Loudoun Chorale
Frequently Asked Questions
(as of August 13, 2006)
When are rehearsals? Sundays, 6-8 pm, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605West Market St, Leesburg, from late August through the spring concert series. (After the Christmas concerts we take a break until after New Years Day.) When the situation warrants (e.g., Easter) rehearsal is cancelled; when major events conflict (e.g., Superbowl Sunday) the rehearsal time is changed.
What is proper rehearsal attire? Comfortable clothing (no dress code). We rehearse in a medium size church so be prepared for warm (in spring and fall) or cool (winter) temperatures.
What is proper rehearsal etiquette? Arrive promptly for warm-up exercises. Turn off cell phones and pagers. Pay attention to the music director’s instructions (recommend you write his notes on music and highlight your part and/or important information). You might want a bottle of water to whet your whistle during rehearsal (there is a break mid way through rehearsal).
What is the snow policy? When there is snow, or the threat of it, where our members reside (i.e., in Loudoun County or environs to the west and east), you will get a call from your section leader advising when rehearsal is cancelled. Not sure; contact your section leader.
What is formal concert attire? (not applicable for the dress rehearsal)
For women: Full-length long-sleeve black dress or black skirt and blouse; black shoes; pearls optional
For men: Black tuxedo with black bow tie; black shoes and socks; white shirt; shirt ruffles, studs, cummerbund optional
For both: no scents (perfume/aftershave); music is carried in a black binder
What is proper concert etiquette?
Carry music binder in left hand to proceed in and out.
Open music when directed to do so.
Sit and stand when directed to do so.
Do not applaud; not even for the director upon his entrance, the accompanist(s), musicians and soloists, etc.
What is the dress for Waterford? Black slacks (or skirt for women) with white chorale knit polo shirt. (If you need a shirt, you may order one when rehearsals begin in late summer.)
When are chorale concert series? The spring concert series is in late April, and the Christmas series in December. The number and location of concerts vary owing to the availability of venues, chorale funding for soloists and additional musicians, and other factors. The board sets the exact dates and venues.
Waterford Fair concerts are on a Saturday afternoon in early October. (The fair is held annually on the first Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend in that month.)
Who may join the chorale? Membership is open to all who have a love of singing. The ability to read music is not required. There are no auditions, but the director may ask to hear new members sing for section placement. (After the first 4 rehearsals for the spring or winter concert, joining for that series of concerts is at the discretion of the director. He evaluates whether or not these newcomers can catch up and keep up to the rest of us.)
What is expected of members? (If you have any question or problem, contact your section leader.)
Conscientiously attend rehearsals and concerts. (See also the Rehearsal section in FAQ.)
Wear your nametag at rehearsals to help others learn your name.
Help identify potential members, especially in sections that need bolstering. (The chorale contacts county high school music departments to solicit students to join.)
Help identify and solicit individual contributors and corporate sponsors. (The development committee will gladly follow up leads.)
Provide light refreshments for one post-concert reception each at Christmas and in the spring. (The hospitality committee will specify which section(s) provide refreshments on which concert dates.)
How does the chorale operate? A board attends to day-to-day affairs: budget, concert dates, etc. Meetings are held periodically and announced in advance at rehearsal; all chorale members are welcome to attend and contribute. If you have a question or issue regarding the chorale, contact a board member. The board is elected at a rehearsal in April.
Your board for 2006-2007:
President: Dave Clark (president@loudounchorale.org)
Vice President: Joan Rankin
Secretary: Sue Ligas
Treasurer: Neil Schweitzer
Librarian: Karen Schweitzer
Directors-at-Large (2):
Bob Wright
Ed Wyatt
Ex officio: Anna Chamberlain
Music Director (non voting): Bill Propst (director@loudounchorale.org)
The chorale also has several committees to carry out essential functions. You are encouraged to join a committee to help out.
Your committees and their chairs:
Development (seek corporate sponsorship): Karen Schweitzer
Facilities (arrange for concert venues; open up the rehearsal site): Clay McQuiston
Finance: Neil Schweitzer
Hospitality (concert reception arrangements; picnic): Michaela Acker
Publicity: Sue Ligas
Web site: Theresa Corcoran
How does the chorale communicate? Section leaders are your conduit for information. They have been in the chorale for a while and know the answers to your questions, or know how to find the answers. For example, if you miss a rehearsal, your section leader can provide a summary of the director’s instructions (e.g., diction, dynamics). Section leaders also forward information from the president.
Your section leaders:
Soprano: Sue Ligas
Alto: Karen Schweitzer
Tenor: Beth Oscanyan
Bass: Bob Wright
How is the music we perform selected? Our music director, Bill Propst, works with the board to select music appropriate to the occasion. When there are matters, such as what the chorale budget can accommodate for soloists and additional accompanists (e.g., small string and/or brass ensembles), that require decisions by the chorale, these come before the board for decision.
Does the chorale have a web site? Yes. It’s www.loudounchorale.org.
What governs the club? Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. To see a copy, ask a board member.
What social functions does the chorale have? Following the spring concerts the chorale holds a family potluck picnic.
How does the chorale fund itself? The chorale relies on several sources to pay for the director, accompanists, professional soloists and other musicians, publicity, rental for churches where we rehearse and perform, etc.:
Membership dues (July-June): $50 for an individual or $75 for a couple. Student members do not pay dues
Contributions [Individual contributors and Corporate sponsors get listed in concert programs.]
How is music paid for? Each member buys her/his own (which the chorale librarian orders).
Are donations to the chorale tax deductible? The chorale is an Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, so donations are deductible to the full extent of the law. [Are dues tax deductible? All or only that portion over and above the 2 complimentary tickets for each concert series (Spring and Christmas)?]