Members Handbook

August 2008

Welcome to the Wasatch Chorale. Since its organization, the Chorale has provided an opportunity for people who love to sing to develop musical talents, interests, and skills while offering the community a rich opportunity to hear exciting choral performances.

The following outline has been prepared to help you understand some of the Chorale policies. We hope your membership in this organization will be a rewarding musical experience.

STANDARDS:
Those who have been accepted to membership in the Wasatch Chorale have auditioned and demonstrated a satisfactory degree of musicality and desire to participate with us. Your membership is a serious commitment of professionalism to the Chorale. Barring very important personal reasons, you are committing to participate during the entire season. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this commitment.

ATTENDANCE:
Chorale members are expected to maintain at least 75 percent attendance at all rehearsals and concerts. When you need to miss a rehearsal, contact your section monitor prior to that rehearsal. If more than three absences are acquired during one concert you will be contacted by your section monitor.

MUSIC:
The Chorale will purchase and lend non-masterworks music to Chorale members. Chorale members are expected to purchase their own masterworks scores. They are also expected to pay for the replacement of any Chorale music that is lost or damaged. Please use pencil with a soft black lead only when marking your music. Check your folder to see that you have all of the music before you take your seat. Do not leave your seat to go for additional music if rehearsal has started (unless directed by the Director or librarian). If you do not have a piece of music, do without it until rehearsal break or the close of the rehearsal. BRING YOUR MUSIC EVERY WEEK!

REHEARSALS:
Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. We expect all members to attend regularly and be punctual. Please be in your assigned seats and ready to warm up at 7:30 p.m. Members are expected to obtain rehearsal CDs and spend time outside of the weekly rehearsals practicing their music. During a rehearsal, if you have a question regarding the music or your part, please wait to talk to the Director during break time or after rehearsal. DO NOT break our rehearsal concentration by asking questions about the music that have already been explained. While at rehearsal you are expected to use your best efforts to LISTEN and LEARN! All eyes should be on the Director at the beginning and ending of each phrase. Talking disturbs those around you and pulls their attention away from the music. We recognize that the Chorale is a social outlet as well as a professional organization for all members. We encourage friendly exchanges before and after rehearsal, but ask your cooperation during rehearsals to keep them productive.

CONCERT DRESS – WOMEN:
A concert dress (uniform) is required for all women singing in a performance with the Wasatch Chorale. This dress can be ordered by contacting the Uniform Manager. Our current uniform costs approximately $100.00. We ask that dresses be well kept and in good repair. Black shoes with a closed toe are required, along with black or off-black hosiery. Remember that we may stand for a long period of time. Your shoes should be comfortable and in good taste. Necklace and earrings are the required jewelry with the concert dress and can be ordered from the Uniform Manager at the time your dress is ordered. Purses and water bottles are not allowed on stage during a concert. The goal of a “uniform” is to look uniform. We want the audience to direct their attention to the music, not individual singers.

CONCERT DRESS – MEN:
A tuxedo is required wear for all men singing in a performance with the Wasatch Chorale. This is a black tuxedo, white shirt with butterfly collar, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, and black shoes. (Dark midnight blue, navy, deep charcoal, burgundy and white are NOT acceptable for socks or shoes). The above wear can be ordered from the Uniform Manager for approximately $90. There will also be a red bow tie and cummerbund required for certain concerts. A watch is permissible. Make sure your suit, shirt and tie are clean and well pressed. Be well groomed. You will be asked to perform in all concerts with your coat buttoned. The goal of a “uniform” is to look uniform. Having some men with coats open and some closed does not present a uniform look. We want the audience to direct their attention to the music, not individual singers.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE:
Perfumes/Cologne:
While in rehearsals or performances, we ask that you don’t wear perfumes, scented hair sprays, scented deodorant, cologne, or aftershave. In close quarters, allergies and other reactions often occur. Please be considerate of others. Scents can irritate and interfere with the singing mechanism.

During Performance:
Your attention should be on the Director at all times. Don’t bury yourself in the music so you miss entrances, cues, cut-offs, etc. Don’t look over the audience when singing; no waving, getting someone’s attention, etc. Be oblivious to distractions that may occur.

Stand up as a group upon signal from the Director. Your music should be in your left hand down at your side. Upon signal, bring up the music and be ready to sing. Once standing, avoid unnecessary movements, i.e., scratching, fixing hair, getting out music, adjusting coat/sleeves, adjusting collars/ties, or wiping perspiration drops. While singing, refrain from swaying and other movements that are distracting to the audience.

During a performance, if you start coughing, stop singing until you can continue without problems. If needed, carry a cough drop with you. Avoid coughing or clearing the throat right before a number begins.
HANDLING MUSIC:
Music should be arranged in performance order in a black folder or 3-ring binder. Individual sheet music should not be punched. Music can be secured in a binder by using plastic magazine holders (available at an office supply store). Copied music can be placed in sheet protectors inserted in a 3-ring binder. Matte finish folders and binders are preferred.

CALL TIME:
“Call” is when we are expected to be at the rehearsal/performance venue. Please be prompt.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE:
If it is necessary for you to be away from the Chorale for three weeks or more, you should advise your Section Monitor or a Choir Officer that you are taking a leave of absence. Please indicate when you plan to return.

Possessing a seat in the Wasatch Chorale is a wonderful opportunity! We expect your best efforts always and understand when life’s demands require you to leave—either temporarily or permanently. We thank you for being a part of us.