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All Singers Welcome - and Non-Singing
Helpers Part Stewards record attendance for each section of the choir, i.e. Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor, and Bass. All members are strongly encouraged to attend the maximum number of rehearsals possible and should speak to their Part Steward if they miss more than two rehearsals for a concert.. Our Musical Director, Barney Smith, liaises with Part Stewards before every concert to ensure that all those members planning to take part in the concert, are thoroughly familiar with the work and are able to make a positive contribution to the performance. New Members When you arrive for your first rehearsal, as a potential new member of Bracknell Choral Society, you should be:-
When you arrive for your third rehearsal it will be assumed that you have now decided to join the choir. Therefore, would you please:-
Practice Music We have a computer based system for producing practice music to help people learn the music for our concerts. If you are interested contact Alan Douglas (second tenor) at jandadouglas@ntlworld.com You need to buy Noteworthy Composer software from BCS for £15. You also receive a detailed description of how to load the software onto your computer. Once you have the software you can buy practice music for a concert which normally costs £3-4. The practice music is also loaded onto your computer. When a practice music file is opened, the full musical score for the piece appears on screen with all parts set to p (soft). You then alter your own part to f and click a play button to hear the music over the pc’s loudspeakers with your part loud and the others in the background. When the music is playing the current notes are shown in red so that you know exactly where you are in the music. You can stop the music playing at any time and restart wherever you want. The music is prepared using a piano style sound as this makes it easy to pick the parts. Each piece has its speed initially set to the speed for the performance. However you can alter the speed setting as necessary to slow it down to make it easier to learn. It is possible to produce files in mp3 format which can then be played on portable mp3 players or recorded onto cds. To do this the file has to be saved in NC as midi Type 1. You then use a programme called Switch which is available free from www.nch.com.au/switch/ to convert to mp3. Concerts The final rehearsal for each concert is held with the soloists and orchestra and generally takes place during the afternoon of concert day. Concerts usually start at 7:30 pm and choir members must be at the venue by 7:10 pm. Concert Dress We aim to put on a smart and uniform appearance which is appropriate for the music. Ladies wear a black full-length skirt, no slits (touching shoes) or trousers - with black top. Long or short sleeves but not off-the-shoulder; alternatively a long black dress, not off the shoulder. Black stockings and shoes. Discreet jewellery only and small black handbag (evening bag size) Gentlemen wear black dinner jackets, black trousers, black shoes, and a white shirt with a black bow tie. However, for our Christmas concerts, Ladies wear plain coloured blouses, which must consist of one colour only - no patterned blouses - and long black skirts or trousers. Gentlemen wear coloured bow ties, instead of black. Coloured concert dress may be worn at our summer concerts, at the discretion of our Musical Director. Concert Etiquette • Arrive at the venue in good
time to warm up, then line up to go on stage, taking directions from
the Stage Manager. Music The music for our concerts is chosen a year or more in advance to enable acquisition of scores, booking of venues and soloists, and to make applications for grants. We are all invited to put forward suggestions for music and these suggestions, coupled with information on special events e.g. anniversary of a composer's birth, anniversary of a Coronation, are taken into account when choosing a balanced and financially viable programme. Practice tapes or CDs for each part can usually be bought for each major work being performed.
Subscriptions Subscriptions for the 2007/8 season are:
People joining after December pay 40% of the annual subscription for each term, except students who pay £10 per term. Sunshine Fund We like to send flowers, as a gesture of friendship, to members who have had a major operation or suffered the loss of a loved one, so that we can bring them a little "sunshine" and brighten up what may be a difficult or sad time for them. This fund is sustained entirely on voluntary donations and generosity of the members of the choir. If you join the choir and would like to contribute to this fund please speak with our Secretary, Neil Arden. Sponsorship The Society is active in pursuing grants from Southern Arts and Local Councils. We are seeking to expand sponsorship, from local firms in particular, and the Committee welcome all your innovative ideas and contacts in this area. Click the "Sponsor Us" button for more details. and Finally We are sure you would enjoy singing with us. Your Part Steward, the Secretary or any member of the Committee will be able to help with any queries or comments you may have. Their photographs are on the notice board, and contact numbers are also included for the Part Stewards. If you would like more information please contact our secretary, Neil Arden bc2 updated 29-jul-10 |
