Web Manager,
Mike Aylen
Members General Information
Membership
Membership of St Mary’s Singers is open to all. There is no formal audition for membership, and voice placement of new and existing members is at the discretion of the Musical Director. Subscription for new members is due following their third week of attendance.
Membership subscription is set annually by the Committee, and confirmed after the first meeting of the new Committee following the AGM. It is paid to the Treasurer either annually as a lump sum by no later than the end of October each year, or termly by no later than the second rehearsal week of each term. Arrangements can be made with the Treasurer for payments by standing order if preferred.
All members are responsible for encouraging others to join the choir.
Attendance
It is expected that members intending to sing in a concert attend as many rehearsals for that concert as possible. Any singer may have their eligibility to take part in a concert reviewed if the Committee and Musical Director feel that they have not attended sufficient rehearsals.
All members must normally attend the dress rehearsal to take part in the concert. Exceptional circumstances will be considered by the Committee as a musical matter.
Rehearsals
These take place at St. Mary‘s Hall in Potton every Wednesday evening from September through to July, with short breaks following the end of each term. Terms roughly follow school terms. The Hall is open from 7:30 pm for a prompt 7:45 pm start, and rehearsal finishes at 9:45 pm, with a break for tea or coffee at about 8:45 pm.
The refreshment break is 10 minutes duration and all members should be back in their seats ready to resume singing at 9:00 pm. Those members doing the washing up must complete it after the rehearsal if necessary.
Please check the rota regularly and if unable to take your slot, arrange for a substitute and amend the list accordingly.
Apologies for Absence
Please contact the Executive Secretary only (George Prosser, 01767 260361) if you are unable to attend a rehearsal. This helps in planning the evening, and is a courtesy to the Musical Director.
Communication
There are a few minutes at the start of each rehearsal session when notices and information are announced. The tea rota, rehearsal schedule and other useful information are displayed on the noticeboard. Additionally, at the rehearsal following each Committee meeting, a notice of relevant points/decisions is posted on the noticeboard by the Executive Secretary.
A termly newsletter is made available to all members and patrons.
The Committee and Section Leaders
The Committee is elected every year at the AGM, which is held at the beginning of the September term each year. Life members and paid up members from the previous term are eligible to vote. Patrons may attend the AGM, but do not have a vote.
Each section of the choir (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) has a Section Leader. Use your Section Leader to discuss any concerns or ideas to be passed on to the Committee.
Courtesy
St Mary's Singers pride themselves on being a friendly choir, and many firm friendships have blossomed over the years. It should be remembered, though, that the time for socialising is before and after rehearsal, during the coffee break and at organised social events.
During rehearsal time you are expected to remain quiet and attentive, regardless of whether or not the Musical Director's focus is on your section. Chattering during rehearsal is distracting for others who are trying to concentrate, and shows disrespect to the Musical Director.
Every member should have a pencil with them at rehearsals to mark in various points such as breathing, phrasing, words that need attention, extra dynamics, and marking awkward intervals and passages as indicated by the Musical Director.
What sort of music is sung?
A wide variety of music is sung by the choir, sometimes jointly with other choirs, and typically accompanied by keyboard and/or orchestra. Works performed over the last few years include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Elgar’s From the Bavarian Highlands, Rutter’s Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols and Schubert’s Mass in G, as well as selections of Gilbert and Sullivan, English folk songs and songs from the musicals, not forgetting the world premiere in 2006 of The Nations Rejoice.
There are opportunities for solo or ensemble work in some of the concerts, and this is announced prior to the relevant term.
Musical Scores
Scores are usually borrowed from public libraries, but may alternatively be hired or purchased. Scores are usually issued at the beginning of the first rehearsal of each term. Members are responsible for the timely return to the choir Librarian of any music issued. Charges for the cost of replacement are made for late return or lost/damaged music. Rehearsal marks should be made in pencil and carefully erased prior to return.
Volunteers
Whilst the elected Committee shoulders much of the day-to-day running of the society, there are times when extra help is needed, for example, setting tables, washing up glasses, and moving scenery/staging on performance nights. Please, lend a hand when asked.
Patrons
We welcome help and support from your partner or friends and neighbours. Why not enroll them as Patrons, and in return they will be invited to all social events/outings and the AGM? They will also receive priority booking for concerts as well as receiving a copy of the Newsletter. There is no set annual subscription for Patrons, but we suggest a minimum donation of £5 per person.
Concert dress
Ladies: Black trousers or ankle-length black skirt, white blouse and lilac scarf.
Men: Formal: black dinner jacket and trousers, white shirt and black bow tie.
Informal: Black trousers, lilac shirt and matching tie.
A small financial contribution is required for the supply of some items. See the Wardrobe Mistress for full details.
A standard black folder will be issued for concerts. Folders remain the property of the choir.
Teamwork
A good choir is very much a team effort! We all have our part to play whether as part of the elected committee, a volunteer who helps at concerts or as a singer listening to what the Musical Director has to say. It is our joint responsibility to help the Musical Director maintain the standards of the choir and your co-operation in regular attendance at rehearsals, dress rehearsal and performance nights is very much appreciated.