Rehearsal and Concert Information for Members

Auditions

Auditions for new members are held before the first rehearsal of each term. While many singers are accepted immediately, some singers may be accepted on a conditional basis as auditors. This is a friendly and unpretentious organization. New members, please feel free to ask questions, make your needs known, and above all enjoy the great music we are about to make! Returning members, please look for new faces, introduce yourself, answer questions, and make new members feel welcome! Click here to view our Auditions page.

Rehearsals

Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., at Lakeside Presbyterian Church at 201 Eucalyptus Avenue at 19th Avenue (near Stonestown). Please come early enough to sign in, take care of business matters, and be in your seat and ready to sing by 7:00 p.m. sharp. Additional rehearsals and sectional rehearsals for individual voice parts are sometimes scheduled at other times including on Saturday mornings. Check the Chorus Notes, rehearsal notes, and/or the rehearsal schedule on our website for possible time and venue changes.

Attendance

Attendance Sheets, Chorus Notes, Chorus and Board Mailboxes, Sign-up Sheets, concert publicity and other information of interest to chorus members can all be found during rehearsal on the tables outside our rehearsal space.

• Attendance Sheets — Sign in each week under your voice part by initialing the box by your name.
• Chorus Notes — These printed notes from the executive director are an important means of conveying important information to chorus members. If you miss any rehearsals, be sure to pick up and read previous issues for the dates you missed.
• Chorus and Board Mailboxes provide convenient places to put messages from singers to the chorus board and staff. Put changes of information, general notes, comments, suggestions, and items for the executive director in the Chorus Mailbox. Other items directed to the board or artistic director or assistant conductor should be put in the Board Mailbox. Items put into the mailboxes always receive prompt attention.
• Sign-up Sheets — There may be sign-up sheets for anything from carpooling to buying practice tapes. Check the sign-up sheets each week to see which ones interest you.
• Absences — Attendance is expected at all rehearsals, except in case of illness or unavoidable conflict. After two absences, you may have to demonstrate your knowledge of the music in order to sing in the concert. This policy is necessary to distinguish between absentees and those who have dropped out of the chorus.
• If you quit the chorus or take a leave of absence, please let your section leader or the executive director know.

Rehearsal Notes

After every rehearsal, detailed notes are emailed to every member of the sfchoral group email list. These notes convey crucial information to singers, including breath marks, intonation, pronunciation, and other muisc features that were the focus of the previous rehearsal, as well as sections to work on at home before the next rehearsal. Join the email list to ensure you receive these notes. If you have not joined or if you need to change the email address at which you are subscribed click here (password required).

Rehearsal Conduct

• Be in your seat promptly at 7:00 p.m. and at the designated time after the break!
• Sign the Attendance Sheet every week you attend, without fail.
• Pick up the Chorus Notes, if any, and check the benches for other materials of interest.
• Bring a pencil to all rehearsals.
• Wear your nametag.
• Write all choral instructions, e.g. breath marks, dynamics, etc., in your score.
• Keep the aisles clear of bags, coats, bicycles, and other stuff. Accidents have happened.
• No talking or whispering during rehearsals, unless absolutedly necessary.
• Do not stamp or tap your feet on the floor. The artistic director will keep time to the music for everyone.
• NEVER wear any kind of scent to rehearsals or concerts! Many people are allergic to scented perfume, hairspray, deodorant, etc. The rest of us just don't like it.
• Clean up after yourslef. At the end of rehearsal, check your area to be sure not to leave water bottles, trash, or anything else you brought to rehearsal.

Concert Information

• Rehearsals with orchestra are scheduled for the week before the concert. These two rehearsals are very important and every effort should be made to attend them both. If you miss these rehearsals, you may have to miss singing in the concert. Orchestra rehearsal and concert week information will be provided just before each concert. Any restrictions and regulations of the venue will be strictly enforced.
• Black folders or a black cover for your music is required for performances. Make sure your music is securely bound, that pages turn noiselessly, and that passages where the chorus does not sing are paper-clipped together.
• Concert Attire — Our goal is to create a cohesive appearance without resorting to uniforms. Singers should dress so that they do not stand out. Section Leaders are responsible for ensuring that their section is dressed properly. If you show up for a concert inappropriately dressed, you will be asked to move to an inconspicuous place or may have to miss singing in the concert. If you have questions about what to wear, ask your Section Leader.
• Concert Attire for Men — Black tuxedos are preferred; black suits are acceptable. Black jacket and trousers, white shirt, black bow tie, and black shoes and socks are required. Black clothing is available at most thrift shops.
• Concert Attire for Women — Black dresses or black skirts and tops are preferred; long-sleeved black T-shirts are acceptable, as are dressy pants. Sleeves should cover your elbows when holding your music. Skirts should be at least mid-calf when seated; ankle length is preferred. Necklines should be modest; a narrow V is acceptable, but your neckline should not drop below your collarbone. No Party Dresses! No ruffles, lace, sheer fabrics, sequins, embroidery, beading, or cutouts on any clothing. No black velvet; it stands out. Black shoes and black opaque stockings or socks are required.
• Jewelry — Earrings, cufflinks, and neck chains should not be visible from more than 20 feet. No flashy or dangling earrings. No pendants or necklaces unless hidden beneath your top. Black or brown headbands or clips only. Do not wear anything that will stand out or be visible to the audience.

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