are at First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave. (corner of Cascade and Platte Avenues in downtown Colorado Springs). Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings beginning promptly at 7:15 p.m. and ending at 9:45 p.m.. The first rehearsal of the 2004-2005 season is August 25.
	Dues are $100 for the full year, payable at the first rehearsal and are non-refundable. For those entering in January, the fee is $50. Checks are preferred, but credit cards (MC, VISA, AMX or DISC) are accepted. Payment plans are available by calling the Chorale office PRIOR to the first rehearsal. Music fees will depend on what music you already own. Deck music is estimated at $20 - $30.
	Women: Black, full-length dress - $50 (used) for sale at Chorale office or purchase of a new dress for approximately $75. Men: Prescribed tuxedo, white shirt, black cummerbund and bow tie, est. cost $220
	provide a liaison between the singers and conductor. When you cannot avoid an absence, please call your Section Leader.  If you’ve missed a rehearsal, call your Section Leader for conductor’s notes and markings.  Be sure to pick up missed handouts from your Section Leader at the next rehearsal.
	Section	Leader	Home Phone	Work Phone
	Sopranos	Sandy Reimer	531-5934
	Altos	Jan Bodholdt	390-3987	205-5558
	Tenors	Lee Henry	282--6583	481-7800
	Basses	Gil Rogers	597-8636	556-7277

Colorado Springs Chorale
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

For Singing Members

of the

Colorado Springs Chorale

5/24/04

Please read this memorandum carefully and save it, as it states the responsibilities of singers and the obligations of the Choral Society.  This document clarifies expectations for the benefit of the choral art, the organization, the singer, the community, and the staff.

By joining the Chorale and paying dues, the singer tacitly states his/her intention to abide by these policies.  Adherence will raise the quality of the choral experience for everyone.  This approach to rehearsing and performing at a professional level represents a commitment to excellence.

I.  The singer shall:

          A. Study and prepare the music individually before each rehearsal. The primary focus of rehearsals is on musical interpretation, ensemble building, and presentation rather than note learning.

          B.      Observe the attendance policy:

                    1.     Attend regular Wednesday evening rehearsals, arriving promptly and staying the full duration.  It’s the singer’s  obligation to resolve all but unpredictable and unavoidable conflicts before the start of rehearsal season.  If more than 25% of the regular rehearsals for any one concert are missed, the singer will not perform in that concert.  Leaving at rehearsal break constitutes losing one half of a rehearsal.  Attendance records will be maintained by  the Section Leaders; be certain those records conform to the singer’s own accounting.  The Artistic Director together with the Section Leaders, will review requests for additional absences.

                    2.     Make a best-effort attempt to attend supplemental rehearsals.

                    3.     Inform the Section Leader of anticipated absences.

                    4.     Attend all extra performance-week rehearsals and dress rehearsal.  Attendance at dress rehearsal is mandatory. Singers who do not attend the dress rehearsal will not be permitted to sing at the performance unless the singer’s Section Leader agrees to waive the absence. Such waivers may only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

                    5.     Perform at concerts, arriving at the concert location promptly at the announced “call” time.

          C.      Acquire all of the conductor’s notes, rehearsal markings, and announcements from the Section Leader for any missed rehearsals.

          D.      Commit to a full season of participation (generally September through May), if possible.  Alternately, the singer may commit to specific concerts within the season by informing the Section Leader at the beginning of each semester.

          E.      Pay annual dues of $100.00 in September or $50.00 in January.  The full tuition is due even if opting to sing only specific concerts.  Payment schedules are available (contact Jackie in the Chorale office).  Dues are not refundable.

          F.      Purchase the standard concert attire, a black binder or folder, and music as required.  Some music is provided by the Choral Society or other sponsors.

          G.      Carefully observe concert protocol, such as how to stand/sit quietly and how to carry music.

          H.      Refrain from using scented products (e.g., cologne, hair spray, hand lotion) before rehearsals and performances.

          I.       Make a best effort to participate in other Chorale activities such as fund raising, ticket selling, committee work, acquiring silent auction items, and attending the Annual Meeting.

II.  The Choral Society Shall:

          A.      Provide the services of a professional conductor, accompanist and administrative staff.

          B.      Offer a rewarding and balanced selection of music.

          C.      Maintain planned rehearsals which include instruction in vocal development.

          D.      Sustain a professional performance and working standard, all within a supportive and positive atmosphere.

          E.      Support the association with like-mined individuals with a love for and enjoyment of performing great choral works.

Please note:  On occasion, the Chorale may take individual and/or group photographs, video tapes, recordings, etc. and release them to the media for publicity or fundraising purposes.  Chorale member’s names may also be released to the media, for example, as part of a proposed caption accompanying a photograph.  Personal information such as street address, email, phone or fax numbers will not be released without the singer’s prior approval.

THANK YOU