Island Bel Canto Singers - Nanaimo, BC

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Choir Membership

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1.     How often do we rehearse? 

♪       We rehearse once a week on Tuesday evening at Berwick on the Lake.  Rehearsals start at 7:00 and last until 9:30.

♪       We typically do two concerts a year:  one at Christmas and one in May.  As we approach concert time, 2 or 3 extra rehearsals are scheduled.  We give lots of advance notice of these rehearsals.

♪       You can also expect to be called to sectional rehearsals 2-3 times per term.  Being a member of the IBC Singers requires commitment on everybody’s part.  We are only strong as a choir if all of us know our music and are confident in our singing.  Regular attendance by all members at rehearsals is necessary if the choir is to perform well.    

2.     What kind of music do we sing?

♪       We sing a diverse repertoire of choral music in a variety of languages.  Our programs range from early classics to contemporary music, world music and musical theatre.  We sing both accompanied and a cappella, mainly in three part harmony. 

3.     How does the Audition Process work?

We believe that the audition process goes both ways – prospective new members need to check out the choir and our Director needs to do a musical interview with the new folks.  With that in mind, we have designated the first three weeks of each term for this process.  From the beginning, each prospective new member will be matched with a “buddy” from the choir who will answer questions, give information and provide support wherever necessary.   

The musical interview with the Director will take this format:

A.     The prospective member will meet individually with the Director at the end of the first, second or third rehearsal.  She can decide when she wants to do this.

B.     Components of the musical interview are: sing a short song of own choice, scales, some rehearsal material, and sight read a short passage, as well as respond to a brief questionnaire re: musical background and choir experience.

C.      The Director assesses musical competence and suitability. The final decision rests with him. 

4.  What are the fees to belong to the IBC Singers?

♪       Annual fees are $250.00.  Fees are used to offset the professional fees paid to our Artistic Director and our Accompanist. 

5.  When are the fees due? 

♪       Fees may be paid in full by September 26 or in two installments:  $125.00 by September 30 and $125.00 by January 30. 

6.  What if I join for only one part of the year?

♪       Members joining in January pay $140.00 (longer term) 

7.     What if I start and then quit part way through a term?

♪       Except in the case of prolonged illness, there will be no refunds or adjustments in the fees. 

8.     Are there any other costs involved in belonging to the IBC Singers?

♪       New members will be required to pay an additional $60.00, which includes a music deposit and rental fee for our choir uniforms.  When a member leaves the choir, provided the music and choir uniforms have been returned in good condition, $35 will be refunded.

9.  How does the work of the choir get done?

♪       Four committees exist to organize choir activities: concert, marketing, fundraising and communication.  The chairs of the committees form part of the choir executive which meets monthly to ensure that matters pertaining to the smooth operation of the choir are attended to.  We ask that all choir members contribute to the choir by joining one of the four committees.  When everyone works together, the load is lighter for all of us. 

♪       A brochure entitled “IBC Singers: Working Together for Success” outlines in greater detail how the work of the choir gets done.

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