Please refer to this section for information on rehearsals and performances.
CURRENT REHEARSAL SCHEDULE May – July 2012:
Includes a list of pieces programmed for the next concert.
REHEARSAL TIMETABLE Concert 2 2012 (1)
REHEARSALS
The Choir rehearses on Monday evenings in the Hall of St. John’s Anglican Church, Reid (off Constitution Avenue) from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Rehearsals for each concert commence on the second Monday after the previous concert, unless otherwise advised. Concert weeks may involve an additional two or three rehearsals. Occasionally, weekend rehearsals are required.
Please be punctual at all rehearsals, particularly those featuring professional musicians, and if you are unavoidably late, wait for a break.
ATTENDANCE
Rolls
At the first rehearsal ensure that your name is on the Roll for your voice part. The Rolls are placed on a table near the door. Please tick off your name at each rehearsal. If you know that you will be absent for a future rehearsal, indicate ‘ap’ on the Roll or phone/email the Membership Secretary, sccs at choirsact.org.au.
Leave of Absence
Choristers are expected to attend all rehearsals. Where unavoidable circumstances prevent attendance at a significant number of rehearsals, the Musical Director may require the chorister to audition prior to being permitted to sing in the concert.
If you are unable to sing in a particular concert, please complete a Leave of Absence form, which can be requested from the Membership Coordinator, or write to the President explaining the reason and seek permission for leave of absence from the Choir.
Members who cannot sing in a concert should not attend the last four weeks of rehearsals.
If you are unable to sing in the performance, even though you have attended rehearsals, please let the Stage Manager know as soon as possible. Setting up the stage is a complex task and needs the cooperation of all members. Please be thoughtful – write on the roll, and inform the Stage Manager personally.
COMMITMENT
Most members of the Society are amateur singers and amateur musicians. However, we perform in the public domain and engage professional musicians, including our Musical Director, conductors, vocal and instrumental soloists and orchestral players.
Financial support from the ACT Government and other sponsors depends on maintaining high performance standards and varied and innovative programming. Every chorister plays a part in maintaining our reputation, including the commitment to regular and punctual attendance at Monday night rehearsals, and regular work in your own time to learn your part.
MUSIC SCORES
Scores are issued at the first rehearsal of a concert program, or as soon as they become available. A small fee is charged for hire of music to cover our costs. Scores are available before the start of rehearsal at 7.15 pm to 7.30 pm or at the tea break.
Please keep your score in good condition. If your score needs repair, see our Music Librarian.
- Please do not use sticky tape, and if marking your score use only soft pencil.
For most concerts, we hold our scores in official Choral Society covers, which will be issued several rehearsals prior to the concert. Music and covers are to be returned on the night of the performance after the concert.
If you are not able to sing in the performance, please return your score to the Music Librarian as soon as possible.
Hired scores must be returned to the lending organisation within 14 days of the performance – so if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from singing in the concert at the last minute, please return your score to the Music Librarian within 9 days of the concert.
- Scores attract a late fee of $5.00 per week. Should you lose your score, please pay the replacement cost.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Concert dress
The Choir’s official concert dress for men and women is specified below. However, instructions will be provided before each concert.
Women
Black long-sleeved CCS tunic top (pattern and material available at a reasonable cost from the Uniforms Co-ordinator); floor-length black skirt, culottes or slacks; black stockings and black shoes. The Choir’s blue/green scarf will be issued and must be returned on concert nights.
New female members should see the Uniforms Co-ordinator as soon as possible after joining, to obtain fabric, instructions and the loan of a pattern for the tunic top. Total cost is $50.
Men
White shirt and black bow tie, black trousers (preferably dinner suit trousers), black dinner jacket, black shoes and black socks. The Choir’s blue/green pocket handkerchief will be issued and must be returned on concert nights. For less formal concerts, a long-sleeved black business shirt is worn with black trousers.
On concert night
Please help maintain our high performance standard by observing these instructions:
- Please do not wear flashy jewellery – such as gold/silver/pearl necklaces, large or dangling earrings – it can be distracting and can cause unpleasant reflections from the stage lights.
- Don’t wear perfume or cologne as it can cause problems for others, and clings to scarves (anti-perspirant deodorant, however, is recommended).
- Don’t wear a watch that beeps or has an alarm (or turn the alarm off).
- Keep your mobile phone switched off – this also applies during final rehearsals.
The Stage
Orchestral instruments are costly and represent the players’ means of income. Due to the possibility of accidents and breakage under no circumstances should choristers enter the orchestral section of the stage. Access the stage from the rear doors only.
Choristers sitting in the front row (closest to the instruments) should pay particular attention to their entries and exits.
Please resist the temptation to go and ‘take a peek’ at an instrument!
Concert Drill and Etiquette
Assembly
Notice of the location for assembly will be provided before the concert.
Issue of scarves
Collect your scarf/handkerchief on arrival. There will be people to assist with the correct draping of the scarf.
Warm-up
Assemble in stage line-up order for the warm-up at the nominated time. Please be punctual because the warm-up before the concert is essential.
Going on stage
The Stage Manager will advise the Choir of the order for entering and exiting the stage prior to each concert. A centrally placed choir member will be nominated to lead the ‘stands and sits’ – be ready to sit when everybody is in place.
Stands and sits
Stand when the conductor comes on stage. Follow the stands and sits in your score. While singing, stand with your feet about 30 cm apart and wear comfortable shoes.
- Please stand and sit very quietly without scraping or moving your chair.
- If you position your feet first before you stand, you will find it easy to stand quietly.
The conductor
For the sake of performance quality and the audiences’ enjoyment, watch the conductor closely and convey the sentiment of the music.
Page turning
Turn pages quietly, especially during soft passage, orchestral movements or solo parts, and between sections. Be prepared – add tabs for each entry so you don’t have to find the page during the performance.
Bad habits!
Bad stage habits detract from the performance. Below are a few to avoid:
- Tapping and nodding: please do not tap your feet and minimise (preferably eliminate) head nodding and body movements.
- Page shuffling: don’t flick through the score during solos – remain as still as possible so the audience can concentrate on the performance and so that the soloist is not distracted.
- Coughing: learn how to cough silently. If you must cough, try to do it in a ‘no music’ moment – it can then be edited from the recording.
At the end
Sit when the conductor leaves the podium.
Applause
On receiving applause, stand as indicated by the conductor. Sit when the conductor and soloists leave the stage. You may applaud the soloists, orchestra, etc. while you are seated but when you are standing, you are receiving the applause – so do not clap.
Leaving the stage
Leave the stage after all the orchestra players have left. First the whole Choir stands (the faithful in the audience will then applaud again!), then exit one row at a time starting from the front row, or in pre-arranged order, i.e. reverse order to going on.
Post-concert party
After each concert, we invite the conductor, soloists, orchestra and their guests to a party at a nominated venue. If dinner has been organised, please bring a plate of food; the Committee will organise wine and soft drinks.
