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Manassas Chorale
2014 - 2015
21st Season
Member Handbook
2014 -2015 Season Concert Dates
FALL:
Sunday, October 4, 2014
7:30 pm
Hylton Performing Arts Center
“It’s About Time”
WINTER:
Saturday, December 13, 2014
5:00 pm
Hylton Performing Arts Center
“Joyful and Triumphant”
Thursday, December 4, 2014
8:00 pm
Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg
Candlelight Concert
VOICES UNITED:
Saturday, March 21, 2015
7:30 pm
Hylton Performing Arts Center
SPRING:
Saturday, May 30, 2015
7:30 pm
Hylton Performing Arts Center
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MC Member Handbook
Table of
Contents
Accompanist. . . . . . . . . .
Attendance. . . . . . . . . . .
Attire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auditions. . . . . . . . . . . .
Audition Process . . . . . . .
Board of Directors. . . . . .
Board Meetings. . . . . . . .
Board Responsibilities. . .
CD Orders.. . . . . . . . . . .
Chorale Ensemble. . . . . .
Committee Chairpersons.
Committee Duties. . . . . .
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.. 4
.. 6
.. 9
.. 5
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12-13
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... 5
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Concert Attire. . . . . . . . . .
Concert Dates. . . . . . . . . .
Concert Manager. . . . . . . .
Concert Tickets. . . . . . . . .
Concerts with a Cause. . . .
Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donations. . . . . . . . . . . . .
E-Mail.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facebook. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fundraisers. . . . . . . . . . . .
Grants & Patrons. . . . . . . .
History of the Chorale. . . .
Hylton Performing Arts Ctr.
Membership Information. .
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Cover
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Message from the Director. .
Mission Statement. . . . . . . .
Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Music Review.. . . . . . . . . . .
New Members. . . . . . . . . . .
Officer Duties. . . . . . . . . . .
Patron Donations. . . . . . . . .
Performances. . . . . . . . . . .
Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rehearsal Attendance. . . . .
Rehearsal Etiquette. . . . . . .
Responsibilities of Members.
Social Occasions. . . . . . . . .
Tickets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voices United. . . . . . . . . . .
Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Mission Statement
he mission of the Manassas Chorale shall be:
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*
To provide an opportunity for singers
to maintain and to improve their
musical skills and to enjoy singing;
* To present for public entertainment
and personal enrichment programs of
high quality vocal music;
* To promote greater appreciation and
enjoyment of good music, both
classical and modern, by the citizens
of Manassas and surrounding areas;
* To act as musical ambassadors
representing the Northern Virginia
area.
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MC Member Handbook
History of the Chorale
he Manassas Chorale began
rehearsals in September 1994
at Grace United Methodist
Church with the Rev. Dr. John (Jack)
Martin as Director and Jill Tomlinson as
Accompanist. The original group of
about 25 singers has grown to about
115 singers. When the Chorale outgrew
its rehearsal space, the group moved to
Manassas Baptist.
Under the direction of Becky Verner,
the Director since 1997, the Chorale has
sung with the Prince William Symphony,
at the Manassas Museum, the Loy Harris
Pavilion in Old Town Manassas, local
churches, retirement homes, civic
groups, Potomac Nationals games,
historic Bruton Parish Church in Colonial
Williamsburg, and the National Museum
of the Marine Corps in Quantico. In July
2007, the Ensemble represented the
Chorale by singing at the National
Cathedral in Washington. They also
sang at the Volunteer Awards Reception
presented by the City of Manassas. The
Chorale opened the 2008 Summer
Sounds Concert Series. In June 2009,
the 62 singers from the Manassas
Chorale were part of a larger choir
performing at Carnegie Hall in New York
City. In May 2010, the Chorale was part
of the Gala Concert in celebration of the
dedication of the new Hylton Performing
Arts Center at the Prince William
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Campus of George Mason University. In
June 2010, the Chorale took part in the
Family Day concerts as the resident
choral group at the new Hylton. The
June 2010 concert was the last at
Manassas Baptist Church and the new
Hylton PAC is the new venue. The
Manassas Chorale is now one of the
Resident Partners at the Hylton.
During our 2004-05 season, the
Manassas Chamber of Commerce
selected the Chorale as the Non-Profit
Arts & Entertainment Member of the
Year, noting its significant contributions
to the community. In 2004, the Chorale
received a Kathleen K. Seefeldt Award
of Arts Excellence. Our President,
Diana Van Broekhoven, received a
volunteer award in 2006. In the spring
of 2011, the Manassas Chorale won the
Seefeldt award for the Outstanding
Arts Organization, and some of our
members traveled to Europe to sing
with “An American Salute.”
On
September 11, 2011, on the tenth
anniversary of the attacks, some
members of the Chorale took part in a
concert in New York City to perform
Rene Clausen’s “Memorial” at Lincoln
Center.
The 2013-14 season marked our 20th
Anniversary. There was a special
anniversary commemoration and
concert.
The Manassas Chorale is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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MC Member Handbook
A Message from the
Artistic Director…
our thousand seventy minutes.
Can you guess the significance
of that number? How about
sixty-seven and 5/6 hours?
Still
puzzled? It’s the amount of rehearsal
time we’ll have together in the
Manassas Chorale.
Time is one of our most precious
commodities these days. It used to be
money, but now I think the way we
choose to spend the hours when we’re
not working, volunteering for a
meaningful cause or relating to family
and friends is something we should
weigh carefully. We need to choose
ways to spend our free time that bring
us pleasure and enjoyment and add
meaning to our lives. Time is precious;
it shouldn’t be wasted.
You have chosen to be part of the
Manassas Chorale this year. In the four
thousand seventy minutes that we have
together on Tuesday evenings, I pledge
to honor your time. I will do my best to
make our time together an enjoyable
experience, a time of learning and a
time to enjoy the company of other
musicians.
We will strive for excellent vowel
sounds.
We will concentrate on
consonants.
We will struggle with
rhythms. We will sing lots of pieces of
music you like and probably some you
wouldn’t place on your “Top 100” list.
We will sing pianissimo and fortissimo
(pp and ff) and listen for choral blend
and balance. We will enjoy the musical
abilities of a wonderful accompanist and
the expertise of those who lead us in
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sectional rehearsals. We will sight-read
new pieces and experience the pleasure
of a piece well-learned.
We will experience a thirty-five-week
musical journey together that I hope will
enrich your life and lift your spirit. We
will have the opportunity to share our
music in a wonderful concert hall and in
a variety of other settings throughout
the year. As singers, accompanist and
director, we will be a musical team.
Welcome to the Manassas Chorale or
welcome back! Let the music-making
begin.
É Becky Verner
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MC Member Handbook
About the Director
About the Accompanist
Becky Verner
8705 Barnett Street,
Manassas, VA 20110
Jon Laird
12409 Manchester Way
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone:
703-368-0883 (h)
703-361-2146x291 (w)
[email protected]
Phone:
702-507-6090 (h)
703-494-4008 (work)
[email protected]
ebecca D. Verner serves as
Artistic
Director
of the
Manassas Chorale. Under her
leadership, the Chorale has sung ten
Candlelight Concerts at historic Bruton
Parish Church in Williamsburg and at
Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New
York City. The Chorale Ensemble has
sung at Washington National Cathedral.
She is also Director of Music at
Manassas Baptist Church, where she
oversees the music ministry. Past Dean
of the Northern VA chapter of the
American Guild of Organists, Becky is a
member of the American Choral
Directors Association, Choristers Guild
and serves on two state committees for
her denomination.
In 2007, she was named “Woman of
the Year” by the Manassas Parade
Committee. She and her husband Dan
have two grown daughters, Amy and
Alyssa.
onathan (Jon) Laird first joined
the Chorale as accompanist
during the 2007-08 season. A
native of Fairfax County, he has been
active as a professional pianist,
percussionist, and organist in the
Washington metropolitan area for over
a decade.
He graduated from the Catholic
University of America in northeast
Washington, DC, with the degree of
Master of Music in Sacred Music with
concentration in Organ Performance.
He studies organ with Dr. Edward
Moore.
Jon is the Director of Music at St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic
Church in Woodbridge, VA.
Jon and his wife, Christine, welcomed
their first child, Cecilia, in July 2011.
Hopefully, little Cecilia will make an
appearance at a rehearsal or two!
R
J
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MC Member Handbook
Membership and
Chorale Ensemble
Vocal Auditions
he Chorale Ensemble is
composed of approximately 30
Chorale members selected by
the Artistic Director at the beginning of
the Chorale season (fall). If openings
occur during the year, auditions may be
held, or the Artistic Director may fill the
vacancy based on the most recent
Chorale audition. The Ensemble often
represents the Chorale by performing at
community functions where a smaller
group of singers is requested or is
necessary due to space limitations. The
group sings several selections on each
concert program and rehearses before
Chorale rehearsals. The attendance
policy for this group matches that of the
whole Chorale, with the added
requirement that three unexcused
tardies will constitute one absence.
Excessive absences may result in
removal from the Ensemble. (See the
audition process at the end of the
handbook.)
embership in the Manassas
Chorale is open to high school
and adult singers from the
greater Manassas area who complete a
successful audition.
Singers are encouraged to participate
in this nonprofit musical organization,
which is dedicated to improving the
musical skills of its singers and to
providing quality musical entertainment
for its audiences.
Auditions are a requirement to join
the Manassas Chorale, and the Director
will set an audition time with each
singer before or shortly after the singer
attends his or her first Chorale
rehearsal.
An audition gives the
Director an opportunity to hear the
singer’s vocal range, tonal quality,
accuracy and diction in addition to his or
her ability to participate in sight-singing
and ear-training. A successful audition
allows the singer to begin or to continue
singing with the Manassas Chorale.
Current members will be asked to reaudition periodically. (See the new
audition process at the end of the
handbook.)
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New Members
ew prospective members will
meet with the Vice President at
the end of their first rehearsal
for brief orientation and to ask any
questions and arrange for an audition.
(See the audition process at the end
of the handbook.)
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Responsibilities of
Membership
• Maintain regular attendance in
accordance with guidelines.
• Be on time for rehearsals.
• Learn the music.
• Display a positive attitude during
rehearsals.
• Promote a positive image in the
community. Show your pride in the
Chorale!
• Encourage community attendance at
concerts by helping with publicity.
• Be willing to serve on a committee.
• Consider serving as an officer.
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MC Member Handbook
Rehearsal Attendance
ehearsals are held on Tuesday
evenings from 7:30 PM to
9:20 PM at Manassas Baptist
Church, 8800 Sudley Road, Manassas.
First rehearsal is Tuesday, August 26.
First rehearsal after the Christmas
concerts is January 6, 2015. Regular
attendance is essential to maintain the
quality of any vocal ensemble.
Members are required to attend at least
the minimum required number of
rehearsals for each concert. Members
are responsible to register their own
attendance at rehearsal. In order to be
counted as present, a singer cannot
miss more than half an hour of the
rehearsal.
For the 2014-2015 season, the
attendance requirements (not including
the mandatory dress rehearsals)are:
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Fall (October). . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 of 7
(Includes a Saturday rehearsal on
September 20, 9am - noon)
Winter (December). . . . . . . . 8 of 10
(Includes a Friday rehearsal on
December 12)
Voices United (March). . . . . 8 of 10
Spring (May). . . . . . . . . . . . 8 of 10
If a member exceeds the maximum
allowable absences, but wishes to
perform in the concert, he/she will sing
for the Music Review Board, which will
determine the singer’s preparedness.
Rehearsal day/times will be announced
well in advance so that Chorale
members may be aware of any changes
or additions to the regular schedule.
If you have any questions about your
attendance, contact the Vice President
who keeps the attendance records and
reports to the Director about absences
of members.
A dress rehearsal is held at the
Hylton Performing Arts Center before
each concert. All members must be in
attendance unless otherwise arranged
with the Director. Only circumstances
such as true family emergencies, illness
or other unavoidable circumstances will
be considered by the Director as
excusable absences from dress
rehearsal. Failure to attend the dress
rehearsal may result in the member not
being eligible to perform with the
Chorale for the concert. Concert attire
is NOT required at dress rehearsals.
Dress rehearsals are:
Thursday, October 2,
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Tuesday, December 9,
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Tuesday, March 17,
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Friday, May 29,
7:00 – 9:30 pm
NOTE: Scheduling conflicts with the
Hylton may require that the dress
rehearsal time or date be changed.
Music Review
Committee
he
Director
may
select
representatives to serve as a
Music Review Committee to
determine the level of preparedness of
members who have not met the
attendance requirement for a concert.
The Director and/or Committee will
determine a member’s eligibility to sing
in the concert.
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MC Member Handbook
Music
ach singer will receive a copy of
the music selections that he/she
is expected to sing with the
Chorale.
All music is the singer’s
responsibility after he/she receives it.
Singers are expected to mark their
individual copies of music with pencil for
breathing, diction, rhythm, dynamics,
etc. Music is donated back to the
Chorale after each concert and placed in
a church music library where the group
will have access to the copies if they
wish to sing the selection at a later
time. (Music donated to the Chorale will
also be available for other groups to
borrow at the discretion of the Artistic
Director and the host church.)
Music used by the Ensemble should
be returned at the end of each
segment’s singing obligations.
Each singer is responsible for
learning their music and is expected
to work on their part at home.
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Rehearsal Etiquette
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Arrive on time for rehearsal and be
in place for the warm-up.
Visit with members before or after
rehearsals, not during.
Pick up a copy of the Chorale Notes
at the information table.
Make sure you bring a sharpened
pencil to mark your music.
Water is encouraged. Leave other
food and beverages at home.
Sit in the seat assigned to you on
the seating chart. If you have a
problem with your seating or
standing arrangement, please talk to
the Director about it after rehearsal,
or send her an email.
Do not use cologne, perfumes,
scented hair spray, or other scents.
Many chorale members have asthma
or allergies.
No cell phones, pagers, texting, etc.
No whistling.
No talking or singing along when the
Director is working with another
vocal section.
No talking while the Director is
speaking.
Sing only the vocal part assigned to
you; no “helping.”
Raise your hand and wait to be
recognized if you wish to speak.
Help us not to waste rehearsal time
going over your part more than once
by learning your music at home.
Use your rehearsal CDs at home.
Chorale Funding
he Chorale has 3 major sources
of income to offset the expenses
of the organization. The main
source of income is the ticket sales from
each of the Chorale concerts preformed
at the Hylton PAC. The Chorale also
receives income from donations &
fundraising since it is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization. Donations
include Grants and Patrons. The third
source of income is from membership
dues.
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MC Member Handbook
Membership Cost
very singer in the chorale is
considered a member of the
organization. The
annual
membership dues for 2014-2015 are
$120 per member. A person may join
the Chorale at the beginning of any of
the four concert segments and their
membership is good for one year. Dues
may be paid all at once or in payments
of at least $40 each. If making
payments, then at least $80 must be
paid in order for the member to perform
at a Hylton PAC concert. Final payment
is due within 60 days of the start of the
segment in which the member joined
the Chorale. Paid members are eligible
to renew their membership after one
year. Renewal reminders will be sent to
members whose membership has
expired.
Scholarship funds are available for
persons who may be in need of financial
assistance. To apply for these funds
speak to one of the 4 executive officers.
Each chorale member is also required
to own or purchase a black performance
folder, which may be purchased from
the Chorale at a cost of about $7.
Chorale members are also required to
purchase formal and informal concert
attire (see section on concert attire).
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Performances
he Chorale will present four
regular concerts during the
2014-2015 season at the Hylton
Performing Arts Center, and in
December will perform at the historic
Bruton Parish Church in Colonial
Williamsburg. In addition, concerts for
local churches, retirement homes, and
civic organizations will be announced as
they are scheduled. Attendance is
encouraged, but not required, outside of
the five regularly scheduled concerts.
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About the Hylton Performing Arts
Center...
Our concerts and dress rehearsals
will take place at the Hylton Performing
Arts Center, located on the Prince
William Campus of George Mason
University in Manassas. Check out their
website: hyltoncenter.org. A map and
directions to the Hylton PAC are
available on their website. A map of the
Prince William campus is available at:
http://info.gmu.edu/Maps/PWMap2013.pdf
For dress rehearsals and on concert
nights, park as far away from the venue
as you can to leave closer spaces for our
audience. Passes will be issued to those
who need to park by the loading dock.
See the Director about a pass if you
have trouble walking.
Use the backstage entrance only. DO
NOT enter through the foyer. (Your
family members attending the concert
may enter through the foyer, of course.)
We will have use of the dressing
rooms/green rooms. If you wish to lock
up your purse or other valuables, bring
your own lock to place on the lockers.
Concert Attire
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MC Member Handbook
For Women:
• Long black skirt and blouse, as
purchased
through
the
Chorale.
(Current cost is $108)
• Black dress shoes and
black hose.
• Jewelry
policy
is
determined by the Chorale
Board to present a uniform
appearance. No necklaces,
bracelets, brooches, or
pins may be worn. Small,
simple gold, silver, or
gemstone earrings are
permitted. No dangling or
large hoop earrings.
Watches may be worn.
For Men:
• Black tuxedo, white
shirt, bow tie and
cummerbund, as
purchased through the
Chorale.
(Current cost is $140)
• Black dress shoes and
black socks.
• Watches may be worn.
Casual Attire for all:
• Blue Chorale polo shirt (as provided),
tucked in.
(Cost is $20.)
• Black slacks
• Black shoes
Each member will use a matte black
folder to hold his/her music at all
performances, which may be purchased
from the Chorale for about $7. Cologne,
perfumes, scented hair spray, or other
scents are not permitted.
When performing outside of the
Hylton, as for local churches, etc,
members will wear concert attire unless
otherwise instructed by the Director.
The Concert Attire Chairperson is
responsible for fitting and ordering
concert attire. NEW MEMBERS need to
make an appointment for a fitting ASAP
after passing the audition and joining
the Chorale. Contact Marie Egeland,
Concert
Attire
Chairperson
([email protected]; 540-347-1362)
to order.
Concert Tickets
oncert tickets are $18 or $20.
Children age 12 and under will
receive a free ticket at the
Hylton PAC box office. George Mason
students are free but must receive a
ticket at the box office with ID. Tickets
will not be sold at rehearsals. Tickets
are for specific seats, so you may
choose your seat when you purchase a
ticket. Tickets for ANY of our concerts
this season may be purchased after the
box office opens on September 1, 2014.
Season tickets are available by filling
out a form and ordering (see HPAC
website) and cost $62 for balcony and
$70 for floor.
Tickets are available:
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In Person
• Hylton PAC box office during box
office hours:
Tuesdays through
Saturdays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
(Thursday to 8:00 pm)
• Hylton PAC box office the night of the
concert
By Phone:
• 888-945-2468 (service charge added)
Online:
• Hyltoncenter.org (service charge added)
Voices United
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MC Member Handbook
oices United is an annual
musical gathering, open to ALL
singers, aged high school
through adult. Voices United is hosted
by the Manassas Chorale. There is no
audition for the Voices United Choir.
Registered singers participate in
preliminary rehearsals. Then, on Friday
evening, March 20, through Saturday,
March 21, they will participate in a
workshop with our guest clinician and
conductor, working on the music they
have learned, and learning more about
the “choral arts” and good choral
singing.
That evening, the Voices
United Choir will present a concert in
conjunction with the Manassas Chorale.
In past years, we have had more than
150 participants in Voices United! The
Manassas Chorale and Ensemble sing for
the first half of the concert, and the
Voices United Choir sings the second
half. Then the two choirs join for a final
combined piece to close the concert.
Chorale members are welcome and
encouraged to join the Voices United
Choir.
The clinician for 2015 will be
announced.
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Concerts with a Cause
ome of the Chorale concerts are
actually a "Concert with a
Cause."
Since 2007, each
concert "cause" is selected by the Board
and both Chorale and audience
members are asked to bring donations
from a specified list of needs to benefit
charities that serve the local community.
Items may be brought to the concert, or
to the final rehearsal before the concert.
Please let the Board know if there are
any organizations you would like to see
selected for this project. The Chorale
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has donated to Youth for Tomorrow,
SERVE, Matthew's Learning Center,
Manassas Senior Center, Prince William
Hospital Pediatric Ward, BARN
Transitional
Housing,
Operation
Homefront, and other charities.
Concert CD Orders
ach concert is professionally
recorded and CDs may be
purchased at cost: $12. CDs
are not sold to the public and are
available only by pre-ordering them
(and prepaying) at rehearsals. Win
Lightner is in charge of taking orders.
The deadline for placing an order is the
week following each concert. Anyone
wishing to purchase a CD after the
deadline must wait until orders are
placed after the next concert. Checks
are payable to Manassas Chorale.
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Grants and Patrons
he Chorale is a member of the
Prince William Arts Council and
has received grants from that
organization as well as the City of
Manassas, and the Virginia Commission
for the Arts. The Grants and Patron
Committees
continually
seek
opportunities for financial assistance and
welcome your suggestions. If you know
of a company, foundation, or individuals
willing to give tax deductible donations
or grants to the Chorale, please see the
Chorale President, or the chairperson of
the Grants Committee or the Patron
Committee.
Refer to our patron
brochure for more information. Chorale
members are welcome to become
donors.
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Facebook
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MC Member Handbook
he Manassas Chorale is on
Facebook! Become a "fan" of
our Facebook page, and also
join the Manassas Chorale group! Get
to know others, share pictures, and
exchange messages. If you wish to join
for free, go to facebook.com.
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Chorale Photo Sharing
he Chorale has a site at
shutterfly.com,
called
“Manassas Chorale Connections”
which members can use to post Chorale
pictures online to share. We hope to
expand the usage of this site to include
other social networking and sign ups.
To join our shutterfly site, go to the
following website:
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http://manassaschoraleconnections.sh
utterfly.com
If you already have a shutterfly
account, you may sign in. If you do not
have an account, you may sign up for
one for free. Once on the site, click on
the "Pictures and Videos" tab and
choose to upload pictures, or move
pictures from your own Shutterfly
account. You can also add pictures to
the site via email by sending them as an
attachment and emailing:
manassaschoraleconnections.pictures.
[email protected]
If you don't have the capability of
doing this, please feel free to contact
the Chorale Board for help.
E-Mail
Be sure that the Chorale has your
current email address.
lot of information is shared by
email, especially any last
minute changes and reminders.
If you change email address, please
send your new address to the chorale
email address:
[email protected]
If you do not have access to email,
please find a Chorale member to be
your “buddy” and contact you whenever
an email comes to the membership.
The Chorale email is monitored by
the Vice President, but the officers and
the Director have access to it to send
out emails. If you reply to an email that
comes from the Chorale or send an
email to the Chorale address, it will be
read first by the Vice President and then
forwarded to whomever is appropriate.
If you specifically wish to respond to the
President (Mark) or the Director
(Becky), please put their email
addresses into the “to” line before you
send.
A
Social Occasions
embers of the Manassas
Chorale are encouraged to
enjoy each other’s company
and to form lasting friendships.
Fellowship times will be made available
on a regular basis. These days/times
will be announced as they are scheduled
so that reservations can be made and/or
volunteers can be solicited for
refreshments. Fellowship times for this
concert season are planned for the first
rehearsal of each new segment, for
dinner after the Williamsburg concert,
and other times.
M
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MC Member Handbook
We are a fundraising associate with
Amazon.com. If you shop online at
Amazon.com for yourself or for your
workplace, the Chorale will receive a
donation of a percentage of your
purchases from Amazon IF you first
“shop through” on our website. Go to
manassaschorale.org and click on the
“Amazon.com” logo (midway down on
the left of the home page) which will
take you to the Amazon.com website,
where you may shop as you normally
would. We welcome your ideas and
help for other fundraisers for the
Chorale!
Website:
Manassaschorale.org
heck our website periodically,
and refer prospective patrons
and singers to it.
Chorale
Notes are posted on the website, if you
miss a rehearsal. The content of the
handbook is also on the website.
C
Fundraisers
here are two fundraisers that we
do every year: Pecan sales, and
Amazon.com.
Pecan orders are taken by Chorale
members during the fall and the fresh
pecans are delivered in November, in
time for holiday baking. This has been
a very successful fundraiser!
T
Board of Directors
VICE PRESIDENT:
Mimi Menzies
703-330-6966
[email protected]
PRESIDENT:
Mark Cooke
703-335-1013
[email protected]
TREASURER:
Greg Aleman
540-359-6430
[email protected]
SECRETARY:
Denise Almazar
703-331-5735
[email protected]
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MC Member Handbook
AT-LARGE MEMBER:
Brian Foy
703-257-9224
[email protected]
AT-LARGE MEMBER:
Charlie Mills
703-753-5132
[email protected]
AT-LARGE MEMBER:
Win Lightner
703-257-7844
[email protected]
AT-LARGE MEMBER:
Rich Improta
703-791-2519
[email protected]
COMMUNITY AT-LARGE MEMBERS:
Patrick Almazar
[email protected]
Cindy Laird
[email protected]
Maggie Smith
[email protected]
Russell Tuck
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS:
Carole Keily
[email protected]
Carole Keily serves as the Director of Operations. This position supports the work
of the president and is responsible for all operational aspects of the Chorale.
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MC Member Handbook
Board Responsibilities
• Annually review the mission and
vision of the Chorale.
• Appoint,
evaluate,
dismiss
(if
necessary) the Artistic Director,
Accompanist, and Concert Manager.
• Ensure effective long-range planning
and
annually
review
for
implementation of the goals.
• Ensure that the Chorale has
adequate resources by raising funds
from the community.
• Approve the annual budget, major
program plans, and organizational
policies.
• Enhance the organization's public
standing.
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity and
maintain accountability.
• Recruit and orient new board
members.
• Assess board performance annually.
SECRETARY
• List management on database
• Minutes of meetings
• Volunteer/talent tracking
• Candles for Christmas
• Tour Committee
• Social/Hospitality
TREASURER
• Receipts and disbursements
• Lead annual budget preparation
• Cash/property monitor
• Financial reporting
• Tax reporting
Concert Manager
Cathy Carolla: [email protected]
•
•
•
•
Liaison with Hylton staff
Ticket management
Loading dock passes
Night of concert management
Officer Duties
PRESIDENT
• Patron development
• Manage Board meetings
• Grants
• Fundraising
• Visioning
• Resident Arts Partners meetings
VICE PRESIDENT
• Assist the President
• Acquire and maintain membership
records
• Internal forms of communication
• Storage needs
• Set up for rehearsals
• Music library
• New member assimilation
• Financial Review
Director of Operations
Carole Keily: [email protected]
• Monitor revenue/expenses
• Marketing campaigns and strategies
(print and online)
• Overall database management
• Publicity
• Oversee Concert Manager
• Rehearsal space contracts
• Rehearsal CDs/MP3s
• Orchestra management
• Website
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MC Member Handbook
Board Meetings &
Membership
lease consider serving as a
member of the Board of
Directors! New Board members
are elected at the end of each Chorale
season (May) for the following year, as
terms become open. Board meetings
take place bi-monthly or as needed.
Meetings are open to the Chorale
membership.
If a Chorale member
desires to speak to the Board on a
certain subject, then that member must
ask the President for a place on the
agenda. Feel free to contact any Board
member about your
questions,
concerns, or suggestions.
P
Committee Chairs
Concert Attire:
Marie Egeland, Chair
Chamber Representative:
Judy Smith
Fundraising:
Mark Cooke
Grants:
Rich Improta, Chair
Hospitality:
OPEN
Music Library:
Daisy Reynolds
Patron Development:
Mark Cooke
Website:
Jennifer Blanchard
Chorale members are encouraged to
serve or chair a committee to benefit
the Chorale as a volunteer organization.
See the “Committee Chair Duties”
section of the handbook for more
details. Please see the Chorale President
or a committee chairperson to volunteer
at any time during the Chorale season.
Committee Duties
CONCERT ATTIRE CHAIRPERSON
• Maintain all articles of concert attire
belonging to the Chorale.
• Ensures that all new members have
properly fitted concert attire for the
upcoming concert, and orders new
attire as needed.
• Maintains records of the attire
purchased by Chorale members.
FUNDRAISING CHAIRPERSON
• Coordinate fundraising activities.
GRANTS CHAIRPERSON
• Research possible grants.
• Prepare grant proposals.
HOSPITALITY CHAIRPERSON
• Coordinate
the
provision
of
refreshments for Chorale rehearsals
and performances as appropriate.
• Coordinate dinners as scheduled.
MUSIC LIBRARY CHAIRPERSON
• Disburse and collect music for the
use of the Chorale.
• Keep records of all such transactions.
PATRON DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
• Prepare and distribute information in
order to promote the Patron
Program.
• Pursue patron donations, both
private and corporate.
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MC Member Handbook
Audition Process
Auditioning to Join the Chorale
Scheduling the Audition
Prospective members will meet with the Vice President at the close of their first
rehearsal for question/answer orientation and to schedule an audition. The VP will
make every effort to keep multiple auditions consecutive.
Night of the Audition
Prospective members will check in with the Vice President at the beginning of
rehearsal on the night of their audition to review the audition process and ensure that
they are prepared and have filled out their paperwork, etc. Auditions will take place
after Chorale rehearsal.
Audition Piece
Singers will audition on a piece of music provided the previous week along with a
CD with all the voice parts. The CD will be used at the audition as accompaniment.
Singers will sing their own voice part as written.
Auditioning to Stay in the Chorale
Every two years, or as determined by the Director, all members of the Chorale will
undergo the audition process if they wish to continue in the Chorale.
Scheduling the Audition
Auditions will be offered in the Spring following the last concert of the season and
in the Fall or Summer before the first rehearsal of the next season. Auditions will be
primarily scheduled through an interactive calendar online to avoid the long lines and
confusion of signing up at rehearsals. The Vice President is in charge of getting the
audition schedule from the Director and ensuring that all Chorale members have had
an opportunity to sign up for an audition.
Night of the Audition
Singers are asked to arrive before their audition time to check in and ensure that
they are prepared, know what to expect, and have their forms filled out.
Audition Piece
Singers will audition on a piece of music that the Chorale performed at the Spring
concert. (A Spring concert piece will also be used at Fall auditions.) A CD will be used
at the audition as accompaniment. Singers will sing their own voice part as written.
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MC Member Handbook
Auditioning for the Chorale Ensemble
The Director has discretion to select members of the Chorale ensemble, partly based
on their most recent audition results. Ensemble members have a higher score criteria.
Ensemble members must demonstrate reliability and commitment to the Chorale, so
members in their first year are rarely considered.
Members can indicate their desire to be considered for the Ensemble on the audition
form, or by notifying the Director. The Chorale Ensemble is chosen at the start of each
season in the Fall. Should vacancies occur during the year, the Director will either hold
auditions or select new members for the Ensemble.
Audition Criteria
For all audition, new and returning, singers will be rated by a two judge panel, one of
whom is the Director, on the following criteria and maximum scores out of 100:
1. Scoring on prepared piece:
a. Tonal Accuracy (20 points)
(1) Good intonation
(2) Notes are correct as written in the music
b. Rhythmic Accuracy (20 points)
(1) Note values are correct as written in the music
(2) Rests are observed as written in the music
(3) Tempo follows the accompaniment
c. Phrasing (15 points)
(1) Legato/staccato are followed as written
(2) Phrasing follows the text and phrase marks.
(3) Breaths are taken as marked, or at the end of phrases as musically
appropriate
d. Dynamics/Interprestation/Style/Mood (10 points)
(1) Musical expression as noted in the music
(2) Loud and soft are notable
(3) Music is performed in the style in which it was written
e. Diction (15 points)
(1) Vowel sounds are correct and resonant
(2) Consonants are distinct - particularly closing consonants
(3) Text is understandable
2. Sight Singing (10 points)
(1) Accurately sing without accompaniment a phrase of music
(2) Correct note values
(3) Correct rhythms
(4) Singer will be given the starting pitch and chords for a “key feeling”
and will have a few minutes to read through the phrase of music and
begin.
(5) Singer may use sol-fa, number values, or sing on “lah” - whatever
is comfortable.
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MC Member Handbook
3. Ear Training (10 points)
(1) A phrase of music will be played and the singer will sing it back
accurately.
(2) Singers demonstrate the ability to learn by hearing music and
repeating it.
4. Vocal Range
a. Singers will be tested by vocalizing high and low to determine the limits of
their vocal range and their optimal singing range.
b. The Director will assign a voice part based on a singer’s range.
Audition Results
1. Judges will score the audition and add any comments.
2. The average of the judges’ scores will be the singer’s audition score.
3. The Director will determine the minimum score for acceptance into Chorale
membership, based on the scores received by other members, the quality of singing
needed, and the size and composition desired for the Chorale. (The maximum size
of the Chorale is around 150 members.)
4. The Director has the discretion to deny membership to a singer even if they have
a passing score.
5. The Director will communicate the results of the audition with each singer.
6. If a singer fails the audition, he/she will be eligible to audition again in a year.
Dear Chorale Member,
his handbook is designed to give you most of the information you will need as
a Chorale member. We are a member organization and there are privileges
and responsibilities of membership. Please take the time to read it. The
content of the handbook is also posted on our website. We do not plan to include this
information in announcements or in the Chorale notes you receive each week at
rehearsal or in emails. We want to make rehearsal time about singing and enjoying the
process of making beautiful choral music, and to honor the gift of your time!
T
YOU are responsible for the information
in this handbook!
Thank you,
The Manassas Chorale
Board of Directors