Chorister Handbook
An excellent choir has philosophies that undergird policies and procedures that help to balance the needs of individual choristers and the choir as a whole.
1. Rehearsal and Attendance Philosophy
An excellent choir is built on commitment to rehearsal and concert attendance. It is expected that choristers have committed to the annual schedule and worked out any planned absenteeism with the music director (especially performances and multiple rehearsals in a row). The annual calendar is scheduled as far in advance as possible to allow for long-term planning.
Rehearsals are principally for listening. Each chorister is counting on every other chorister to be present, in order to hear them and develop an overall choral sound. Hence, missed rehearsals cannot be “made-up.”
Absences are not “excused” or “unexcused.” There are just absences. There are, however, planned absences and unplanned absences. Life happens. Some examples of planned absences (since those are known in advance) include work or major travel that cannot be scheduled at another time. Some examples of unplanned absences include illness, travel interruptions, emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. Some examples of non-extenuating circumstances include birthdays, anniversaries, parties, social events, concert attendance, fatigue, costumes, animals, rain, food, and the like.
Notification of absence is professional, polite, and expected. An absence without notification is cause for genuine concern over the circumstances that must have caused it. The choir relies on its choristers to make wise decisions and expect that a choice to miss rehearsals has a strong basis for doing so. (The reply to “can you do so-and-so at a rehearsal/concert time?” is “I’m sorry I have a commitment that night”. Or alternatively, “I have to ask if I can get out of a commitment I’ve made.”)
The choir’s ability to accommodate absenteeism varies from chorister to chorister. One should not expect that missing rehearsal is “no big deal” nor that it would not affect future involvement in the choir. The idea of “Don’t worry, I’ll practice on my own” is not applicable since is expected to practice anyway. Nevertheless, choristers are expected to invest the same amount of time as the rehearsal they missed, regardless of the reason.
Since commitments that choristers made elsewhere are honoured as much as the commitments they make to the choir, any potential schedule additions are presented to the choir as optional. While choristers are encouraged to participate in such opportunities, they are never absolute requirements and can be declined for any reason. Invitations can be accepted if there is a reasonable commitment from individual choristers to form an ensemble that maintains the standard of the entire choir.
2. Practice Philosophy
An excellent choir relies on advanced preparation for rehearsal. Personal practice provides the opportunity to confidently know details printed in the score and application of ideas from rehearsal. Sectionals provide the opportunity to solidify musical details as well as to confirm or make group decisions regarding particular elements not in the score (divisi, dynamics, phrasing, and the like). ‘Mixed sectionals’ or practice pods provide the opportunity develop individual independence in part-singing, as well as tuning, alignment, balance and blend. Leadership and support for such preparation is often available from others in the ensemble.
3. Materials
An excellent choir has choristers who take responsibility for what they need.
Music scores are distributed by the choir librarian, which should not be hole-punched, highlighted, or marked in pen. Lost or mutilated music is chargeable. E-copies can be made available.
Other materials are the responsibility of individual choristers, including pencils, water bottles, stools, cushions, music stands, snacks, notebooks, personal auxiliary instruments, or anything else needed.
Performance attire, including a black folder, is the responsibility of each singer. A black (sleeved) top, pants, shoes and socks/hose are complimented with an accessory (wrap or tie) provided by the wardrobe manager. Scented products are not permitted in rehearsal or performance.
4. Financial Philosophy
An excellent choir needs finances in order to operate. While a choir fee is essential, it should never be a barrier. The choir fee is set by the board of directors. In 2022–2023, the annual fee was $395 that included music, retreat, workshops, and regular rehearsals. Various payment plans or bursary arrangements can be made with the treasurer.
5. Administration Philosophy
An excellent choir relies on a strong volunteer base. Choristers, particularly those beyond their first year, are strongly encouraged to take on some formal or informal volunteer role in the choir. Numerous volunteer opportunities, for choristers and others, exist to facilitate the management of the organization without which the choir would not exist.
6. Communication Philosophy
An excellent choir maintains regular, informative, and necessary communication. Generally accomplished through e-mail — whose accuracy is essential — it is complemented by rehearsal announcements, the “members” page on the website (www.islandvoiceschamberchoir.bc.ca), auxiliary software, texts, and telephone. Open, honest, and positive communication is highly encouraged.
