OUR GUIDELINES
Updated July 2018
The Bytown Voices Community Choir is a non-audition community choir. We strive to:
Offer an engaging program that balances a variety of musical genres and the capabilities of the singers
Be a confident, dynamic community choir where members enjoy singing with each other
Nurture a respectful and enjoyable practice environment, making all members feel welcome and included
Facilitate learning of music, optimize training and cultivate good singing habits to create a blended sound
Review our progress regularly.
What we do?
There are two concerts a year (Fall and Spring) with additional community outreach events.
There is an annual general meeting often combined with a summer party.
How do we do it?
Working together
Welcoming and encouraging new members
Encouraging each other
Arriving on time for rehearsals
Attending rehearsals regularly and advising section leaders of absences both short and long-term
Socializing before and after rehearsals (but not during!)
Taking personal responsibility for learning
Signing up for volunteer duties on practice nights and performances
Consulting with and responding to our members and regularly reviewing our progress.
Improving performances with an emphasis on learning and techniques, including
Watching the director
Engaging the audience
Working on diction and expression
Exploring and using the tools available for learning our pieces including: YouTube videos of pieces being performed,
MP3 (electronic music) files, and listening to recordings of our past performancesParticipating in at least one special off-site sectional practice each season.
Attendance
The Bytown Voices has guidelines on choir member’s attendance at rehearsals.
There are a variety of reasons why a member might need to be absent.
Choral singing is a team effort. Missing rehearsals not only affects our own ability to perform but it can also affect the rest of our group. Our Attendance Guidelines try to balance individual needs with the goal of making music we can all be proud of.
The Attendance Guidelines (2018):
As a member of the choir, you are expected to attend at least two thirds of total rehearsals in a season. In a typical fall season, this represents attending a minimum of 9 out of 13 rehearsals, and in a typical winter season, 11 out of 16 rehearsals. The number of rehearsals can vary from year to year. This is presented as a guideline.
Every effort should be made to attend the last two Tuesday rehearsals and the dress rehearsal prior to a concert, as important performance information is provided by the conductor.
You should advise your section lead if you plan to miss a rehearsal.
If you are unable to meet these expectations, please consider withdrawing from choir and consider signing up for the next season.
As a member of the choir, you are expected to attend at least two thirds of total rehearsals in a season. In a typical fall season, this represents attending a minimum of 9 out of 13 rehearsals, and in a typical winter season, 11 out of 16 rehearsals. The number of rehearsals can vary from year to year. This is presented as a guideline.
Every effort should be made to attend the last two Tuesday rehearsals and the dress rehearsal prior to a concert, as important performance information is provided by the conductor.
You should advise your section lead if you plan to miss a rehearsal.
If you are unable to meet these expectations, please consider withdrawing from choir and consider signing up for the next season.
Approved by the Bytown Voices Executive in consultation with section leaders
Presented to AGM May 8, 2018; Effective Fall 2018
See also the Bytown Voices FAQ sheet
Last revision July 2018