Please review this page carefully, as there are several changes this year!
Trying it out
Anyone can sit in on a rehearsal, anytime, to see what the choir is like. But if you wish to sing with us this fall, we require that you register online by Friday September 11. You cannot just walk on in the first night without having registered. Please pay your dues in advance by e-transfer if at all possible (follow the instructions on the registration form), but no later than the first rehearsal. If paying in person – cheque or money order only, no cash. Dues are non-refundable.
Time commitment for the fall session
Rehearsals are every Monday from 7 to 9, including Thanksgiving Monday.
Our first regular rehearsal is September 14, with music pickup starting at 6.
We will be singing 3 selections from the spring concert at a benefit concert in the chapel at Carefor Mackay on Thursday October 15 at 7 PM. Anyone who sang in that concert may participate.
We will likely entertain at the local nursing homes on the afternoon of Saturday November 21 (to be confirmed).
The dress rehearsal on Thursday December 3rd (7-9:30) is MANDATORY to be able to sing in the concerts.
The Christmas concerts are Saturday December 5 at 1:30 (arrive by 12:45) and Sunday December 6 at 7 (arrive by 6).
Click here to preview the fall repertoire
Homework and attendance
You are expected to learn your part at home; we provide samples to help you. Rehearsals are where we put it all together. The director will email an assignment of music to review each week.
You are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, and to sing along with a recording (on YouTube) of any rehearsals that you have to miss.
Singing and reading ability
Music-reading ability is a huge asset when singing in 3, 4, or 8-part harmony. This is not a “casual choir” that just sings the melody from memory. Even when we tackle familiar songs, the rhythms are often changed, and the sopranos don’t have the melody all the time!
Although we don’t have auditions, it goes without saying that you must be able to carry a tune… preferablty without a bucket.
Fees
Our dues are still well below average, in spite of a slight increase for inflation this year. Please see our Support Us page for more details on our finances. We encourage you to register early and save! Fees for the fall session:
| Singer | Register in August (15-31) | Register in September (1-11) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $45 | $55 |
| Student 25 & under | $25 | $35 |
Children in the choir
Older children are welcome to join, but if your child is under 16, they must be accompanied to all rehearsals and performances by an adult.
Sheet music
All music is the property of the choir (or the choir from which we borrowed or rented it) and must be returned immediately following the concert, in the condition in which you received it (no holes, pen marks, or highlighting!)
What to bring to rehearsal
Bring a water bottle, a pencil, and a black folder for your music, that you must use at every rehearsal (unless you cannot hold one, and will be using a music stand for the performance). A regular 3-ring binder will only work if you purchase magazine holders for it, because you may not punch holes in the music.
We recommend and have a supply of Canadian-made music folders with double strings (for 20 pieces of music), and sell them for $30. If you would like to purchase one at the first rehearsal, please send a separate e-transfer to donations@pembrokecommunitychoir.org and put “Choir folder for (your name)” in the message box.
Policy on infections
Because of the nature of singing – studies during COVID showed that we spit up to 5 metres! – we require that members stay home if they have any symptoms of an illness that could be transmitted through the air.
You are welcome to wear a mask to protect yourself (we have singer’s masks for sale) but they are not required, and are NOT a substitute for staying home if you’re ill.
We record our rehearsals so you can sing along at home if you’re under the weather, and not fall behind.
Privacy
Some members have legitimate concerns about keeping their faces/names off the internet. While we can keep your name out of the concert program and off our website, you will be performing in public, and anyone in the choir or audience may take your picture or video and post it on social media. We record each concert, and it is sometimes shown on local TV or posted to YouTube. Also read our Privacy Policy to see how we handle the information we collect on the registration form.
Voice part choices on the registration form
If you haven’t sung in a choir in a while, try this online test to see your range. Or you can come early on the first night and ask for a quick range test (not an audition, just a way of ensuring that you will be comfortable.)
Registration form
Come back to this page on August 15th, when Fall registration opens – the online form will be available here.
