CHandbook3

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BYFIELD PARISH CHURCH
CHOIR HANDBOOK
(page 3)

Thursday Rehearsals

Rehearsals begin and end promptly. The Music Director is mindful that there are often baby-sitters and other time-sensitive matters to be dealt with. Rehearsals typically consist of the following:

Stretch and vocal warm-up.

Devotional (about once a month).

Sunday service music rehearsal. The order of music is posted on the blackboard; additional copies of the music are on the table to the rear of the rehearsal room.

Rehearsal for future services.

Special music rehearsal (e.g., the Christmas program). Often additional singers will join the choir for this portion of the rehearsal.

Announcements as needed.

Occasional voluntary offering to cover such incidentals as sympathy and birthday cards, flowers and related needs.

Brief prayer period.

Sunday Warm-ups

Because the Meeting House is a busy place on Sunday mornings, warm-up time is limited. Sessions will begin and end precisely as scheduled, and the timely arrival of all singers is important.

Warm-ups are from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. There is no warm-up before the second service.

Sunday Service

Put the weekly bulletin in your folder for quick reference.

The Choir processional takes place during the first congregational hymn. Choir members should maintain even spacing (about two pews distance between you) and should move at a smooth, even pace.

While processing and singing, carry hymnals only. Leave black folders in choir chairs after morning warm-up.

Attire

How we dress is a critical quality of our musical offering. At Byfield, our objective is to draw attention to the Lord Jesus Christ, and not to ourselves. For this reason we wear choir robes that present a modest, uniform appearance. Any items of clothing or jewelry that would tend to draw attention to an individual choir member are inappropriate. Unless otherwise instructed, all singers will wear choir robes at all worship services.

On selected occasions, concert attire will be worn. Choir members will receive guidelines, prior to each such event.

As far as perfume and cologne are concerned, less is more. Please keep in mind that at any given time, one or more choir members may be allergic to such heady aromas.

Sheet Music

Mark your music in pencil only. (You should keep a pencil in your folder at all times.) After a piece is performed, please return it to the collection bin in the rear of the choir room at the next rehearsal.

We encourage choir members to take their music home for additional rehearsal.

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Mark your music in pencil only. (You should keep a pencil in your folder at all times.) After a piece is performed, please return it to the collection bin in the rear of the choir room at the next rehearsal.