Programs & Procedures

Artists Selection Effective 9/98

Contractually the Director is responsible for selecting solo artists and instrumentalists, as repertoire requires. If the Director determines that soloists are not available within the Chorale, he or she may, within budget, choose to hire outside the Chorale. 

Auditions/Vocal Assessments   Updated 9/01

The Board of Trustees has concluded through various studies and surveys that auditions are necessary for the long term good of the Chorale. New Chorale members are required to audition. The Director is responsible for conducting the private/group auditions and determining the placement of potential members. Basic requirements for auditioning are generally simple tone matching and choral singing abilities. New members should be auditioned prior to the first rehearsal.

• members placed on probation should be re-auditioned to confirm improved ability
• audition form includes vocal range, director remarks about ability, rating to indicate ability, basic recommendation of director
• director has choice to re-audition members every couple of years
• director examines audition page, looks at vocal needs of the sections and determines participants, all of whom will be telephoned explaining the outcome of their audition.

       Addition 2/08 To coordinate policy between the two groups, the musical directors of the Bainbridge Chorale (Anthony Spain) and Young Singers Program (Kathleen Bullivant) have agreed on the following principles:

• 2nd through 10th graders will normally sing with the YSP program; the YSP director may recommend exceptional 10th graders audition for Chorale
• 11th graders may audition for either group in September, and may progress to Chorale mid-year if (a) both directors agree that the singer is ready for such a transition, and (b) provided the singer has committed to singing through the winter concert with YSP and then may audition for Chorale
• 12th graders may audition for YSP or Chorale and the respective directors will make the recommendation for placement in one or the other program
• singers entering either program will be auditioned by the director of that program
• the directors recognize there may be exceptions to strict age limits in light of a singer's vocal ability and social/rehearsal maturity

Buddy System Effective 9/06

• Buddy assignments for each new member/buddy at the new member Orientation meeting.
• Have buddy sit next to new member at all rehearsals
• Answer questions, along with the Section leader
• Help with music
• Assist new member at concerts

Bulletin Effective 9/98

Singers receive bulletins at general rehearsals. If a bulletin or the Chorus on-Line newsletter highlights a needed procedure or policy update for your Membership Handbook, it will be noted specifically. It is the singer's responsibility to change his or her handbook. Section Leaders also keep singers informed of changes. We encourage you to keep your manual current.

Concessions   Updated 9/99   

Juice is available at all regular rehearsals.  Members are asked to sign up to bring juice. Members bring cookies to serve to the audience at concerts.  The Chairperson of the Social Services Committee announces when your section should bring cookies.

 Memorial Fund Effective 9/96

The Memorial Fund is used for choral arts education programs and projects for the benefit of Chorale members. The existence of this fund will be publicized to Chorale members and the public in order to promote contributions and gifts in memory of a departed individual.  The administration of this fund is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of Bainbridge Chorale.

Registration  Updated 9/99     

In 1998, to accommodate some of a long waiting list of potential new singers, we added a summer concert session to our regular fall and spring sessions.  Participation in at least two of three sessions of the concert season will maintain your place on the active singer roster.  If only two sessions are offered, members are requested to participate in both sessions.

Near the end of each session, the Registrar will set a deadline for all active members to register for the next session. If you intend to participate in that session, we advise you to sign up as soon as possible. After the deadline, those on the waiting list will be admitted to fill vacancies in each voice section in order to achieve the optimum number and balance of singers.

Scholarship Awards  Updated 9/97  

Chorale Members: The Bainbridge Chorale annually awards a $300 scholarship to a Chorale member meeting the eligibility requirements. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and enable members of Bainbridge Chorale to achieve a higher degree of proficiency in singing skills and technique. The Scholarship shall be funded from money collected in the Bainbridge Chorale Memorial Fund. Until the Memorial Fund collects a sufficient amount of money the general operating fund of Bainbridge Chorale shall subsidize this scholarship. 

Eligibility Requirements: A member must have sung with the Chorale in at least three sessions within the immediate past two seasons, and a member must take lessons from a voice coach during the season for which the scholarship is awarded. Scholarship money shall be paid directly to the voice coach. At the time designated for awarding of the scholarship, a name shall be drawn from the list of applicants.

High School: Bainbridge Chorale offers an annual $200 scholarship to a high school student for use in furthering his/her vocal training.  See Scholarship Chairman for further details.

Section Leaders

Section Leaders are chosen by the Board of Trustees and Director for their ability to provide musical and operational leadership to the Chorale. They will serve as a two-way communication avenue for issues and concerns of the membership and of the Director and Board of Trustees. Singers should direct their questions or suggestions to their Section Leader.

Section Leaders will:

• Listen for ways in which their sections can improve
• Communicate musical changes to their sections as directed by the Director
• Schedule sectional rehearsals as the Director and section members deem necessary
• Provide Suggestion/Comment forms, and either address your concerns or pass them along to the appropriate person or committee
• Share announcements (and other important information) with absent section members
• Be available to meet once a month at 7:00 p.m. before a regular rehearsal with the Director and Board Representative

Social Services Updated 9/90             

Past and present members are important to us. If you know someone who should receive a note of cheer or of encouragement, please contact your Section Leader or Social Chairman. Cards are sent to members for illness, death in the family, or other occasions as warranted.

Suggestions-Comments  Effective 9/98

Each Section Leader has Suggestion/Comment forms.  Your suggestions and ideas are encouraged.  Please take a moment to write comments on the form.  The Section Leader will process the form to the Director or Board of Trustees for consideration.

Tapes  Effective 9/90

Rehearsal tapes are frequently made available for singers. Concert tapes and CDs are sometimes made available for cost. Singers will be notified of cost and availability just before the concert.

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