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.
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.
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.
What does it cost?
We do not currently have a dues structure, though we will be implementing one in the Fall. For now, members are expected to pay for their own sheet music. We also occasionally ask those who are able to chip in on expenses like concert posters and fliers. We do not yet have a budget and our music director and pianist are as yet unpaid, so your willingness to help pay your way in essential.
What are your expectations of me?
We have four main expectations for all members:
Attend at least 75% of rehearsals,
Attend all four main performances,
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. And,
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
While we can’t wait to sing with you, membership has closed for the season. But, we welcome your early submissions for next Fall! Rehearsals will begin in August.
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.