Standards & Fees
For everyone’s health and safety, all who want to sing with one of the Fresno Community Chorus ensembles this season must provide COVID-19 vaccination evidence and sign the personal statement/waiver. Fresno Community Chorus, Inc. will follow all public-health guidelines and advice from the USC Keck School of Medicine Center for Emerging Pathogens.
Please review these guidelines for membership. Your dedication, prompt arrival, and regular attendance are integral components in the success of our performance; as a group we depend on each individual. Please read the Fresno Community Chorus Master Chorale Member’s Handbook.
We are very excited to continue our tradition of over 60 years and are always eager to see all of you after our winter and summer breaks. Please feel free to contact your section leader if you have questions or suggestions.
Best regards,
Fresno Community Chorus Master Chorale Board of Directors
Membership Guidelines
The goal for a singer’s membership in the Fresno Community Chorus Master Chorale is to plan on rehearsing and performing in all concerts for each season. The season typically runs from September through May, with a hiatus of several weeks during the winter break. The following guidelines are to assist you in understanding what is expected in order to make each season a success. Your participation in meeting these guidelines is an integral part of this chorus.
Notify your section leader of a necessary absence prior to rehearsal time. If for any reason this can’t be done, please contact the Section Leader as soon as possible. You are responsible for obtaining information that may have been given during your absence, e.g., rehearsal markings on music.
No more than two (2) absences from rehearsals (per concert series) are accepted. An absence from dress rehearsal or concert may exclude you from that concert series entirely. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings beginning promptly at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary at Hope Lutheran Church, 364 E. Barstow Avenue, Fresno, and ending at 9:00 PM. Please do not be late, as this disrupts the rehearsal and is discourteous to the conductor and other members of the chorus. If you must be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please enter the rehearsal quietly, sitting in the back until there is a break in the music. When possible, please let your section leader know in advance if you must be late.
TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES during rehearsals. If you must leave your pager or phone on for emergencies or work-related matters, please put it on vibrate so it does not disrupt the rehearsal.
Fees
Membership dues for the season are $70.00 per singer plus additional music fees that vary depending on publisher’s pricing, availability of borrowed scores, the music chosen, etc. You may keep music you have purchased or donate it at the end of the season to our library. If you own any of the repertoire being used, of the same publisher and edition, feel free to use your own copies.
Ticket sales cover only a small percentage of all of the costs of performing, and membership dues are a necessary base for our budget. In cases where a financial challenge would prevent you from joining, please contact the Chorus Administrator or Board President directly to discuss alternative arrangements.
Concert Attire
Black performance attire is required for concerts, but not during dress rehearsals. When dressing for a concert performance, remember that the music and the ensemble are what the audience has come to hear and see. The chorus must appear as a single entity, and ornaments or accessories that call particular attention to individuals is inappropriate. Your Section Leader may ask you to adjust your attire if it is deemed distracting to the overall appearance of the choir. Appropriate concert attire can include tuxedos (no tails), floor-length black dresses, black pant suits, black stockings or socks, black bow tie. Three-quarter or long sleeves, please, and no excessive or shiny jewelry or hair ornaments.
Solid black folders are required for performance. If you do not have one, obtain one prior to the first concert. Visit the Member Store on the private Member page to purchase, or listen during rehearsals for the opportunity to borrow one.
