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Page 8 Member’s Handbook |
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Performances Attendance Guidelines As mentioned earlier in the Handbook (see Performance Commitment), all singers are expected to perform all concerts in each major concert series. Performances at “specials” are based on singers’ availability and event needs as determined by the Artistic Director. Concert Preparation Prior to the dress rehearsal, singers should ensure their concert attire fits, is clean and in good repair. Singers should put their music in performance order and check that all scores are securely fastened in their folders. Any stray objects that might fall out of the folder accidentally should be removed. Concert Attire During performances, the focus should be on the music and its message rather than on individual chorus members. For this reason, flamboyant clothing, noisy jewelry or other obvious distractions on the person of the singers – including but not limited to bangle bracelets, obtrusive hair accessories, sequins, fur, contrasting ties or trims – are excluded as attire choices. Members provide their own concert attire within the following guidelines: Men: black tuxedo (buttoned) Women: black floor length dress, skirt or dressy slacks When choosing footwear, singers should keep in mind the long periods of standing required during warm-ups and performance, on hard – often marble or concrete – floors, and the possibility that narrow stairs and/or risers may need to be mounted. Low-heeled, “broken in” footwear is safer and more comfortable! If a singer has any questions regarding the appropriateness of his/her concert attire, he/she may speak to any Board member to resolve them in advance of the performance. Concert Venues Directions to each concert venue are posted on the Schola Cantorum web site and distributed in hard-copy to those members needing them prior to the first performance in the series. Water is permitted on stage for dress rehearsal and during warm-ups at the concert venue provided it is in a closed container. Neither water nor any other personal items are allowed in the stage area during performances. At each concert venue, a secure area is set aside for purses, coats and small personal effects. However, irreplaceable items or anything of great value should not be brought to the concert venue. Concert Etiquette The chorus is very visible when entering and exiting the performance area, as well as while on stage. How singers conduct themselves whenever in the view of the audience is very important as it sets the tone for the entire performance event. When entering the performance area, singers should carry their closed music folders in the hand facing away from the audience. Both arms should be easily extended straight down along the singer’s body while walking. The long, opening edge of the folder should be facing up towards the ceiling. When assuming formation before the audience, forward singers should carefully step ahead so that those in back have sufficient space to open their folders. Folders remain closed until the singers are cued by the Artistic Director to open them. While on stage between pieces, singers should stand quietly erect and attentive, smiling, with eye contact to the Artistic Director and the audience. Repositioning required for sectional formations should be accomplished as smoothly and quietly as possible. While performing and between pieces, singers should turn pages as quietly as possible. Singers should mark choral entrances with paper clips or post-its across long solo sections. Talking and applauding are not acceptable on-stage behaviors. At the conclusion of a set, singers should watch for the Artistic Director’s cue to close folders before exiting. When leaving the performance area, singers should carry their closed folders in the hand facing away from the audience, with their arms quietly at their sides. Due to close physical proximity to one another during performances, singers are asked not to wear heavily scented products such as perfume, aftershave, hair spray, deodorant (unscented varieties are okay and highly desirable!), or body lotion. Singers are also asked to avoid smoking, eating pungent foods (e.g., garlic) and drinking alcohol before performances. Concert Cancellation In case of severe inclement weather or other emergency cancellations of concerts, singers will be contacted via email and/or by telephone. Alternatively, singers may contact the Secretary directly, using the contact information on the first page of this Handbook, for updated concert information. Recording Unauthorized recording of concerts by the singers or concert-goers is strictly prohibited. |
