Guidelines for Choristers

Choir Officers 2012/13

 

Committee

 

Chairman	Helen Evans	02920 626466	07885 513382	helen.evans5  %  sky.com
Manager	Norman Vetter	02920 206006	07850 104520	normanvetter  %  gmail.com
Treasurer	Kath Fairhurst	02920 612116	07742 945575	Katharine  %  thefairhurstfamily.co.uk
Press & Publicity	Mike Pepper	01179 146559	07782 413584	mike.mpgp  %  virginmedia.com
Secretary	Rachel Davies	02920 706329	07817 954262	racheldavies1958  %  hotmail.co.uk
Deputy Manager	Simon Hopkins	02920 708845	07798 925648	simon.hopkins2110  %  ntlworld.com
Choir Rep	Kerry Briggs	02920 776428(w)	07834 921942	kerrybriggs84  %  yahoo.com

 

Other Officers

 

Register Keeper	Keith Thomas	02920 883084	07969 748215	aek.thomas  %  btinternet.com
Librarian	Lis Star	02920 486854	07920 775875	lisstar  %  hotmail.co.uk
Wardrobe Mistress	Sian Jenkins	01443 239293	07815 202151	sian  %  sjenkins42.wanadoo.co.uk
Membership Sec	Liz Ferrand	02920 255037	07949 460494	liz.ferrand  %  rsch.co.uk
				" % " is substituted for "@" to avoid robots locating email addresses for spamming purposes
Music Director	Neil Ferris
Accompanist	David Geoffrey Thomas

  

 

Since its foundation in 1964, Cardiff Polyphonic Choir has aspired to be one of the finest mixed choirs in Wales. To maintain this status, we rely on a consistent and committed membership. We aim to attract singers who are able and prepared to make a real contribution to the Choir's continued success. The Committee has therefore produced the following guidelines so that all choristers understand the level of commitment expected from them.   1.    Choristers must attend all rehearsals, except when unable to for the reasons given below in point 2. This includes attendance at rehearsals even though the chorister is unable to attend a forthcoming concert (with the exception of the final rehearsal and that on the day of the concert). In this way the requirement for all choristers to learn repertoire will be followed. The Musical Director reserves the right to review a chorister's continued membership of the choir if their attendance falls below 80% of rehearsals.   2.    Choristers unable to attend a rehearsal must tell the Register Keeper (preferably by Email/text or exceptionally by phone call) prior to the rehearsal. Absence from rehearsals will only be excused if: a.      a chorister is ill b.      a chorister has unavoidable work or domestic commitments, including holidays c.      a chorister has sought and obtained the permission of the Musical Director and copied to the Manager and Register Keeper.   3.    The Committee will delegate to the Register Keeper the task of maintaining a register of attendance as well as availability lists for forthcoming concerts and events.   4.    Choristers must be present at 6.50 pm so that rehearsals can start promptly at 7.00 pm. There will be circumstances under which choristers will be unavoidably late – if this happens they must contact the Register Keeper (normally by Email in advance or, if the problem arises late during rehearsal day, by text or phone call).   5.    Choristers should not rely solely on rehearsals to learn music. Those who miss a rehearsal are expected to be familiar with the music studied in their absence.   6.    There will generally be no choir rehearsals from after the summer break to the first or second Thursday in September and from the final concert at Christmas until the first or second Thursday in the New Year. The Choir will rehearse in school half-term breaks as a general rule and during the Easter period. Choristers who have made holiday arrangements should pass on their apologies in the usual way (see point 2 above) if they are unable to attend rehearsals during these times.   7.    Marking of copies in pencil (with eraser) is essential to ensure consistent interpretation of tempo, phrasing and dynamics.   8.    Attendance at all concerts is expected. Non-attendance is acceptable only in exceptional circumstances (see also point 1 above re. attending rehearsals to learn repertoire even though unable to attend a concert)     9.    Choristers will not be allowed to sing in concerts if, in the opinion of the Musical Director, they have not attended a sufficient number of rehearsals. Attendance at the rehearsal immediately before a concert is mandatory. If a chorister needs to miss important rehearsals (including rehearsals on the day of a concert) or knows they will fail the 80  %   rule, permission to take part must be requested in advance by email to the Musical Director, copied to the Register Keeper and Manager. Should a chorister be unable to attend on the day of a concert, then they should get a message through as soon as possible, so that their absence will be known beforehand.   10. From time to time Choristers may need to take extended periods of absence from the Choir (for example during a whole school term or more) for personal or domestic reasons. Should a chorister anticipate a prolonged period of absence, he or she must seek formal leave of absence from the Committee (via email to the Choir Secretary). It may not be possible to hold places indefinitely, and the Musical Director may choose to re-audition a chorister wanting to return following a prolonged period of leave.   Subscriptions Subs are payable in advance either annually (£115) or per term (£40) and are collected by the Treasurer or a person delegated to do so. Subs cover the cost of (amongst other things) the rehearsal venue, hire of music, coach costs where necessary, orchestral musicians and soloists. Please make cheques payable to "Cardiff Polyphonic Choir". Subs are payable unless a chorister is on Leave of Absence.   Concert dress To be advised in advance of concerts. Gentlemen are likely to require a dinner suit, white shirt and black bow tie. Alternatively a dinner suit, black shirt and Choir tie. Black shoes and socks  are required for either. Ladies will require a long sleeved black blouse/top, long black skirt/trousers and black shoes. Jewellery should be discreet.   Concert etiquette                                                                   Choristers must provide a plain black ring binder folder for concert use. Mobile phones must be switched off. Line up and stage entry will be agreed prior to each concert.