member expectations
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. You are expected to attend at least 75% of rehearsals.
Members are Required to perform in all of our main concerts.
Rehearsal Etiquette
Rehearsals are fun and a wonderful time of fellowship. be on time, dress modestly and comfortably (Avoid sleeveless), and practice regard for your fellow members and choir leadership at all times.
Creating a safe space
No politics. They are off the table completely. 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 or drama. This extends to online platforms. If you tend to complain about people on social media, this is not the group for you. A healthy community depends on consideration and care.
No Weapons at Rehearsals or performances.
Outside of rehearsal
We use the software “Chorus Connection”—all members are required to activate a free account in order to receive messages and access important information. There are no alternatives to using this private platform. You need to stay current with our updates, so you’ll need to check your Chorus Connection messages at least twice a week.
In order to run smoothly, we have a specific chain of communication. You must abide by this and may not contact the director or pianist outside of rehearsals.
You are responsible for learning your part. We go over everything at least once in rehearsals, and we offer practice recordings, but you must practice during the week in order to keep pace with the choir.
Financial commitment:
Our $100 yearly participation fee helps offset the cost of lawfully licensed sheet music and other inescapable expenses. You may pay this upfront or in two or three installments.
We do not yet have a scholarship fund, but we also don’t want to turn anyone away simply because the participation fee is out of reach. If you need assistance, please contact us and we’ll see if we can help.
You are responsible for providing your own attire. Please see the handbook for specific details. In general, our attire consists of items in most people’s wardrobe—we do not wear costumes or robes. You must, however, purchase a choir t-shirt.
Currently, our artistic director and accompanist, both highly credentialed professionals, volunteer their time. You are receiving their expert guidance at no charge.
participation fees are non-refundable, even if you drop out after only a few rehearsals.
All applicants who are accepted into the choir are required to read through our member handbook and sign our membership agreement.
Our Next season begins September 1st.
Auditions are by appointment on August 16th & 18th
Join Us.
If you still have questions or would like to sit in on a rehearsal before joining, send us a message.
If you’re ready to join, click below to fill out the form. You will be contacted by email to schedule a “N’audition.” (We call them that because they are really section placements—not traditional auditions!)
We encourage you to read through the member handbook. Once you are admitted to the choir, you will be required to sign a member agreement that acknowledges you’ve read and agree to the handbook guidelines.
FAQs
When & Where Do You Rehearse?
Tuesdays @ 6:45pm. Rehearsals are currently held at United Presbyterian Church (120 N. Broadway, Shawnee OK).
Are you a church choir?
No, we are not a church choir, we are a community choir, and we don’t participate in worship in the same way that church choirs do.
Are you affiliated with a church?
No, we are not affiliated with any particular church or even a specific denomination. Most of our members are practicing Christians and attend area churches, but the choir itself is independent.
What kind of music do you sing?
An eclectic mix of sacred music: gospel, spirituals, contemporary Christian, remixed traditional with a smattering of thematically appropriate secular songs.
What are rehearsals like?
Casual, fun, relaxed, but also focused. We warm-up with some body movement, relaxation techniques, and vocal exercises, and then we spend the rest of the time on our concert music. We always close with prayer.
What if I need special accommodations?
We will do everything we can to accommodate everyone’s needs to the best of our ability. Some accommodations aren’t possible, so please check with us.
About politics
We are an experiment in cooperation and goodwill! So, we have a strict “no politics” policy. This extends to all conversation and also clothing and accessories. There are no exceptions.
Can I sit in on rehearsals?
If you are considering joining us, but you’re not yet sure if it’s a good fit, you are welcome to sit in on one rehearsal, but you’ll need to make arrangements with us so that we know you’ll be there. We don’t allow walk-ins.
What does it cost?
Our participation fee is $100 for the entire season/year. This helps offset the cost of music and other choir-related expenses. Please note, our professional artistic director & Pianist are still volunteering their time. The participation fee is a fraction of what it costs us simply to operate.
Installment plans are available for those who need it, and we are fundraising for 50% scholarships for those experiencing financial hardship.
What are your expectations of me?
We have five main expectations for all members:
Attend at least 75% of rehearsals (dress rehearsals and the rehearsal just before the dress are required);
Attend all main performances (there are usually 3-4 per season);
Take responsibility for learning your music on your own so that we can make the most of our rehearsal time together. We provide practice recordings for members to use outside of rehearsals.
Volunteer for the various activities we do as a choir, from helping to promote our events, fundraise, and recruit new members, to helping with special events and projects. And,
Pay attention in rehearsals, Keep confidences, avoid causing drama, and maintain civility before, during, and after all choir activities.
Do I have to audition?
Yes, but our auditions are informal and are more like section placements. If you are willing to abide by our “ground rules,” you are welcome to join us, regardless of experience. But, you still have to sing for our director!
What if I just want to come occasionally?
Our goal is to become a truly excellent choir, and the only way to do that is through consistency. You must commit to a minimum of 75% of our rehearsals in order to sing with us. We understand that sometimes life happens, and it may interfere with attendance expectations, but, in general, you need to be committed enough to show up.
Do I need to know how to read music?
No, while the ability to read music is helpful, it’s not required.
What if I’ve never sung in a choir?
That’s fine! Our choir is made up of all experience levels with one common feature: all members love to sing!