Information for Members
Musical Director Mark Anyan
Accompanist Eileen Bown
Rehearsal Details:
Day: Monday
Time: 7.30-9.30pm
Place: St Johns Church, Kingston Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2HB
When: Throughout the school terms commencing in September, taking breaks for Christmas and Easter with a summer break in July and August
Subscriptions:
For 2010/11 the subscription is £90 (there is a reduction for those of limited means), payable at the start of the new season in September. New members joining later in the year pay pro-rata.
Further information
Regular attendance at rehearsals is essential to maintain and build on the high standards the choir demands. If you miss more than three rehearsals in any one term you may not be allowed to sing in the concert. Exceptional circumstances will be sympathetically considered, but you will appreciate that to miss too many rehearsals devalues the work put in by all the other members.
It is required that all members singing in a concert attend the final chorus rehearsal and the dress rehearsal. Again, exceptional circumstances will be sympathetically considered.
Please give the Musical Director your full attention during rehearsals, as chatter is distracting and a waste of valuable rehearsal time.
Please bring a pencil to every rehearsal.
The choir is responsible for leaving the rehearsal room as we would wish to find it and members are required to assist in putting out and tidying away chairs, conductor‘s rostrum, piano etc.
Concerts
We perform four of our own concerts every year:
* an autumn concert in November
* a concert of Christmas music in December
* a spring concert in March/April
* a summer concert in June/July
We are often asked to sing for other organisations or at charitable events and these are fitted in wherever possible. In some cases, additional or extended rehearsals may be required to prepare for such concerts.
We expect that members will take part in all our own concerts. However, we understand that direct clashes may occur with pre-booked engagements. If you are unable to participate in a concert, please ensure you inform the Choir Secretary at the earliest opportunity to ensure we can plan accordingly.
You may find some of the music undertaken quite challenging. If you are having difficulties or queries, please don’t hesitate to speak to the musical director who will be happy to offer assistance and advice.
Every new member is given a short audition to ensure they are in the right section. The audition will take place within your first term.
Concert Dress
It is important that the choir presents itself well at concerts, so the following formal uniform is required:
Men: Black Dinner jacket, black trousers and black shoes, white shirt and pink bow tie (supplied by the choir)
Ladies: Full length black skirt, long sleeved black top, plain black shoes, pink rose (supplied by the choir). Jewellery and handbags should be discreet.
Folders: A black folder is used for uniformity. A small charge is made to cover the cost.
Taking water onto the stage does not look professional and is discouraged. If absolutely necessary, it must be done discreetly.
Music
Scores are often hired though many members prefer to buy their own. This can cost around £20 per year depending on the works to be performed.
Covenant Scheme
The choir benefits from the covenanting of subscriptions, which is organised by Derek Saunders (Bass section). There is no work or extra cost for members just a simple form to sign on joining which enables us to recoup a substantial amount from the taxman.
Organisation
The Choir has a formal constitution and is run by a voluntary committee elected at the AGM, which is usually held in September. The committee consists of the Conductor, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 5 elected members drawn from the choir. The committee meets regularly to discuss arrangements for concerts, financial matters, future planning, social activities and other pertinent issues.
Section Representatives are appointed to act as a link between choir members and the committee. You are always welcome to discuss any concerns you may have with any committee member.
Social Events
We aim to have at least one Social event during the year; this could be in the form of a Ceilidh or supper where we all contribute to a sumptuous feast with entertainment drawn from our own ranks or paid performers. In addition we serve coffee and biscuits in rehearsal break on the first Monday of the month.
