Attendance Policy

Rehearsals

Regular rehearsals are on Tuesday nights, 7–10 PM. We also have at least one Saturday 10 AM–3 PM workshop each concert quarter. The week before the concert we have three evening dress rehearsals (mandatory). For the October and December concert quarters, we work with a very tight calendar, and we usually schedule two workshops in order to cover all our music. For the specifics of the current season, check our rehearsal calendar.

Attendance

One of the biggest challenges in presenting the wonderful music we are privileged to sing is to make sure we are prepared within the short amount of time in which we have to rehearse. Our rehearsals are intense, and when you miss one, you might actually miss the only in-depth rehearsal on a given piece that we will have. Missing rehearsals is not only a problem for the Music Director as he works with the choir on dynamics and sectional balance, but it can seriously hamper your own ability to participate effectively in making the best sectional sound. Our aim is to quickly get beyond learning the notes to making music, so your attendance is the single most important factor in attaining our goal.

That being said, we acknowledge that unavoidable calendar conflicts do happen. We try to accommodate them, within reason, by grudgingly allowing two misses, and very occasionally—with the agreement of the director—a third miss, if he and your section leader feel your absence won't significantly impact the quality of the concert. But we all know that we are at risk whenever we have to drop a Tuesday night, and that it is doubly important to get your markings from your section leader and do extra work to catch up when you must miss.

If you are ill but ambulatory, please try to come and sit apart from the choir to follow the music and get your markings and familiarize yourself with the music that way. It is well worth the effort. Also, if you must be late or miss a rehearsal please let your section leader know as soon as possible.