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SMFC Membership Information
SMFC strives for high musical standards and has ambitious production goals. New members are accepted through auditions which are held twice a year. The SMFC adheres to the following practices and guidelines to ensure that all rehearsals are productive and rewarding to our members and that our artistic goals are achieved.
Commitment:
Participation in SMFC requires a substantial commitment from each member in order to achieve musical goals and a high level of performance. Members are expected to attend every rehearsal and sing every concert during the season. It is recognized that emergencies and illness do arise on occasion. However, the Monday evening rehearsal and every concert performance must have priority in the singer’s schedule. If these expectations cannot be met, it is suggested that the singer not participate.
Musical Expectations:
Each member is required to learn all musical selections, including correct pitches, lyrics and dynamics. Music should be learned accurately as early in the season as possible so that the Director can work on dynamics and musical interpretation. Members who are not musically prepared may be asked to withdraw from performances. To aid learning, chorus members will be provided rehearsal recordings on CD.
Auditions:
SMFC prides itself on being the area’s largest auditioned chorus. Twice annually, new members are invited to attend Open Rehearsals to preview music and to learn more about becoming a member of SMFC. Please visit the Upcoming Events page for more information about the next Open Rehearsal.
Attendance:
Members may miss no more than three rehearsals per season. Director or Section Leader must be notified of absences as soon as possible. Members who have missed a rehearsal should report to Section Leader upon return to obtain directorial notes on material covered during absence. It is each member’s responsibility to learn missed material and not to disrupt others by singing incorrect notes. Members who miss more than three rehearsals, may, at the Director’s discretion, be permitted to perform upon successful audition of concert material.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00pm. Additional sectional and other rehearsals may be scheduled. Rehearsals are for learning and polishing music and for conducting other SMFC business. Effort is made to make rehearsals fun and rewarding for all members. Excessive talking and other disruptive behavior during rehearsal is rude and rewarding to no one and will not be tolerated.
Orchestra Rehearsal:
Attendance at the orchestra rehearsal is mandatory. Absence from the orchestra rehearsal may result in exclusion from performances.
Warm Ups:
Rehearsals start at 7pm with a warm-up. The warm-up is part of the rehearsal and is not optional. Chorus members should be in place and ready to begin at 7pm. Tardiness is disruptive to rehearsal.
Extra Engagements:
SMFC actively pursues exciting performance opportunities and may schedule one to three extra engagements each season. All members are expected to participate in extra engagements unless informed that participation is optional. Performance date conflicts should be reported to Director or Section Leader as soon as possible.
Dues:
Dues are $35 per season and are due by the third rehearsal of the season. Checks should be made payable to SMFC and submitted to the Treasurer or Section Leader. Members with dues outstanding may be excluded from performances.
Sheet Music:
All sheet music required for participation in SMFC will be assigned through the Music Librarian. All sheet music remains the property of SMFC and is to be returned in usable condition at the end of the concert season. Marking directorial notes in music is strongly encouraged, however should only be done so in pencil. If a member withdraws before the end of the season, music should be returned immediately to the Librarian or Section Manager.
Choral Folders:
All members are required to use a standard black choral folder to hold music for concert performances. Choral folders will be made available for purchase each season for a cost of $8.00.
Section Leaders:
Each vocal section is assigned one or more Section Leaders to monitor attendance and sectional progress and to carry out other duties as assigned by the Directors. Section Leaders may answer questions regarding all musical or organizational concerns and may be asked to speak to members on matters of attendance, policy and musical issues. Section Leaders should be addressed with courtesy at all times. Rude behavior toward Section Leaders will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.
Wardrobe Requirements:
All members must adhere to SMFC performance attire requirements as follows:
Women:
Full length black skirt and black beaded tops (available for purchase through Wardrobe Coordinator, see details below), black or dark hose, and black, closed-toe shoes. The purchase price for full length skirt is $50, the cost for a blouse is $70. New members purchasing both items for a total of $120 may do so in three monthly installments of $40. Members should report to the Wardrobe Coordinator for placement of orders, fittings or any wardrobe related matters.
Men:
Black tuxedo jacket, black pants, white tuxedo shirt, black shoes and socks. The cost to purchase a tuxedo jacket though SMFC’s tuxedo provider is $50. Men must also purchase their own black dress or tuxedo pants and white tuxedo shirt, either through the tuxedo supplier or another source. Payment plans can be arranged. Details regarding tuxedo purchase and fittings will be provided.
Informational Handouts:
All necessary information for participation in SMFC will be provided in a timely manner via periodic handouts. These may include information such as music and rehearsal schedules, performance details, directions, fundraising information, etc. Members are expected to review handouts to remain informed about all SMFC matters.
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