Rules for members, updated 14Sep2015
1 Scope and background
The choir exists to foster an interest in classical vocal music amongst the public through performing great choral works. It is a registered charity, has a board of trustees and an elected Committee who act as the management body. It also has other officers, notably a section rep for each voice part who acts as a channel of communication with Society members.
2 Constitution
The choir has a Constitution which details its organisation and working. The purpose of these rules is to add operational detail for members; they should be read in conjunction with the Constitution. If there is any discrepancy, the Constitution takes precedence.
3 Choir Membership
Membership is open to all and based purely on an ability to sing in tune; ability to read music is usually helpful. New members have up to 4 weeks to decide if they wish to stay. After this, the Music Director will give them a simple voice test to ensure compatibility with the part they have been singing and they become full members of the Society and subscriptions are due. Members sign in for each rehearsal , including the final rehearsal which normally takes place on staging in the Abbey.
4 Representation
The choir has an AGM before the middle of October and the Committee will have at least 3 meetings per year; members are invited to raise issues which they believe need discussing. They can do this either by direct contact with the Chairman or through their Section Rep who has the opportunity to test the strength of feeling on the issue with other members. Feedback on these and other matters discussed will come through the Section Rep and via the meeting minutes which are posted on the notice board. The Committee reserve the right to remove any parts of the minutes which are considered too personal for general publication.
5 Finance
Subscriptions pay the bulk of the costs of running the choir. The sub is due in two parts by the end of October and January, or can be paid all at once in October. The current rate is on the website, as is the choir’s bank account details for direct payments which are the preferred option. There is a subsidised membership scheme for members under 25, and members who experience financial hardship are encouraged to see the Treasurer to discuss alternative payment schemes. Members can help the choir by signing up for the Gift Aid scheme, and contributing to the weekly Bring and Buy table. Members can also contribute by signing up friends, relatives and companies as Patrons of the choir.
6 Music scores
Some members buy their own scores; most hire via the choir. Nationally the stock of cheaper public library scores is dwindling and needs every help to conserve it. Therefore, members undertake to:
Return the score immediately after the concert – the turn-round time is very short!
Use only soft (2B) pencil on the scores.
Return them in the same or better condition than they were received with all pencil marks erased and minor repairs made with suitable tape.
7 Concert attendance
As a performing choir it is assumed that all members join and rehearse with the intention of singing in the concert. Members who discover that they are unable to attend a performance must inform their Section rep as soon as possible and obtain the permission of the Chairman to attend rehearsals. This will not be unreasonably withheld, excepting the last 3 rehearsals in concert seating when seats are allocated to performers only.
Attendance at rehearsals is important for a good performance; members may sing in the concert providing they have attended at least 75% of rehearsals. Attendance below this is at the discretion of the Music Director who may conduct a short audition just before the concert.
8 Concert Dress
The public pay for their listening pleasure and deserve good value; a smart appearance also inspires our performance. A uniform dress code is therefore important for our reputation. Our normal concert dress is as follows:
Gentlemen-Dinner jacket or very dark suit with white shirt, black bow tie, black socks and shoes.
Ladies-Full length (below calves) plain black skirt or tailored trousers, not jeans or leggings. Long sleeved high-necked black blouse or jumper; alternatively similar effect with a black dress. Black shoes and any socks/tights showing to be very dark. The Abbey now has bright performance lights which cause a distracting dazzle on any jewellery therefore this should be restricted to discreet ear studs.
The choir is always looking to ring the changes, and these rules will be amended from time to time for specific concerts. For 2015-16, ladies wear a touch of accented RED in the form of a red necklace and/or a red silk corsage.
Members with specific needs of dress, equipmentor concert position should discuss them with the Chairman well in advance.
9 Concert etiquette
Our behaviour and organisation also affect the public’s opinion. Each concert will be under the control of a Concert Manager, and members agree to listen to them and abide by their instructions. These will usually include:
Meeting 15 minutes before the concert starts in the South transept
Filing onto the platform from the front row back using only the side steps and keeping these clear of obstructions during rehearsals and concert (Abbey hire regulations)
Following instructions to sit once all are in place.
Keeping quiet at all times when on the platform, even if the orchestra cannot contain their excitement!
Standing upon entry of the Conductor and soloists.
Following given instructions to stand and sit during the performance; if sitting but following the soloists in the score special attention is needed to stagger subtle page turns to avoid disturbance.
Leaving the stage from back to front, again by the side steps only.
Placing scores in the boxes left for the purpose.
Applause – the standard rule the choir uses is that we can applaud soloists, conductor or orchestra when sitting, but when standing we are then being congratulated (or welcomed) hence must stop.