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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ~ 2019-2020

Rehearsal Schedule & Events Calendar for 8oth Anniversary Season

Click on the link below to download a printable calendar for the complete season.

AUDITIONS and RE-AUDITIONS:

Auditions for new members will take place before rehearsals and during the interval, commencing on 4th/11th & 18th September 2019. These will be held with Christopher Cromar our Musical Director, and will be in private in a room away from the main rehearsal area.

Existing Choir members will also be asked to re-audition from time to time, which may mean arriving a bit earlier than usual, and will be for all members – it is not targeted at individuals! Further details and audition timings will be circulated by the Secretary as soon as they are known.

BLACK CONCERT MUSIC FOLDERS

Choir members will need to provide their own black folders for concerts. These music folders are not widely available in the high street stationary shops, however they can be purchased online (cost around £5.99) from Chamberlain Music and other suppliers (eg. Amazon)

To see a sample click on the link below:

New to the Choir? Membership FAQs

• Will I need to have an audition : We strive to maintain a high standard of music-making. To achieve this all new members will be auditioned after a few weeks, and existing members will be re-auditioned periodically.
  • The purpose of your audition is to make sure you are comfortable with your place in the choir and to allow the Musical Director to hear every voice individually, to identify possible candidates for semi-chorus and solo opportunities and to make sure you are singing the voice part best suited to your voice.
• How often does the Choir stage concerts : We generally put on three or four main concerts a year and also get involved in other activities, such as Carol Singing at Christmas and occasional music-themed Saturday workshops. Check the Choir website for latest details.
• Is there a timetable of events : The Choir Secretary produces a schedule of dates for rehearsals, concerts, half-term closures and other events at the start of each season, which is distributed with the weekly newsletter and repeated on the Members Page of the Choir website.
• Social Media – Does the choir have a Twitter/Facebook page : You can follow us on Twitter at @rlsbc, and on Facebook at @RoyalLeamingtonSpaBachChoir. Please add us as a and the Choir page. Don’t forget to with your friends and families too.
• When & Where are rehearsals : The Choir meets on Wednesday evenings throughout school term-time in the main hall of Lillington Primary School in Cubbington Road, Lillington.
  • Rehearsals start at 7.30pm prompt and finish at 9.45pm*. We have a 15 minute break mid-rehearsal during which refreshments can be purchased (hot/cold drinks 50p, cake/biscuits 50p). Each week there is a raffle in aid of Choir funds (prizes of wine/chocolates etc. donated by Choir members).  * Any change to Start/End times is included in the weekly newsletter, and announced at the beginning of rehearsals. 
• Is there a rota for refreshments and raffles: Two willing volunteers are needed each week to set up and serve the tea/coffee for the interval, and two to bring a raffle prize (chocs/wine etc) and sell raffle tickets. Members are asked to sign up on the sheet by the entrance to take their turn at least once per term. Instructions are provided if you don’t know what to do!
• Pre-concert rehearsal : An additional rehearsal with orchestra will take place at Lillington on the Thursday or Friday before a concert. Please make a note in your diary!
• Concert day dress rehearsal : On the day of a concert all singers are expected to attend an afternoon dress rehearsal, starting around 2pm and finishing by 5pm.
• What if I can’t sing in a concert : We ask people to sign up for concert attendance during the rehearsal period. We know that sometimes holidays or events mean that you know you can’t attend. This shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the rehearsals, but don’t attend the final couple of rehearsals. In case of illness or emergency let the Stage Manager know.
• How is attendance at weekly rehearsals monitored : Members should tick an attendance sheet by the entrance to the rehearsal room, and use the registers to inform us if you are unable to attend (e.g. holiday/sick) – or notify the Membership Secretary via email or text message (see below).  A minimum 80% attendance is expected – if in doubt whether you are ready to sing in the concert, please check with the Musical Director Chris Cromar directly.
• When do I need to pay my subscription : When you have passed your audition, you will be invited to pay an annual or pro rata subscription, and you will be asked to complete a Gift Aid declaration. Payment can be made by online Bank Transfer* or by cheque/cash to the Membership Secretary or Treasurer. (Sortcode & account number on request)
• Are there any concessions for membership fees : The current annual membership subscription is £150 (due in September) and anyone finding difficulty with this should refer to the Membership Secretary, who will treat any enquiries confidentially.
• Will I have to provide my own music : Scores are ordered by the Choir Librarian a term in advance and can be hired or bought, often at discount prices. Members who choose to use their own copies are expected to use the correct edition for a concert.
• Will I have to sell tickets for Choir performances : We rely on our members to promote our events wherever possible, and all members are expected to try and sell at least two tickets for each concert.
• What do I need to wear for concert performances : Concert dress will be advised before each performance.
  • Ladies normally wear long plain black skirts or trousers and long-sleeved black shirt/blouse, with a teal Choir scarf. Black shoes and tights, and only discreet jewellery should be worn.  Handbags should not be taken on stage.
  • Gentlemen typically wear a DJ with white dress shirt and black bow tie and socks/shoes.  Any change for a specific concert will be announced in advance.
  • Music folders – You will also need to provide a plain black folder