Singing is a wonderful way to be involved in the church, to meet new people, and to develop lasting friendships. It is also a very special way to serve the church through music in worship. This is a reference to help new, and not so new, members become familiar with the Chancel Choir.

Weekly Rehearsals
The Chancel Choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This time is important, not only to learn the music, but to grow together as a group, musically, spiritually and socially. Free childcare is provided each week during rehearsals. Children needing supervision must be registered for childcare.

Sunday Morning Worship
The Chancel Choir sings each week for the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Rehearsal begins 30 minutes before the service.

Communications
Information about the choir's activities is communicated to members through email updates at least twice each week and more often if needed. Information about rehearsals, performances, activities, and logistics is included along with notices of death and sickness among the membership. The choir also has a website that includes a pictorial directory of choir members along with a multitude of other information about the choir and it's activities. It is located at: www.chancelchoir.org. A user ID and password will be provided to you for access to the member information sections.

Special Events
The choir presents several seasonal concerts each year. Since most of these include an instrumental ensemble or orchestra and occasionally guest soloists, an additional Saturday or Sunday afternoon "dress" rehearsal is necessary. These special events and rehearsals are announced well in advance and each singer is encouraged to participate.

Rehearsal and Worship Absence
Perfect attendance at rehearsals and performances would be great, but we do understand that not everyone can be here for every rehearsal or service. If you know you are going to be absent from a rehearsal or worship service, please note your upcoming absence on the sign-out sheets. If you find that you have to be absent at the last minute, please call the church and leave a voice mail message for Kevin, or send him an email. If you should miss two consecutive rehearsals, please see Kevin before you sing on Sunday. You may have missed some important instructions or score markings.

Music and Folders
Each Chancel Choir member is assigned a folder for all of your music. The folders can be found in the folder rack at the back of the music room. Each slot number corresponds with a folder number. Following worship services, the librarians ask that you return the music used that Sunday to the "music return box" sitting on the nearby counter. You are welcome to take your music home to study and practice, but please bring it with you to each rehearsal. If you do not have a piece of music, check with the librarians. Occasionally we don't have enough music for everyone and you may need to share. Please do not borrow music from another folder unless a librarian is notified. Please do not store items other than music in your folders. When you are absent from rehearsal, take the time to copy any score notes and markings from another choir member’s music. During rehearsals, singers are regularly asked to mark their music.

Inactive Members
Choir members who have not attended a rehearsal or worship service for four consecutive weeks will be moved to inactive status. When this occurs, the choir member will be notified that their music folder and robe have been reassigned. A temporary folder of music will be available for them once the inactive singer returns to choir.

Choir Robes
Each singer is assigned a choir robe. The robe may be shared with members of other choirs, such as the handbell choir. If there is a conflict with two people needing the same robe for the same service or performance, please see the wardrobe director. Any robe damage or repair should be reported to the wardrobe director as soon as its discovered.

No Perfume or Cologne
Choir members are asked not to wear perfume, cologne or scented after-shave during rehearsals, worship services and performances. A number of choir members are allergic to these scents which often results in sneezing, coughing and difficulty singing.

Shoes and Accessories
A uniform appearance for the choir is important. Singers are asked to wear dark shoes with their robes for worship and special events. The storage area above the robes is available for shoes that may be left at the church for Sunday morning use. Earrings should be no larger in size than a dime. Singers are asked not to wear flashy hair ornaments or accessories.

Fund Raising Activities
The choir typically has one or more major fund raising activities each year. These have been long-standing traditions with the Chancel Choir and have included a craft fair for many years and, more recently, concerts at the church. The funds are used for various expenses and projects including our annual scholarships given to a high school senior who has been active in the music and youth programs of the church. Ten percent of the funds raised by the choir are given to the church’s general operating fund. Some of the funds are also used for operating expenses such remembrances for choir members and their families during illnesses, emergencies and deaths.

Food and Drink
Chancel Choir members are asked not to bring food and drinks into the music room. However, singers are encouraged to bring drinking water to each rehearsal.

Fellowship Friends
New members will be paired with a fellowship friend to help guide them through their first few months with the choir. This person is there to help you get to know the "routine," find your music, find your way around the music room, march to the chancel, and generally be your friend.

Weather Conditions
In case of bad weather, choir members are notified through email, website posting and social media about weather related cancellations or emergency announcements.

Social Activities
The Chancel Choir is well known for its parties and social events. A party is held following the first rehearsal each month to recognize birthdays and anniversaries. Each week after rehearsal a group of singers goes to a nearby restaurant for food and drink. Check with the director to find out where a group may be going. Each year the choir hosts several seasonal parties including a Fall Kick-off party, mid-year holiday partty, and end-of-year party in early summer.

During the summer break, the social director coordinates dinners at local restaurants on Thursday nights. Again, everyone is welcome.

Other actives include a choir tour held every other year in the spring. This weekend get-away is designed to fit into busy work schedules. The choir has toured to Nashville, Chicago, Memphis, Little Rock and Kansas City. Our trips include concerts and worship services as well as fun. Spouses and friends are welcome to be a part of these trips. International tours for interested members wishing to participate have also been made to Great Britain and Italy.

An annual choir retreat is held each fall, usually in early October. The weekend event – Friday night and all day Saturday – allows the choir to learn music, build community and have fun.

Esprit De Choir Weekly Tip

[Back to Notes Page]