess a person's readiness to join the choir, if there is a question about it being a good fit. If a member needs constant individual assistance we ask that a parent/caregiver is present during rehearsals and performances, as we have a limited staff at this time.
Q. Are there any volunteering requirements for members or parents?
A. Yes, we need volunteers for choral retreats, dress rehearsals, fundraisers and performances. We enthusiastically welcome your assistance and leadership! Once registered, you will receive more information about volunteer opportunities.
Q. Can I make a donation or sponsor a singer or event?
A. Yes! We need your support to help bring choral music opportunities to all! We are a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax-deductible. Click HERE for giving options.
Q. Can I book a choir for a performance?
A. Absolutely! We have provided ensembles of all sizes for multiple events. Simply reach out to let us know your needs.
Q. Weren't you called something else before? When did you start the choirs?
A. Our 2022-2023 inaugural season was under the name of Palmetto Youth Choir. A year later we launched our adult choir, Palmetto Peace Choir. Our rehearsals previously took place at the James Island Arts & Cultural Center/James Island Town Hall. As of the 2025-2026 season we rebranded under non-profit status as Palmetto Choral Collective! To accommodate our growth, we now rehearse at St. James Center, on the campus of St. James Episcopal on James Island.
Q. What health policies and safety measures are in place?
We take seriously the health and safety of our choir family and our community. We will follow recommended safety protocols to strive for physical and emotional safety for everyone. We don't currently require masks (although they are welcome if that is your choice.) Members should not come to rehearsal if they are sick, or have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or another contagious illness. Members who develop a persistent cough, fever or nausea during rehearsal will be sent home. All members will receive our Member Handbook, which provides more details about our policies on conduct, attendance, dress code, etc. as well as our operating procedures.
If you have additional questions contact us!
