VERNON CHORALE HANDBOOK

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of The Vernon Chorale, Inc. is to provide a forum to learn and refine choral singing and to educate audiences through the presentation of choral music concerts while supporting young musicians.

MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

Members of The Vernon Chorale are singers who have successfully auditioned, bring unique talents, and fully participate in our concert season. Singers come prepared and on time for each rehearsal, and they devote time outside rehearsal to master their music. CD’s and links to recordings are routinely provided to assist with learning music. Members are encouraged to and routinely assist with fundraising, publicity, and hospitality for post-concert receptions. They may apply to serve as section leaders or join the Board of Directors. Members pay modest annual dues and cover the cost of their music. Also, each member is expected to purchase (to distribute or resell) at least 4 tickets for each concert. Most important, members of The Vernon Chorale understand the honor and joy of working with fellow volunteer musicians, and treat each other with the utmost respect and kindness.

DUES

Annual dues per chorale member, established by the Board of Directors, contribute toward the financial obligations of the choir, including salaries, venues, rights and insurance costs. Member dues for the 2024-2025 season are $60, and must be paid two weeks after the first rehearsal. Current members joining for only one semester must pay a full year’s dues. Dues are waived for full-time undergraduates.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The attendance policy exists to protect the integrity of the chorale, respect our fellow singers’ time, and ensure concert readiness. Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals.  Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:30, so singers should plan to arrive early. Any member who must be absent from a rehearsal is expected to alert his or her section leader; catch up on missed notations and view the link to the rehearsal recording. Singers who are ill should not attend rehearsals. If a singer faces unusual attendance challenges, or cannot attend a production week rehearsal, a conversation with a section leader and board member is in order. Occasionally, a singer may drop out for one concert of the season and return for the next.

SABBATICAL

To ensure continuity of membership and cohesiveness of sound, any singer who chooses to take a year or more of ‘sabbatical’ from Vernon Chorale membership will be asked to reaudition at the discretion of the Artistic Director. If there are auditioned and qualified singers on the wait list, you may not automatically be able to rejoin your section but added to the wait list to be “called upon” also at the discretion of the Artistic Director.  Singers on sabbatical are highly encouraged to attend concerts, participate in fundraising, and otherwise support and stay involved in The Vernon Chorale community.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 523 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. Additional sectional rehearsals and/or full member rehearsals may be called at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

 

REHEARSAL CANCELLATION

In the event that a rehearsal is cancelled, you will be notified by your section leader and/or other Chorale leadership. Cancellation decisions will be made by 5 pm, and every attempt will be made to contact members in a timely manner via email or text. Cancellations will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter. You may also reference WFSB Channel 3 or www.wfsb.com.

SNOW DATES

In case of a concert cancellation because of inclement weather, snow dates are scheduled for both the December and April concerts. Members are expected to be available for the announced and posted snow dates. Rehearsals cancelled by inclement weather may be rescheduled at the Artistic Director’s discretion.

 

FUNDRAISING

It is expected of each member to participate in fund-raising activities such as soliciting ads for our concert program or donations from patrons and past donors, ticket sales, and matching gifts from employers.

You are encouraged to visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and to publicize and “share” Vernon Chorale events.  Our website contains a wealth of information about us, upcoming concerts, links to other sites, and a private section for chorale members only. For questions or suggestions about the website, contact a board member.

 

MUSIC SCORES

Each member is responsible for purchasing their music, which will be made available through the Chorale. All music must be paid for within two weeks of receipt. You may use your own score if it is the same edition chosen by the Artistic Director. All music must be in black folders by the dress rehearsal for all concerts. Choral Fellows are not responsible for the cost of their scores.

SECTION LEADERS

Section leaders play a crucial role in supporting the musicianship and morale of the group.

At the beginning of the concert year, section leaders will be introduced and contact information provided, however it is the responsibility of each member to know their section leader and to contact him/her to notify of an absence and to ask for missed notations. If members have questions regarding notes, rhythms, or pronunciations they will happily help you.

 

CONCERT DRESS

Our appearance is an important aspect of our performance. Only members in proper concert attire will be allowed to sing for performance. Proper dress is as follows unless otherwise announced:

– Black tuxedo, black suit, or black jacket/pants with plain white shirt, black bow tie

Black socks, black shoes

– Black, dressy knee length or longer dress, skirt; or dressy black slacks

Black shirt or blouse (not sleeveless)

– Minimal jewelry

***The following are not allowed: vests, denim, cologne/perfume, aftershave, scented hairspray.

(last revised 8/22/2021)