JOIN US!
Shawnee Peace & Praise Community Choir is open to All adults who have a heart for music and love to sing.
We prioritize building strong connections and giving thanks to God for all of our blessings, supporting one another through life’s adventures and challenges, and giving back in a positive way to our community.
Our Ground Rules…
We commit to following Jesus’ teaching to love God and to love one another, so we practice respect and kindness.
we don’t talk politics. we Celebrate our differences, seeing our diversity as a way in which God expresses through us.
We have fun! Singing should be joyful, and we strive to make each rehearsal a time where we can lay down some of our burdens, connect with joy, and celebrate god’s love.
We respect each other’s privacy and keep confidences. we don’t discuss anything personal that happens in rehearsals with those outside of the choir or on social media.
We are consistent. We know that for us to have a great choir, we all have to do our part, starting by attending every rehearsal we can, so that our fellow members can count on us.
Before you apply…
Please read through the following before signing up to make sure we’re a good fit!
Our Main Commitment: Kindness! By being part of this group, we agree to treat one another with kindness and civility.
ATTENDANCE
A choir depends on the consistency of its members, so your attendance is vital. We know that life happens, but please be aware that your absence absolutely impacts the rehearsal. Members are expected to attend at least 75% of rehearsals.
Members are expected to perform in all of our main concerts. the entire choir spends each week working towards them and relies on each member to be there to pull off a great performance. We realize scheduling conflicts arise, but performances should be prioritized if at all possible.
Rehearsal Etiquette
Rehearsals are fun and a wonderful time of fellowship. In order to support that, please try to be on time, dress modestly and comfortably (Avoid sleeveless), avoid heavy perfume/cologne and camouflage smoke and garlic breath. ;) Please don’t correct other members or point out areas that need improvement.
Creating a safe space
No politics. They are off the table completely. We have members from many walks of life; this is a time for us to come together and have fun singing. So avoid politics—this includes politically-oriented clothing and accessories (hats, pins, etc.).
Please don’t pry into another person’s faith. Most of us are Christians or Seekers and we all have our own particular religious commitments. Support one another, but leave it at that.
We do not tolerate gossip, and that includes complaining about other members or the leadership to others. A healthy community depends on consideration, care, and speaking with integrity.
Weapons are not allowed in the church where we rehearse.
Outside of rehearsal
Outside of rehearsals, We communicate primarily by email and average two emails per week—more when we’re close to a performance. The choir assistant is available to answer questions by email or text. Please do not message us on Facebook—we may not see it.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with your fellow members and the leadership of the choir, including sending all questions and concerns to the choir assistant and not the director.
It is important that you allow some time outside of rehearsals to practice. We provide practice recordings to make it easy. We realize that you won’t have time to practice every week, but in general plan to spend at least 15 minutes twice a week at a minimum.
Financial commitment:
All members purchase their own sheet music. Plan to budget between $45-$50 twice per year (Fall/Christmas and Spring). We order music as a group to save on shipping; payment is due before you receive your music and is generally collected in late August (for fall/Christmas) and again at the end of December (for spring), or when you join. Photocopies are not permitted because they violate copyright law. Once purchased, members own the music. Most pieces will be utilized repeatedly.
Since we are newly formed and funds are tight, members frequently share expenses like posters to advertise for concerts, and some members have chipped in for us to have this website. Most expenses are modest, but it’s not uncommon for members to chip in a few dolars here and there to help with expenses.
Our practice space is generously offered at no charge, so each week we pass an envelope to help with the utilities we use (since we rehearse outside of normal operating hours for the church). Most members donate $2-$5 at least two weeks out of the month.
Currently, our artistic director and accompanist, both highly credentialed professionals, volunteer their time. We also provide recorded practice tracks that make practice easy at no charge.
If you drop out once your music has been ordered, you will not receive a refund, nor will you receive a refund if you’ve chipped in on some expenses and decide to leave the choir. You may request your music, but you will have to come pick it up or provide a pre-paid label if you want it shipped to you.
If you are comfortable with these “rules of the road”, we invite you join us!
Join Us.
We’d love to have you join us! If you think you’d like to sing with us, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch. If you still have questions, send us a message and we’ll be happy to chat.
FAQs
When do you rehearse?
We rehearse on Tuesdays from 6:45-8:15pm. When we get close to a concert, we rehears until 8:45pm.
Our rehearsals start in late August/Early September and go through the end of May/Early June, depending on our performance schedule, with a 3-4 week winter break.
Where do you rehearse?
Our rehearsals are at First Christian Church, 1625 n. Broadway in Shawnee. The church has generously offered the facility free of charge, but we take up a collection at rehearsals to help cover our utilities since rehearsals occur outside of their business hours.
Do I need to practice on my own?
Yes! Ideally, plan on spending an hour a week practicing your music, but even 15 minutes is helpful. We provide practice recordings (MP3s, so you need internet access) to make it simple.
do i need to know how to read music?
While it is very helpful, it is not a requirement. You will pick up reading skills the longer you sing with us!
What if I’ve never sung in a choir?
No choral experience is required to join us. Our Director is skilled at teaching singing and always incorporates vocal exercises in rehearsals. You’ll learn to sing as you go along.
What if I can’t come every week?
We ask that members come to at least 75% or 3 out of every 4 rehearsals. It’s vital for the group that people are as consistent as possible. At the same time, we realize that life happens, and sometimes you just can’t make it happen—and that’s okay. But, plan on making it to at least 75% of rehearsals.
Do i have to audition?
Yes, but they aren’t formal auditions—just section placements, really. They usually take just a few minutes. You can prepare a song, or you can just sing along with some scales so that the director can assess your range.
What kind of music do you sing?
We have an eclectic repertoire. We sing gospel, praise and worship, some traditional music (usually modernized), and secular music that still speaks to our mission of peace and praise. While our director is trained as a classical singer, we don’t do much of that, preferring to appeal to a broad audience.
What are your rehearsals like?
We commit to keeping rehearsals fun & relaxed, but also focused. We’ll usually start with some kind of body movement to get us loosened up. Then, we’ll spend a bit of time on vocal exercises, and then our assigned music. We always end the rehearsal in prayer.
What if I Need special Accommodations?
We will work with you to the best of our ability to accommodate any needs you may have.
There are steps down into the practice room, but there’s a lift you can use if the stairs are a challenge. When we perform at First Christian, there is also an elevator up to the second floor.
About Politics
We do not engage in partisan politics, nor do we endorse any candidates or policies. we strive to cultivate a space in which creativity can thrive and people feel accepted. And safe. Therefore, we don’t talk politics, and political clothing or PARAPHERNALIA is not allowed in rehearsals or performances. We know many people feel very strongly about their political positions, and we respect that—many of us do, too. But, our choir is not the space for that, so please make sure you feel comfortable setting it aside during rehearsals/performances before you sign up.