Members Page
Santa Cruz Peace Chorale Member Handbook-2011-2012
1. HOW WE OPERATE: This is a small group of dedicated peace & justice activists. Over the years, we have evolved from a mostly informal, multi-generational sing-along type group into a formal, adult mixed-voice community choir. Members remain committed to the idea that there are no auditions. This will remain a safe place for people of many abilities to sing together in harmony. PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS WHO HAVE MARKED TROUBLE MATCHING PITCH (HEARING NOTES & SINGING THEM) SHOULD SPEAK TO THE DIRECTOR DIRECTLY TO SET UP A SESSION DETERMINE WHAT EXTRA LEARNING TIME & TOOLS THEY WILL NEED TO CONTINUE.
2. ATTENDANCE: This is not a drop-in group. As one member put it, “No auditions” doesn’t mean “no practice.” It does take work, willingness and commitment! Therefore, we ask everyone to:
• Know & respect the rehearsal & performance schedule, as well as what materials will be needed.
• Attend rehearsals.
• Be on time. For rehearsals, arrive 15 minutes early and be ready to sing at start time. Doors open at 7pm for socializing.
• Be prepared for each rehearsal, by listening to rehearsal tapes, following the music & words, and adhering to changes and adjustments given in prior rehearsals. Rehearsal time is often for refining, not learning anew.
• If you miss more than 1 rehearsal, talk to the Director to determine whether or not you can take responsibility for what you missed. If you can’t fulfill this responsibility, you may be asked to withdraw from part or all of a performance.
• We know that everyone has emergencies and family needs or scheduling conflicts. In the event of an emergency or unavoidable scheduling conflict, call or e-mail the Director AHEAD OF TIME to inform her as to when and why. Please also contact your section leader, a section buddy or music librarian to get what you missed.
3. ENROLLMENT: We do not enroll members throughout the year. Our enrollment period is in the month of September only, "except by special permission of the music director." We ask choir members to commit for the entire season (Sept through May) and to be present for all scheduled performances.
4. RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINES:
• Please, no perfumes or strong
scents at rehearsals or performances.
• HANG UP & SING. No cell phones in rehearsal.
• RESPECT your fellow singers: Everyone is safe here. No one deserves to be criticized, singled out, or insulted by another member. Make peace. Be peace. Talk peace. Sing peace.
• RESPECT the Director: Stay focused during rehearsal time; listen to & watch the director. Do not talk to each other during the rehearsal of a piece. If you have a question that pertains to your section or the group, kindly raise your hand. Hold side conversations & socializing in the periods before and after rehearsals. Keep rehearsal questions/comments to the music being learned.
• HANG UP & SING. No cell phones in rehearsal.
• RESPECT your fellow singers: Everyone is safe here. No one deserves to be criticized, singled out, or insulted by another member. Make peace. Be peace. Talk peace. Sing peace.
• RESPECT the Director: Stay focused during rehearsal time; listen to & watch the director. Do not talk to each other during the rehearsal of a piece. If you have a question that pertains to your section or the group, kindly raise your hand. Hold side conversations & socializing in the periods before and after rehearsals. Keep rehearsal questions/comments to the music being learned.
5. MEMBER DUES: The Chorale has always had a commitment to stay open to anyone who wishes to be a member, regardless of their finances. To that end, everyone pays according to their ability. Each year, we develop general guidelines (based on a target amount within a sliding scale range) to fit our yearly budget. Currently this is ~$225.-$315 per season, or a sliding scale averaging $25.-$35. per month per member. Our treasurer passes around a form and asks each person to fill the amount they are able to pledge/pay, so she knows how to project the Chorale’s finances. We ask that your pledge be considered a season-long commitment, regardless of your attendance. No one is turned away, but we do ask members to try to pay what they can to help keep SCPC afloat.
6. SHEET MUSIC: For extra copies of music or for rehearsal & practice recordings, please see our Music Librarian.
7. REHEARSAL SUPPLIES-2011/2012:
a. a black 1 “ spine 3-hole binder for music; a pencil with an eraser
b. ability to read music is not required. However, recording rehearsals is HIGHLY recommended for everyone in order to facilitate the learning of the music. An mp3 recorder works well for this and allows signers to create files for home or car practice.
c. water is also recommended—NO FOOD OR OTHER DRINKS ALLOWED IN SANCTUARY.
d. For all performances, clear plastic sleeves w/ 3-hole binder edge for all sheet music.
8. MEMBER-TO-MEMBER CONTACT: Our corresponding secretary coordinates our e-mail communication and notifications regarding rehearsals & events. We also use a member roster for last-minute changes of schedule or venue, for helping each other out, and for those without e-mail to contact each other via phone. If you are a member who does not use e-mail, find another member who is willing to be your buddy for updates and info. Use the roster to call or e-mail members directly.
9. CONCERT DRESS: SCPC black tee-shirts with either solid black pants or skirts, solid black/dark footwear & socks/hosiery. Please, no prints or patterns. Please see Jim Crelan for t-shirt orders.
PEACE CHORALE CONTACTS/MANAGEMENT-2011/2012
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: AILEEN VANCE 477-0961 avandlt@cruzio.com
MUSIC LIBRARIAN: TAKASHI YOGI yogi@cruzio.com
Music librarian in-training: {your name here}
REHEARSAL SITE & GRANT LIASON: {your name here}
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: NORAH MILLER nkmill52@cruzio.com
TREASURER/MEMBER DUES: MARY GRAYDON-FONTANA edfontan@sbcglobal.net
CONCERT WARDROBE MANAGER: Jim Crelan sanhedrn@pacific.net
ACCOMPANIST/SITE LIASON FOR MOUNT CALVARY: Abigail Meloche
WE NEED A SITE LIASON, a transitioning music librarian, and tech-savvy practice file meister, AND A NEW MEDIA/PSA PERSON this season!
SECTION LEADERS:
To be confirmed in September
SOPRANOS: NORAH MILLER , JANE UYEMATSU
ALTOS: HELEN LANCASTER
TENORS: MARY GRAYDON-FONTANA
BASSES: JEFFREY SMEDBERG