Chorus Membership
Information
MISSION STATEMENT
The San Francisco Lyric Chorus is an auditioned nonprofessional chorus
that performs a repertoire representing all periods of choral music, with
a special interest in presenting little known, rarely performed works
of exceptional merit.
VOCAL REQUIREMENTS
Singers must have the ability to learn a part and sing with a pleasant,
blending voice. Auditions include demonstrations of sight reading, musicianship
skills, range, and the ability to sing a part unaccompanied. They are
scheduled by appointment with Music Director Robert Gurney: (415) 775-5111.
Singers returning to the chorus after more than two
trimesters absence will be asked to sing for the Music Director.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership candidates who pass the audition are invited to sing with the
chorus for 8 weeks, and will be informed of their final acceptance by
the Music Director. If the Director determines for some reason that the
candidate should not continue singing with the Chorus, membership fees
will be returned.
FEES
$75 per trimester, or $225 per year, payable within the first 2 weeks
of the trimester.
MUSIC PURCHASE PRICE
Cost of the music, including shipping and taxes. No music will be distributed
without payment.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are held every Monday night from 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. Please be
in your section ready to begin warm-up by 7:15. If you must be late, please
let your section representative and the Music Director know beforehand.
Breaks are 15 minutes. The sound of the chorus bell
or the chime tones on the piano at the end of break time means two minutes
to return to your places.
ABSENCES
Singing with the San Francisco Lyric Chorus means a commitment of time,
energy and attention. Please notify the Music Director (415-775-5111 or
rgurney@sflc.org) and your section representative if you must be absent.
Rehearsals, sectionals, and dress rehearsals are mandatory.
Up to 4 absences are permitted on arrangement with
the Music Director and Section Leader. If you know you are going to be
absent in advance, please fill out the chorus absence form and give it
to the Music Director, as well as informing your section leader. Those
chorus members who must come late or leave early on a regular basis should
discuss this issue with the Music Director and their section representatives.
Chorus members who have missed more than 4 rehearsals
will need Music Director approval for concert participation. Any absence
during the last two weeks before the concert must be approved by the Music
Director in advance.
REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR
Please do not talk during rehearsals. It is important to listen when the
Music Director is giving directions and/or a chorister is asking a question.
All chorus members learn from these interchanges. If you did not hear
what was said, please ask the Music Director or your representative, rather
than your neighbor. Questions may have to wait until after rehearsal.
Talking and socializing are welcome before and after rehearsals and during
our break.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION PRACTICES
Musical directions regarding tempi, dynamics, etc., should be written
in your scores. If you have missed a rehearsal, please check with your
section representative to get information, music notation, etc.
STUDY AND LEARNING
The San Francisco Lyric Chorus delights in exploring music of different
types from ancient to modern, from familiar to very new. That music may
be challenging in nature, and will require individual home learning time
in addition to rehearsals and sectionals.
ENVIRONMENT
Please DO NOT use perfume, hair spray, scented deodorant or soap, garlic,
or other strong scents on days you are coming to rehearsals or performance.
CONCERT DRESS
MEN: tuxedo or black suit; white shirt; black bow tie; black socks and
shoes
WOMEN: black, long sleeve blouses (NO SHEER OR LOW CUT BLOUSES OR SHORT
SLEEVES); floor length black skirt preferred, or dressy black slacks;
black socks or hose; black, closed toe shoes.
NO watches, necklaces, brooches or other obvious ornamentation.
MUSIC IN FOLDERS
Music should be placed inside black folders for concert performance. Black
folders can be purchased at Byron Hoyt Sheet Music. Remember to WRITE
YOUR NAME on each piece of music.
MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
Music should be held in the hand away from the audience on both entering
and exiting the performance space.
PARTICIPATION IN CHORUS WORK
The San Francisco Lyric Chorus is a nonprofit corporation, with a Board
of Directors. Aside from the Music Director and accompanist, we have only
one part-time staff member (five hours a week). Volunteer Chorus members
do most of the administrative work. In order to share the workload of
Chorus management, we ask that each Chorus Member participate in various
chorus activities. Your participation in Chorus work does make a difference.
DONATIONS
As an independent, self-sustaining organization,
we depend upon contributions from chorus members and friends for over
40% of our operating budget. Membership dues make up only about 15-20%
of our budget, and ticket sales only account for about 30%. Although contributions
are voluntary, we expect all chorus members who are able to do so to contribute
some amount in addition to the dues.
We welcome you to the San Francisco Lyric Chorus.
Each chorus member is an integral part of our community, and we look forward
to your participation in our programs and other activities. |
